2023

ERI receives $100K from Honda to advance climate action in Indiana

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) received a $100,000 contribution from Honda to accelerate Indiana’s transition to sustainable and climate-friendly practices. The contribution will partially fund the McKinney Midwest Climate Project (MMCP), an initiative that partners with communities, businesses, and nonprofits in the state on high-impact climate solutions and connects students interested in sustainability and resilience careers to professional work experiences.

IU to help Hoosier communities assess and address their climate risks

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Through a partnership with Indiana University, eight Indiana local governments are embarking on a year-long process to understand how their communities are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and extreme heat, and to make plans to reduce risk.  The program, led by IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI), is one of the first community-focused climate resilience planning efforts in the state and will help local governments anticipate, prepare for, and respond to extreme weather events and other risks linked to climate change.

Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Angelica Lopez

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Growing up near the steel mills of Northwest Indiana, Angelica Lopez witnessed firsthand the toll that heavy industry can have on public health and the environment. With the vision for a more equitable and sustainable future in mind, Lopez helped create a regional greenhouse gas inventory—an early step toward developing a climate action plan—for the three-county area as a McKinney Climate Fellow in 2020.

IU students help Indiana communities achieve sustainability goals through IDEM Clean Community Program

Thursday, April 20, 2023

During the 2022-23 academic year, three Indiana University students have been advancing the sustainability goals of Hoosier communities as part of a program led by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Gabbie Orlando, Katherine Couch, and Brenna Callan, McKinney Climate Fellows from three different IU campuses, have been helping the local governments in Richmond, Zionsville, and Fishers through IDEM’s new-look Clean Community Program, which expanded its focus to include sustainability in 2019.

ERI recognizes 13 Hoosier Resilience Heroes for their contributions to Indiana communities and the environment

Monday, April 17, 2023

In advance of Earth Day, Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute is recognizing 13 Hoosier Resilience Heroes for their contributions to Indiana communities and the environment. Hoosier Resilience Heroes are individuals committed to ensuring a safe, healthy environment for their families, their neighbors and future generations. This year’s honorees include professionals, students and volunteers who are working to make Indiana a healthier, more sustainable and more resilient place to live.

Initiative will help smaller Hoosier communities pursue federal climate and resilience funding

Monday, April 03, 2023

As new federal legislation begins to make billions of dollars available for community climate and resilience projects, Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute and Center for Rural Engagement are launching a joint program to help Hoosier communities identify and compete for federal grants.

Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Chaise Cope

Friday, March 31, 2023

In 2018, Chaise Cope graduated from the IUPUI O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs with an MPA in environmental policy and sustainability. A native of Bremen, Ind., she immediately found an opportunity to apply her training as a McKinney Climate Fellow with the City of Columbus, working in the municipality’s community development office. The experience helped kickstart her career in local government and sustainability.

Photos: Hoosiers gather to advance climate resilience

Thursday, March 02, 2023

On Feb. 17, more than 350 Hoosiers attended the Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference (ISRC) at the IUPUI Campus Center. The conference, hosted by Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute and IUPUI Sustainability, brought together students, academics, industry leaders, local governments, community groups, and others for a day of knowledge-sharing and networking to advance climate resilience in the Hoosier State.

ERI, IU Press announce environmental change book series

Friday, January 27, 2023

As Indiana communities, businesses, and residents increasingly recognize the threat posed by climate change to Hoosiers’ health and livelihood, Indiana University Press and the Environmental Resilience Institute are teaming up on a new book series focused on environmental change—its challenges as well as solutions.

Indiana cities and towns face barriers to take advantage of federal climate and resilience funding

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

A recent survey by Indiana University researchers finds that around 4 out of 5 Hoosier cities and towns lack the resources to apply for sustainability-focused federal grant funding and would need additional staff to manage funds if they received it. The findings come as the Biden administration rolls out new details on how local governments can apply for billions of dollars of climate and resilience funding made available through new legislation.

Nominate a 2023 Hoosier Resilience Hero

Tuesday, January 03, 2023

Nominations for 2023 Hoosier Resilience Heroes are open now through March 1. Individuals can nominate an Indiana resident by filling out and submitting an online form.