Rural Dialogues

05/07/2021

25/01/2020

The application to apply for the Murray County energy dialogues closes TOMORROW. If you or someone you know lives in Murray County, invite them to apply to participate in this PAID, 2½-day discussion on the community’s energy future! ruraldialogues.org/apply

15/01/2020

There's just over a week left to apply for the Murray County Energy Dialogue - if you live in Murray County and are interested in meeting with your neighbors to talk about the future of local energy (no experience or prior knowledge necessary!) and make $400 for your time, apply to participate here: ruraldialogues.org/apply

07/01/2020

The Rural Dialogues help individuals feel better equipped to talk about climate, energy, and resilience with their communities. In February, the Dialogues are coming to Murray County, Minnesota, to explore the future of renewable energy. 18 selected participants will learn from local experts and one another about local energy, then make recommendations for the future to share with local leaders. If you live in the county, learn more and apply here: ruraldialogues.org/apply

02/01/2020

It's essential that rural residents—whose communities have high capacity for wind and solar development—have a voice in the future of renewable energy.

We're excited for the next Rural Energy Dialogue with The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Murray County this February! If you live in the area, apply and find more information here: ruraldialogues.org/apply

27/12/2019

How can we develop a renewable energy system that works for everyone? One way is by inviting rural residents to consider the future of energy in their community. If you’re in Murray County, Minnesota, apply now to join our upcoming Rural Energy Dialogue!

ruraldialogues.org/apply

20/12/2019

This February, we’re headed to Murray County, Minnesota, to host a 2.5 day discussion on the future of energy!

Do you or someone you know live in Murray County? The application to participate is open through January 26th! Apply and read more: ruraldialogues.org/apply

11/12/2019

As extreme heat waves and increased flooding are become more normal, many city leaders across the midwest have started looking for ways to adapt.

What steps has your city taken to become more resilient in the face of these changes?

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11112019/midwest-climate-change-evidence-science-cities-adapt-rochester-minnesota-flooding

Spring floods, hot summers and warmer winters have been wake-up calls as global warming raises the risks for everything from ice fishing to growing seasons.

09/12/2019

"With technology in solar and wind power rapidly advancing and costs per megawatt falling, America’s rural areas are well into a shift away from coal toward renewable energy sources"

https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/12759-rural-power-systems-busy-plugging-into-renewable-energy

With solar and wind power systems getting cheaper and coal prices steadily rising, America's rural areas are, often with the help of grants, loans, and tax breaks, getting in step with the global pursuit of renewable power.

02/12/2019

As Wisconsin’s climate becomes wetter, parts of the state have been stricken with intense flooding, which is especially hard on rural and agricultural Wisconsin.

https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2019/11/19/task-forces-will-tackle-climate-change-issues-across-wisconsin/

27/11/2019

UMN Extension educators are finding new ways to communicate climate change data. “We can't just get up there, present this information and expect people to understand,” Researcher Joel Larson said. “We have to … contextualize to what they know.”

https://www.mndaily.com/article/2019/11/n-conversation-opinions-are-core-to-curbing-climate-change

UMN Extension educators are finding new ways to communicate climate change data. 

25/11/2019

"We need agriculture policy solutions that are scientifically grounded and support the viability and diversity of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities by building resilience, soil health, economic justice, and profitability." From Tara Ritter at The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, who convenes the Rural Dialogues with the Jefferson Center!

https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2019/11/a-call-for-climate-focused-agriculture-policy/

21/11/2019

A closer look at the role community engagement is playing in climate action:

What's happening in your community?

https://www.bangthetable.com/blog/community-engagement-steps-up-participation-in-climate-action/

With the unpredictable acceleration of climate chaos, increased community engagement kick-starts urgently needed steps to climate action.

22/10/2019

Growing corn, soybeans and other crops contributes to Minnesota’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, but a new analysis shows a range of practices can reduce those emissions — and help improve water quality at the same time:

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/10/18/minnesota-begins-to-explore-climate-solutions-in-corn-soybean-farming

A new analysis shows a range of agricultural practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions — and help improve water quality at the same time.

21/10/2019

Do you have a story to share about your experience with climate change?

Add your personal narrative to the chorus of voices to build understanding and inspire action through Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy's Eyewitness project!

This publication will be circulated in the MN Legislature, accompanied by testimony, on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in April 2020:

https://www.climategen.org/events/call-for-submissions-eyewitness/

There has never been a more important time in our history to share our climate stories. Add your personal narrative to the chorus of voices to build

18/10/2019

Wind energy is on track to expand in Redwood County, Minnesota. Here's a look at how we engaged community members and heard about their questions, concerns, and hopes before development begins!

https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2019-10-18/energy-policy/energy-dialogue-gets-rural-mn-involved-in-decision-making/a68089-2

REDWOOD COUNTY, Minn. – Minnesota's Redwood County hosted a dialogue on the effects of potential wind energy development in the community. A newly-released report examines takeaways from the event. ...

03/10/2019

Much of the renewable electricity in the system in rural areas is generated by large wind farms or giant fields of solar panels. Here's how one developer in Greater Minnesota envisions turning that approach on its head by creating dozens of small wind-and-solar sites that feed energy to consumers nearby:

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/09/20/new-power-generation-rural-coop-makes-bet-on-wind-solar-hybrid

A Minnesota company wants to build small renewable electric generating plants across the state, expanding local power generation. The first such hybrid wind-and-solar site is on line in western Minnesota. It’s saving the local power distribution cooperative money, but there are barriers to expandi...