About a month ago I was introduced to the Hoosier Resilience Index. I’ve been aware of this unfolding project during the year, and have more recently been able to look at the compilation of data and analysis which has resulted. This is an impressive set of interactive maps and questions that will allow anyone to explore the latest climate change science related to Indiana and Indiana communities.
The Hoosier Resilience Index (HRI) is created in part with local governments and decision-makers in mind, but it is really a tool for any interested and concerned person to look at. This makes sense since the government is staffed by people with questions and concerns just like everyone else. There are two main components to the index. One part is a Readiness Assessment, and is a set of evaluations for local governments to complete and report on so they can plan for environmental and climate impacts. This is an important exercise for us in Goshen as we continue to work on our Climate Action Plan.
The other part looks at climate vulnerability and “presents data on four metrics (heat, precipitation, land use, and socio-demographics) for every incorporated city and town and every county within the state of Indiana. All data come from credible, publicly available government or university sources.” (HRI)
