Climate Action

Minnesota’s small towns are home to some of the state’s most beloved gems. Along with breathtaking and subtly beautiful landscapes, friendly faces, and a strong sense of place, lower-population areas can also have limited resources. 

While laws to limit pollution have been around for decades, heavy metal pollutants like lead remain a problem in many areas. Lead and other metals in the soil or air can move through urban ecosystems, impacting the health of humans, plants and animals.

At the University of Minnesota, we're rolling up our sleeves and amping up our research to help feed the world while protecting our environment.

For the first time, the University of Minnesota ranked first among U.S. institutions in two categories in the Times Higher Ed (THE) Impact Rankings.

When it comes to sustainability, the University of Minnesota shines. Hear from six University leaders on what sustainability encompasses, how to practice sustainability on campus, and where the University leads in this space.

Japanese beetles are an annual pest Aditya Prabhu knows something about. As he looked into finding a solution to his pest problem, he partnered with James Duquette, a recent Carlson School of Management graduate. With support from the Carlson School, the pair invented a new kind of beetle trap called Alure.

When Samuel Makikalli decided to attend the University of Minnesota Law School, he wasn’t just looking for a degree—he was searching for a way to combine his passion for addressing climate change with the practical tools needed to make a real-world impact. 

A groundbreaking study found that invasive zebra mussels significantly alter aquatic ecosystems, and are associated with elevated mercury concentrations in fish. Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, poses a serious threat to both aquatic life and human health. 

New University of Minnesota research suggests that seeding native plants alongside invasive removal efforts may turn the tide in the battle against buckthorn. 

With $1.267 million in funding approved by Governor Tim Walz on Jan. 3, researchers from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine will lead a collaborative effort to address highly pathogenic avian influenza and its emerging threat to Minnesota wildlife.