Waxwing Consulting
Emerging Climate Technologies in Greater Minnesota
Communities in Greater Minnesota have historically been excluded from environmental decision-making, even while they experience the impacts of climate change firsthand.
This exclusion from decision-making persists in the energy transition, too. A wide range of green technologies is rapidly emerging, with some already rolling out in Minnesota, but implementation of these technologies in rural areas is often done without community input or knowledge. While some of these technologies hold promise, others are false solutions, and many questions remain about the ecological and socioeconomic impacts on Minnesotans should these technologies be implemented and increased to scale.
The goal of our cross-sector coalition is to support Indigenous, Black, Latine, and low-income residents in Greater Minnesota to advocate for their own interests and a just energy transition in the face of swiftly escalating climate challenges.
Our Coalition
Outreach
Do you live in Greater Minnesota? Are new climate technologies being proposed in your area? Get involved! We're currently doing community outreach around our research. Please contact us if you're interested in sharing your experience and feedback.
Our Pilot Project
Research
Thanks to funding from the McKnight Foundation, our coalition has done preliminary research on nine technologies and their potential impacts on environmental justice communities in Greater Minnesota. This includes 8 proposed climate technologies and 1 emerging technology known to be a stressor on the energy system.
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Sustainable aviation fuel
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Renewable energy siting (wind and solar)
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Renewable energy storage (batteries)
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Nuclear energy
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Hydrogen
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Green ammonia
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Carbon capture
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Anaerobic digestion
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Data centers (climate stressor due to high energy and water use)
Mapping
Our partners at the University of Minnesota mapped the location of current climate technology development throughout the state, overlayed with environmental justice areas in Minnesota. Click on the map to see a full-sized version and further information.
Just Transition Screening Tool
We're developing a screening tool to help communities evaluate existing or proposed green technology projects in their area. Our goal is to provide communities with sufficient information and guiding questions to support them as they weigh the benefits and risks of a project, and take action based on their own determinations.
Creating a just energy transition isn't only about responding to existing projects that could be better - it's also about creating the futures we imagine. A second version of the tool will support collective visioning by communities as they work to build the energy futures they want.
If you're interested in learning more or using a draft version of our tool, please contact our lead team member.
Upcoming event:
Do you live in or near Mankato, MN? Come learn what's in your neighborhood! Our project partner, the Center for Earth, Energy, and Democracy (CEED), will host a conversation on climate technologies in the area. Food and drink provided.
Date and time: Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Community Center, Room 152
Contact: Melody Arteaga
Register here!