Dan Kraker and Elizabeth Dunbar of Minnesota Public Radio described the current and likely effects of climate change in their home state, particularly on the changing makeup of the northern forests. They noted the changes already occurring in Minnesota's climate, with warmer temperatures on average, especially in winter, and bigger downpours of rain. Red maple trees, which tolerate warmer temperatures, are moving northward. Cold-tolerant pine trees are dying out. While managers of Minnesota's forests know their world is changing, they disagree on how urgently new species should be introduced and how far they should be moved. Tina Hesman Saey of Science News said the series is "not just a 'woe is me' summary of the bad news on climate change, but a clear-eyed look at how conservationists are preparing for the reality of altered climate while still maintaining biological diversity and saving jobs." Describing climate change as one of the most important issues of our time, Kraker and Dunbar said, "We wanted our audience to better understand how it's already changing places they know and love, and how people are already adapting to those changes. It's truly an honor to be recognized for that effort."
