Our Story
SoDak 350 was founded in early 2020 by a small but mighty group of environmental champions looking to make South Dakota part of the climate solution. Throughout the pandemic, we engaged in virtual climate strikes, hosted educational events, and conducted voter awareness initiatives. At the same time, we witnessed the growing impacts of climate change in the Midwest and recognized the urgent need for communities to build back better with clean and renewable energy.
In 2022, we formally incorporated in Sioux Falls and filed for 501(c)(3) status to help grow our movement and maximize our impact. Today, we are a growing force of committed volunteers working to build momentum for local-level climate solutions and creating a central hub for climate and environmental activism across the state.
Our Mission
SoDak 350 is building the local grassroots movement to address the climate crisis and encourage the transition to a sustainable future.
Why 350?
Climate scientists agree that 350 parts per million (ppm) is the "safe upper limit" for the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules in the atmosphere. For most of human history, CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere were relatively stable at about 275 ppm. But combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas to produce energy and goods have dramatically increased the atmospheric concentration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases since the 18th century. These gases warm the atmosphere and cause long-term changes in the global climate, leading to melting ice, rising sea levels, and increased incidence and intensity of extreme weather events. Today, atmospheric CO2 concentrations are above 417 ppm and are rising by 2-3ppm every year.
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350.org is an international organization working to halt this rise in greenhouse gases and bring CO2 concentrations back to a safe level for humanity by building a world of community-led renewable energy for all. At SoDak 350, we are working to bring South Dakotans into this global movement to create a just, healthy, and sustainable future.
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