Stories in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota

Our Changing Climate

Adapting, mitigating and speaking up in the face of climate change

Two hikers walking in a prairie toward the setting sun
Hikers on a Prairie Hikers in the prairie after a thunderstorm near Strawberry Lake, North Dakota. © Richard Hamilton Smith

Climate Change is Here...

It's already having an enormous impact on our region's waters, lands, wildlife and people. And while far from rising seas, we're still seeing the effects of climate change locally. It's showing up in the form of droughts and dying trees, extreme weather and flooding events, and the compounded effects of both in far too many of our waterways. We must act now to preserve nature and protect our quality of life.

Protected grasslands at the Bluebell Ranch
Grasslands One example of Natural Climate Solutions, protected grasslands store massive amounts of carbon in their roots and soils. © Richard Hamilton Smith

Natural Solutions Can Help!

Nature is our first line of defense against many climate impacts. It also provides a cost-effective solution to protecting communities and economies from the impacts of climate change like urban heat, extreme flooding, catastrophic storms and stormwater runoff.

So...what are we waiting for?

pine seedlings ready to be planted
SOIL HEALTH Soils host a quarter of our planet’s biodiversity. © Courtesy of USDA NRCS

what the science says

Nature Can Provide 30% of Climate Solutions

Our Approach

  • Natural Climate Solutions

    We have powerful tools at our disposal that can help mitigate the effects of climate change. These natural climate solutions—conservation, restoration, and improved land management—are tools we can deploy right now in landscapes across the globe. Explore NCS.

  • Nature-Based Adaptation

    We’re working hard to ensure our natural and working lands are resilient to climate change. Nature-based adaptation refers to nature-based tactics to facilitate climate adaptation both for biodiversity and the people who rely on these systems. Watch the video.

  • People for Climate

    We know that the scale of the problems we're facing requires all hands on deck. That's why we're working to engage people like you to speak up in support of nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. Use your voice!

Grazing Cattle A rancher trails cattle on Matador Ranch in Montana. Increasingly, cattle are being used to create the specific kinds of grassland habitats needed by sage grouse and other native wildlife. © Ami Vitale

How We Work

People Must Be Part of the Equation

Pronghorn pair pause in a prairie.

Places We Protect

Natural Highways and Neighborhoods

TNC's new mapping tool provides a roadmap for conserving places where plants and animals can thrive in a changing climate. Learn about some of the resilient lands near you!

Learn More View Map
×
A tiny white pine emerging from the forest floor at Upper Manitou Forest Preserve.

Tool

Carbon Footprint Calculator

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions. Calculate your footprint now and learn about steps you can take to reduce it!

What's Your Footprint?
×

Meet Our Team

Get to know the team of experts leading on climate action in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Raise Your Voice, Not Emissions!

The science is clear: climate change is here and it is now. Stand up in support of a sustainable future for all.

Donate Advocate
Solutions for Minnesota

Explore Nature Climate Solutions in Minnesota

Our farms, forests and grasslands all hold enormous potential for capturing carbon and protecting us against climate impacts.

DOWNLOAD

More Climate Stories

Two women have a discussion while sitting on a dock.

Feature

Can We Talk Climate

Seven in 10 Americans believe climate change is happening and 6 in 10 are worried about it. Yet more than half of Americans rarely—if ever—talk about climate change with their friends and families.*

Wind facility in Kansas.

Tool

Site Wind Right

To help accelerate the deployment of wind energy in a way that helps people and nature thrive, The Nature Conservancy is providing the award-winning Site Wind Right map.

Photo of a person visible from knees down, with hands planting a pine seedling.

Feature

Reforesting the U.S.: Here's Where We Can Put All Those Trees

A new web-based tool called Reforestation Hub maps out relatively low-cost and feasible options to restore forest across the contiguous U.S.

By Susan Cook-Patton