Findings from an Indiana University Grand Challenges initiative survey indicate Hoosiers are feeling the effects of climate change. The statewide survey, commissioned as part of the $55 million Prepared for Environmental Change effort, finds that 75 percent of respondents support efforts to address the impact of climate change in the Hoosier state.
Other key findings showed:
- 80 percent of Hoosiers believe global warming is happening
- 64 percent of residents agreed that hotter temperatures are threatening Indiana farming
- 77 percent of respondents agree climate change is having a negative impact on Indiana’s economy.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Janet McCabe, Assistant Director of Policy and Implementation, IU Environmental Resilience Institute said the trend is on the upswing.
“Since 2011, climate change has cost the state of Indiana $6 billion already and these changes are predicted to increase as the temperatures begin to warm.”
More than 120 researchers funded by the IU Grand Challenges will use the findings to inform their work to predict the effects of climate change and how best to respond to them. They will also work to educate policymakers and civic leaders on the issue, urging them to make effective decisions for the Hoosier state's approach to climate change.
