This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Sustainability Coalition.
Simplified: A newly formed group called the Sioux Falls Sustainability Coalition is working toward a more sustainable future. Here's what to know about their first event coming up this weekend.
Why it matters
- A number of local and statewide organizations came together this year amid concerns about the City of Sioux Falls' "lack of consistent, actionable policy regarding the existential threat posed by the climate crisis," coalition organizers said in a statement.
- Groups in the coalition include: SoDak 350, the Citizens' Climate Lobby, Dakota Rural Action, Common Grounds Indivisible, Change Agents of SD and others.
- The goal of the first event – which takes place starting at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church – is to to “create a dynamic space for community members to come together to talk about the most consequential issue of our time, surviving our changing planet," said Megan EisenVos, community organizer for Dakota Rural Action.
"The impact of Climate Change is being felt everywhere, including here,” said former Sioux Falls Mayor Rick Knobe, founder of Change Agents of South Dakota. “To deal with it, individual, group, community, government, and business action is required. Please join us in a community conversation on climate and sustainability."
Tell me more about the event
Event registration (and coffee) will take place from 8:45 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 909 W. 33rd Street, just south of Augustana University.
Conversations will be facilitated by experts in the field. Here's a look at who's presenting:
- Laura Edwards, Climatologist for the State of South Dakota, will explain how climate change is already affecting us and what will be coming soon.
- Stacey McMahan, Principal Architect with Koch Hazard Architects, and the designer of several Green Projects, will provide context for what it means to build Sustainably.
- Joan Franken, with Costello Company, will share her experience with building and managing one of the first affordable and sustainable apartment buildings in Sioux Falls.
- Meghann Jarchow, Professor of Sustainability at the University of South Dakota, will offer guidance on what it means to live Sustainably.
The free event is open for all ages – with a particular focus on younger Sioux Falls residents whose futures are most impacted by climate change.
