Some community leaders have hit upon a way of preparing for the potentially severe local consequences of climate change without triggering explosions of partisan warfare.

A staggering outlay of time and trouble to further people's understanding of climate change has failed to move public opinion and public policy very far.

Minnesotans face a future of more floods, droughts, extreme heat events, and intense storms, along with worsening air and water quality, increases in disease, and the further spread of harmful pests.

The centerpiece of the bill is a new standard for investor-owned utilities like Xcel Energy to generate 4 percent of their electricity from solar sources by 2025.

The Rev. Mark Peters, executive director of the Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota, brings his denomination's faith-based mission to bear in the Capitol.

A rally for action on climate change will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Remember the green Tim Pawlenty? Back in 2007, the governor departed from the GOP pack by signalling a desire to take up the issue of climate change. He signed a bill calling for substantial reductions in the state's greenhouse gas emissions, and appointed a commission to generate further recommendations.