South Dakota Report Details 2°F Temperature Increase, Urges Climate Action

The Sioux Falls-based South Dakota Green Project released findings detailing over a century of climate shifts within the state. The report provides a framework for addressing environmental impacts, including more extreme weather events.

South Dakota's average annual temperature has increased by roughly 2°F since 1900. This finding comes from an analysis of over a century of climate records, compiled by the South Dakota Green Project.

Michael Heisler, chairman of the organization, stated it is time to create a roadmap for South Dakota communities to address these climate changes. Public sentiment largely aligns, with a survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication indicating 64% of South Dakotans believe global warming is happening. An equal 64% anticipate it will harm future generations.

These temperature increases contribute to costly and extreme weather phenomena, such as flash flooding, severe windstorms, and prolonged drought conditions. Such events directly affect the state's economy, particularly its agriculture sector, and public health.

The report advocates for a transition from fossil fuels, which emit heat-trapping gases when burned, to renewable energy sources, including wind power and advanced battery storage. It also proposes policies for urban development, public health monitoring, and agricultural practices to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Agricultural activities currently account for 60% of South Dakota's greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation contributing 16.4%, according to Environmental Protection Agency data. Stakeholders will monitor how state and local leaders integrate these findings into policy decisions and community planning moving forward.