SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota’s annual average temperatures have risen by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900, leading to more extreme and costly weather events such as flash flooding, windstorms and prolonged drought, according to a new report from a Sioux Falls-based nonprofit. 

Those changes can have significant effects on South Dakota’s economy — particularly agriculture — and the health of its residents, said Michael Heisler, chairman of the South Dakota Green Project, during a news conference Wednesday on Earth Day. The critical care physician said he’s seen an increase in heat- and air quality-related emergency room visits in recent years, the latter due to increasing levels of wildfire smoke in the air.

“We thought it was time to provide a roadmap for our communities,” Heisler said.

Utility company leader tells audience that data centers will extend fossil fuel usage

The group hopes for a transition from fossil fuels — which emit heat-trapping gases when burned — to a greater reliance on renewable energy. That includes wind energy development and the use of large batteries to make wind energy more reliable and store excess energy.

Vice Chair Jeff Smith added his support for nuclear energy, saying “it’s not your grandfather’s nuclear power plant anymore.”

“It’s way safer and if it isn’t completely safe, we know natural gas isn’t, and we know coal isn’t, and we know those things are going to hurt our great-grandchildren,” Smith said. “So, bring on nuclear, as far as I’m concerned.”

The report features recommendations for individuals, lawmakers and policymakers to address climate change in the state and spur renewable energy-related economic growth. That includes efforts to reduce urban sprawl with zoning reforms, track climate-change indicators in public health, prioritize smaller farmers, and “halt the unchecked expansion” of concentrated animal feeding operations in South Dakota.

Agriculture accounts for 60% of South Dakota’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Transportation follows as the second largest emitting industry in the state at 16.4%.

Sixty-four percent of South Dakotans believe that global warming is occurring and another 64% believe global warming will hurt future generations, according to a survey from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication cited in the report. Another 53% support the United States transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy by 2050.

The same survey found 49% of South Dakotans said they believe the governor should do more to address global warming and 47% said local officials should do more to address global warming.

Numbers like those should convince elected officials or those running for office this year to take climate change more seriously, Heisler said.

He said conversations with Sioux Falls mayoral and city council candidates have been positive.

“If they have vision and courage and political will, they can also become leaders in this area and leave a legacy that they will be remembered for and that profoundly changes our city and our state into perpetuity,” Heisler said.

Final PDF Climate Change in SD (3) (1)

A report issued by the South Dakota Green Project on Earth Day, April 22, 2026.