The Pulse

The PulseAugust 8, 2019

Making Room for Floods in the Midwest

By Eileen Shader

It’s clear that a changing climate means more precipitation, in the form of big rain events, across the Midwest. If we are to avoid some of the disastrous effects from this spring, we’ll have to make “room for rivers.”

Making Room for Floods in the Midwest

The PulseAugust 8, 2019

Vintage EPA photos reveal what US waterways looked like before pollution was regulated

By Aylin Woodward

Over 40 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, we take for granted that rivers can be restored to a healthy functioning condition. These images taken by EPA photographers in the 1970s show how far we have come, but there’s still much to do.

Business Insider

Engagement Environmental History History United States

The PulseJune 17, 2019

Massive 8,000-mile “dead zone” could be one of the gulf’s largest

By Sarah Gibbens

Record-breaking rainfall across the midwest has washed tons of fertilizer and sewage water along the Mississippi and into the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to a larger polluted area than ever.

National Geographic

Biological Sciences Mississippi River Basin Science

The PulseMay 2, 2019

Disconnected From The River

By Iyana Esters

North Minneapolis resident Catherine Fleming explains her relation to the Mississippi River and her hopes for the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment project to reconnect communities of color to the river.

The Water Main

Engagement Environmental Justice Minnesota Planning / Policy

The PulseMay 2, 2019

It’s Time for a More Inclusive Earth Day

By Bonnie Keeler

UMN Assistant Professor Bonnie Keeler calls for a radical Earth Day agenda centering diverse perspectives to address climate change and define desirable environmental futures.

Humphrey School News

Engagement Environmental Justice United States

The PulseMay 2, 2019

The Connection Between Water, Justice, and Health

By Amanda Abrams

Radhika Fox, CEO of the US Water Alliance, talks about ways to build stronger communities and create sustainable, just water futures.

Shelterforce

Engagement Environmental Justice Planning / Policy Public Programs United States

The PulseMarch 7, 2019

2019 Will Be a Big Year for Water

By Tara Lohan

In the last few weeks of 2018, the Trump administration set the stage for a big battle over water in the new year. At stake is an important rule that defines which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act.

EcoWatch

Planning / Policy Policy United States

The PulseNovember 15, 2018

‘Environmentalist’ Doesn’t Just Mean White and Wealthy

By Linda Poon

A new study from the National Academy of Sciences finds that many members of minority groups think of themselves as environmentalists, only maybe not in the ways that “mainstream environmentalism” sees itself. Article from CityLab, the urban issues platform from The Atlantic Monthly.

CityLab

Engagement Environmental Justice Planning / Policy United States

The PulseNovember 15, 2018

Red Wing residents, tribal members find common ground on He Mni Can

By Dan Browning

In Minnesota, another step in efforts by indigenous people and local governments to recognize the layered names for lands associated with the state’s waters. This case is in Red Wing, on the Mississippi River.

StarTribune

Engagement Environmental Justice History Minnesota Policy

The PulseNovember 15, 2018

Can L.A. build new parks and public spaces without gentrifying away low-income residents?

By Jon Christensen and Allesandro Rigolon

As plans move forward for revitalization of the Los Angeles River, questions arise about the potential for “green gentrification.” Waterfront redevelopments often do not serve everyone in the community; many eyes will be on LA to see if this problem can be solved.

Los Angeles Times

Design Engagement Environmental Justice Planning / Policy Policy United States

The PulseJuly 26, 2018

Down the Mississippi River

By Kerri Miller, MPR News

“Flyover” from Minnesota Public Radio conducted a weeklong series of programs focusing on the culture, economics, water quality, and regional connections of the Mississippi River.

Flyover Radio

Engagement Mississippi River Basin Public Programs

The PulseJuly 26, 2018

Water: An Essential Element of Summer in the City

By Andrew Small

Hard to think about summer in a city without thinking about water. City Lab has a number of good reads here.

CityLab Daily

Engagement Public Programs United States

News and Commentary from Around the Web, Chosen by the Editors

Filter Pulses by Category

Making Room for Floods in the Midwest

Vintage EPA photos reveal what US waterways looked like before pollution was regulated

Massive 8,000-mile “dead zone” could be one of the gulf’s largest

Disconnected From The River

It’s Time for a More Inclusive Earth Day

The Connection Between Water, Justice, and Health

2019 Will Be a Big Year for Water

‘Environmentalist’ Doesn’t Just Mean White and Wealthy

Red Wing residents, tribal members find common ground on He Mni Can

Can L.A. build new parks and public spaces without gentrifying away low-income residents?

Down the Mississippi River

Water: An Essential Element of Summer in the City