March 19. 2026-The MPCA released a report that says the costs of not adapting to the warming climate are higher than if the state began to make necessary changes now. In addition, Hippo Insights released a similar study showing economic benefits for investing in a range of climate adaptation actions. EDED host Karen Wright talked with Hippo Insurance Home Insights representative Courtney Klosterman about the financial stress created by climate events and how homeowners can prepare.

March 12, 2026 - PFAs are a group of thousands of human-made chemicals that do not break down over time. Every Day is Earth Day host Karen Wright talked with MPCA environmental scientist, Andria Kurbondski about PFAs which are found everywhere and are harmful to our health and the environment. Kubondski discussed plans to end nonessential use of PFAs in new products by 2032.

February 26, 2026 - The mount Simon- Hinckley aquifer spans south-central and southeastern Minnesota, providing essential water for over one-million people in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. EDED host Karen Wright talked with retired DNR Hydrologist, Jim Berg about the uses and abuses of the aquifer and actions we can take to protect it.

Feb. 19, 2026 - Nitrogen management is crucial to climate change mitigation as well as reducing water and air pollution, and biodiversity loss. The University of Minnesota Extension is hosting free "Nitrogen Colleges" in Mankato (Feb. 25-26) and Hutchinson (Feb 23-24) for farmers to learn nitrogen management strategies to save money, improve crop results, learn new technologies and to mitigate climate change. EDED host Karen Wright spoke with U of MN Water Resources Extension agent Brad Carlson (Mankato Regional Office) about the issues and how farmers can find more information to participate in Nitrogen-Smart programs.

Feb. 12, 2026 - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently completed two wetland quality surveys. EDED host, Karen Wright, talked with MPCA Wetlands Research Scientist Michael Bourdaghs who said the overall statewide outlook is encouraging in the 10+ years the organization has been doing this work, however, the news isn't as great for southern Minnesota wetlands.

February 5, 2026 - What does the Winter OIympics look like in a warming world? Every Day is Earth Day host Karen Wright spoke with Climate Central's Senior Research Associate Kaitlyn Trudeau about the impact climate change will have on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. An analysis shows that climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is reshaping the conditions required for winter competition - and many cities (and possibly some winter events) will be ruled out from being hosts of the event in the future.

January 29, 2026 - The South Central Minnesota Clean Energy Council is hosting an informational session about the North Mankato Data Center Lawsuit on Thurs. Jan. 29, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato. Every Day is Earth Day host, Karen Wright, spoke with Luke Norquist, an attorney with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) about Data Centers and what the environmental concerns are about in North Mankato. Norquist and Evan Mulholland (MCEA Healthy Communities Director) will talk about "What's Happening with the North Mankato Data Center Lawsuit."

January 22, 2026 - If you have a passion for recycling and managing waste, Blue Earth County's Waste & Recycling Department wants YOU! Karen Wright talks with Mark Manderfeld and Taylor Piotter about the establishment of a new Recycling and Waste Reduction Committee which will be made up of community members who provide insight into solid waste challenges in the county, and to provide additional resources for solid waste education and community engagement. The Department is currently seeking applicants to join the 9-member advisory committee, as well as other who wish to volunteer to have an impact in their community.