Climate change in North Dakota

North Dakota is one of the northern tier states that has reported "more extreme weather in recent years, including more damaging hail storms, severe droughts, heavier rains, hotter temperatures and longer growing seasons".

[1] The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports: that "North Dakota's climate is changing.

The resulting increase in river flows could benefit recreational boating, public water supplies, and electric power generation.

Higher water flows also increase hydropower production, which accounts for about 5 percent of all energy produced in North Dakota.

Rising temperatures may also reduce yields of wheat, partly offsetting the fertilizing effect of carbon dioxide.

Changes in temperature and the length of the growing season may disrupt natural ecological processes and shift species’ ranges.

Even small changes in the timing of plant development or animal migration can disrupt predator-prey relationships, mating behavior, or availability of food".