The following narratives provide examples of what DNR is doing, what outcomes we seek, and what yardsticks we are using to measure our progress as we work to manage land and water in the face of climate change, meet renewable energy needs while protecting the environment, and enhance the energy efficiency of our operations.
Concerns about energy security, fuel prices, and climate change have led to new national and state standards for energy efficiency and increased interest in renewable energy sources. Climate change is predicted to have direct impacts on Minnesota's forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, and streams. Climate change can also intensify the negative effects of other factors influencing natural resources, such as the frequency and intensity of wildfires, the spread of invasive species, and the impact of fish and wildlife diseases.
U.S. oil production continues to decline and imports grow. Even if the U.S. were to open all sensitive lands to oil production, oil production would continue to decline.
U.S. crude oil production has declined nearly 50 percent since 1970, while imports have more than doubled.
Oil prices fluctuated between $27 and $147 per barrel between 2000 and 2008. Natural gas prices fluctuated between $2 and $7.50 per million BTU. Minnesotans have felt this directly at the gas pump and in their energy bills, as has DNR. DNR spent 20% more on fleet fuel costs in FY 2008 than in FY 2007. Energy costs have declined since then, but future price spikes will cut into funds available for critical land and water management.
Since 1950, average ice-out has tended to get earlier by two days per decade. Since 1996, the trend is 7.5 days per decade.
In the future, Minnesota's summers may feel like current summers in Kansas.
Source: Union of Concerned Scientists. Based on data provided by K. Hayhoe and D. Wuebbles.
In Minnesota, average annual temperature has risen slightly over 1°F in the south to a little over 2°F in much of the north since the early 1980s. Warmer temperatures will directly affect growing conditions, vegetation patterns, lake water levels, and wildlife populations. Climate change may also result in more extreme events such as severe windstorms, heavy rains, extended droughts, and wildfires.
Under a business-as-usual scenario, Minnesota's electricity-generating sector is projected to produce approximately 85 million tons of carbon dioxide by 2025. With the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy policies, it is projected to produce only 55 million tons of carbon dioxide.
Source: Izaak Walton League of America and Center for Energy and Environment
State and federal policies support renewable energy development through incentives and mandates to enhance energy price stability and security and reduce the addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. For example, in 2007 Minnesota passed legislation requiring the state to:
In 2008 the governor's Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group developed a comprehensive mitigation plan to meet these goals to reduce carbon emissions. The group's recommendations highlighted the role of forest and peatlands in mitigating the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon. Recommendations included establishing substantial acres of new forest land along with enhanced forest management and restoration of peatlands.