Year in review: A growing green legacy
In 2024, Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute doubled down on its efforts to support the sustainability goals of local communities, businesses, and nonprofits and to facilitate research and education on climate and environmental science.
IU students leave international climate conference with knowledge, hope
With IU Bloomington's unique combination of opportunities, organizations, and coursework, IU students are joining world leaders to discuss how we must adapt to climate change and prioritize solutions. Students had the opportunity to attend the United Nations climate conference, COP29, held Nov. 11 – 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Hoosier climate solutions to be highlighted at ERI-hosted sustainability and resilience conference
The 2025 Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference, to be held Friday, Feb. 28 at the Monroe Convention Center in Bloomington, will shine a spotlight on efforts to implement sustainable practices as well as opportunities to accelerate the adoption of practical climate solutions.
As climate change increases likelihood of economic disasters, solution may be found in soil
Indiana is the ninth largest farming state, with agriculture contributing $35.1 billion to the state’s economy, according to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. However, increases in temperature and precipitation due to carbon dioxide in the air are leading to a greater risk for higher production costs and lower yields for some crops based on a recent climate report on Indiana.
Roots of resilience: IU institute helps communities expand tree canopies
Through an Indiana University program, volunteers in four Indiana cities gathered in November to plant trees and bolster their community’s resilience to climate change. Residents of Elkhart, Evansville, Richmond and Warsaw dug holes for dozens of new trees this month, kickstarting a planting spree that will amount to 400 urban trees by year’s end. Placement of the trees was informed by community planting plans developed through the institute’s Resilience Cohort. The plantings served as a capstone to a yearlong collaboration with IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute to assess local tree canopies and make plans to expand them.
Research Impact: Climate scientist combines research and teaching into ‘perfect storm’ of discovery
Indiana University Bloomington climate scientist Travis O’Brien is at the forefront of exploring this trend. An assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, O’Brien uses numerical models, data analysis and fundamental theory to study the Earth’s climate system and untangle the factors that feed extreme weather.
16 undergraduate scholars to advance sustainability research alongside faculty mentors
Indiana University’s Integrated Program in the Environment (IPE) is proud to announce the 2024–2025 Sustainability Scholars. The interdisciplinary program empowers undergraduates to gain meaningful research experience as early as their first semester at IU.The program—with additional support from the Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) and the IU Office of Sustainability—pairs selected undergraduate students with world-class faculty mentors to start researching sustainability issues.
$2 million NSF grant funds research into insects as sustainable ‘manufacturing plants’
Indiana University Indianapolis researchers are tackling one of Earth’s biggest challenges — food security and climate responsiveness — with one of its smallest assets: insects. Supported by a three-year, $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Global Centers program, they will develop sustainable and scalable solutions aimed at shifting traditional agriculture toward a bio-based model using insects.
ERI co-authors report on community resilience in Indiana
Environmental Resilience Institute faculty and staff co-authored a report on community resilience in Indiana to help Hoosier voters better understand key policy issues and potential solutions. The report was produced in collaboration with the Indiana University Public Policy Institute’s Center for Civic Literacy as part of its Decision 2024: Your Voices, Your Future series.
ERI event celebrates McKinney Climate Fellows, Bob McKinney’s legacy
On Oct. 4, current and past participants of the McKinney Climate Fellows program—IU students interested in sustainability and resilience work experiences—gathered at the Indiana Memorial Union with representatives of host organizations, IU Research and ERI staff, and donors to be recognized for their contributions to Indiana’s sustainability and resilience.
Climate action accelerated: Fort Wayne promotes multi-language emergency alert system
This summer, the City of Fort Wayne worked to boost the effectiveness of its mass emergency alert system, creating outreach materials targeting non-English speaking residents. The effort included a video message on city’s emergency communication system, Smart 911, translated into six different languages. The outreach stemmed from Fort Wayne’s participation in the IU Environmental Resilience Institute’s 2024 Resilience Cohort program.
ERI delegation shares actionable climate science at Midwest CASC gathering
In August, researchers affiliated with IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center annual gathering to learn and share knowledge with other consortium members. The three-day event showcased the challenges and opportunities of climate adaptation at the interface of land and water, such as the coastlines of the Great Lakes. Sessions focused on climate-informed restoration, maladaptation, partnership building, and innovation in adaptation.
IPE students grow careers, serve state in ERI’s McKinney Climate Fellows program
Students in IU’s Integrated Program in the Environment (IPE) don’t just study the environment—they change it for the better. In 2024, seven of the students who served the state through the selective McKinney Climate Fellows (MCF) program are pursuing joint-degrees administered by IPE. The Environmental Resilience Institute’s (ERI) selective MCF program gives Hoosier students environmental and sustainability experience, expands their networks, and deepens their roots in Indiana.
Climate action accelerated: South Bend engages community on local EV charging infrastructure
To encourage more Indiana residents to swap their combustion engines for electric motors, the City of South Bend launched an informational website on electric vehicles. The resource is an outcome of South Bend’s participation in the IU Environmental Resilience Institute’s 2024 Resilience Cohort program.
Perspective: Workforce planning critical to cutting climate pollution
Climate action planning efforts spurred by Inflation Reduction Act funding are challenging regional, state, and tribal entities across the country to consider how workforce development can help achieve decarbonization goals. As a 2024 McKinney Climate Fellow, Genevieve Zilmer conducted research and outreach on behalf of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to further the workforce planning analysis of the Chicago area's Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.
Former ERI Director Janet McCabe to advance climate change discussion at IU Indianapolis
Janet McCabe, former IU Environmental Resilience Institute director and current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deputy administrator, will be the keynote speaker at a two-day discussion on how Indiana and the Midwest can help the United States become a net-zero carbon emissions nation by 2050. The Roads to Removal Symposium on Oct. 28 and 29 at IU Indianapolis will examine the opportunities, benefits and costs of carbon dioxide removal in Indiana and the Midwest.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Nicole Chandler
From an early age, Nicole Chandler has been concerned about the environment and the impacts of climate change. Her experience as a McKinney Climate Fellow with the Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization helped equip her with the skills needed to make positive change in her hometown.
Hub highlight: Electric truck fills community need, brings fuel savings to Gentryville
In January 2024, Gentryville Marshal Alfred Braunecker was searching for grant opportunities related to clean energy and electrification to support his department. In consultation with the Indiana Resilience Funding Hub, Braunecker identified an opportunity to replace the town’s gas-powered, low-efficiency fleet with electric vehicles through the Indiana Office of Energy Development
IU faculty, students contribute to Bloomington extreme heat action plan
During a summer in which cities across the U.S. are experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, Indiana University students and faculty are working with the City of Bloomington to develop an extreme heat action plan for the community. The plan is being informed by collaborations spanning urban heat education, outreach, data collection and analysis.
Photos: McKinney Climate Fellows make their mark
This summer, 31 McKinney Climate Fellows—Indiana University undergraduate and graduate students interested in sustainability career experiences—spread out across the state to help Hoosier organizations advance climate and resilience goals.
McKinney Climate Fellows share 'day in the life' videos
As summer fellowships approach their conclusion, three McKinney Climate Fellows are giving Instagram users a look at their contributions to Indiana’s sustainability the last two months. IU Bloomington students Sydney Hargis, Hayleigh Keasling, and Daniela Castellanos created “day in the life” videos about their summer experiences with The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the City of Fort Wayne, and the Indiana Resilience Funding Hub, respectively.
ERI program inspires Cincinnati-area climate action fellowship
This summer, Cincinnati-based Green Umbrella launched a pilot program to support the climate action planning efforts of three local governments in the region, which includes parts of Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Inspired by the IU Environmental Resilience Institute’s McKinney Midwest Climate Project, Green Umbrella’s Climate Action Fellowship connects local governments with students and young professionals to advance their community’s climate journey.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Hannah Walker
Hannah Walker didn’t major in sustainability or an environmental field, but through McKinney Climate Fellows she was able to contribute to the City of Fort Wayne’s sustainability goals and deepen her understanding of local government. That experience proved invaluable as Walker returned to her hometown of Huntertown, Ind. after graduation to serve as the town manager.
IU-led workshop gives K-12 teachers tools to teach climate change in the classroom
For the past eight years, K-12 teachers have attended the Summer Science Institute, part of the Educating for Environmental Change (EfEC) collaboration between IU faculty, the IU Environmental Resilience Institute, the IU School of Education, and science educators. The workshop connects teachers to IU scientists and age-appropriate curriculum that they can adapt for their own classroom instruction.
Honda awards ERI $50K to accelerate climate progress in Indiana
Honda has awarded Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) $50,000 to help Hoosier communities pursue their climate goals and build resilience to climate change. The funds will support programs housed within ERI’s McKinney Midwest Climate Project, an initiative that partners with Indiana communities, businesses, and nonprofits on high-impact climate solutions and connects students interested in sustainability and resilience careers to professional work experiences.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Amber Greaney
When Amber Greaney was earning a degree in sustainable management and policy at the IUPUI O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, she was sure her career would take her outside the Midwest to a place that was more invested in sustainability. Her experience as a McKinney Climate Fellow with Keramida in 2019, however, convinced her that staying in Indiana meant she could make an even bigger impact.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Matthias Benko
Matthias Benko’s journey toward a climate career started with an interest in birds and his desire to protect vulnerable species. As a two-time McKinney Climate Fellow, his expertise expanded to trees. In back-to-back summers, Benko worked with Indiana Nature and the Town of Zionsville on tree ordinances and planting plans related to sustainability. The experience not only attuned him to another aspect of the natural world but also to people and the importance of engaging community members on environmental issues.
Sustainability-minded McKinney Climate Fellows ready for summer of climate action
As spring gives way to summer, 32 IU students will be spending the coming weeks helping Indiana communities and organizations make progress on their sustainability and climate goals.
IU faculty discuss environmental research, collaboration opportunities at ERI Research Symposium
On April 30, more than 50 students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Indiana Memorial Union for the Environmental Resilience Institute’s 2024 Research Symposium to discuss ongoing research in the environmental, climate, and sustainability space and identify strategies to encourage collaboration across disciplines on climate and resilience topics.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Erin Lasher
When she started college, Erin Lasher sought out opportunities to channel her climate anxiety into action. Her search led her to McKinney Climate Fellows, where she had the opportunity to work with the Indiana Recycling Coalition and the City of Evansville. The experience equipped Lasher with new skills that helped her immediately land a job in the sustainability sector upon graduation.
12 honored as Hoosier Resilience Heroes for contributing to healthier, more sustainable Indiana
With Earth Day right around the corner, Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute is recognizing a dozen Indiana residents for their dedication to creating a more sustainable and resilient Hoosier state — one where the economic and environmental benefits of climate-friendly communities are shared by all.
McKinney Climate Fellows apply green skills to lead climate response
As the global economy becomes greener in response to the threat of climate change, Indiana University is connecting students to the critical skills employers are seeking to meet sustainability targets.Through innovative programs like McKinney Climate Fellows, IU students are seizing the opportunity to be sustainability leaders before they’ve even completed their degree. Nearly 200 fellows have helped Indiana organizations advance their climate and sustainability goals since the paid professional development program started in 2017.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Lucy Mellen
When Lucy Mellen enrolled at IU Bloomington, she knew she wanted a career in the environmental sector but wasn’t sure what that might look like. In 2020, she became a McKinney Climate Fellow, working with Earth Charter Indiana to facilitate their climate education and leadership programming. The experience crystallized the community-oriented professional pathway that appealed to Mellen.
Climate and sustainability events to showcase research, accomplishments
IU Bloomington will host two events highlighting the work of IU faculty and students in the climate, environment and sustainability space on April 30. Attendees can also learn about opportunities to advance climate research goals at IU.
12 communities join 2024 IU Resilience Cohort to accelerate climate action, expand tree canopies
Twelve local governments are partnering with Indiana University this year to accelerate progress toward their climate goals and invest in urban trees canopies. The program, which connects Hoosier cities and towns to new training and resources as well as to IU students, is led by IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute as part of its McKinney Midwest Climate Project.
Hub highlight: Transportation planning grant supports Holland, Ind.’s revitalization efforts
In December 2023, Holland received notification that their Safe Strees and Roads for All grant application was successful. The $146,960 award will fund a comprehensive safety action plan that will explore strategies to address the town’s safety concerns, including bike lanes and pedestrian corridors. Throughout the grant planning process, the Indiana Resilience Funding Hub team supported initial data gathering, proposal writing, and the grant application itself.
Photos: Indiana sustainability leaders gather to share climate solutions
On Feb. 9, more than 360 Hoosier sustainability professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders gathered at the IUPUI Campus Center for a day of networking and knowledge sharing during the 2024 Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference. Hosted by Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute, the conference highlighted actions being taken in Indiana and elsewhere to counteract the effects of climate change and reduce the environmental impacts of human activities.
ISRC keynote: Putting the ‘public’ back in public utilities
While addressing an audience of more than 360 Hoosiers at the IUPUI Campus Center on Feb. 9, author and nonprofit leader Michelle Moore turned to Indiana history to illustrate the power of public utilities in American life. Hosted by Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI), the Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference brought together students, academics, industry and government leaders, community groups, and others for a day of networking and knowledge sharing to advance Indiana’s sustainability and resilience.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Madison Byarley
Working with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful as a 2020 McKinney Climate Fellow, Madison Byarley got to know the people of Indianapolis and the rich histories of local neighborhoods as she helped manage pocket parks throughout the city. The experience introduced her to working at the community level, where building relationships is critical to organizational success.
IU student helps catalyze Terre Haute’s climate planning efforts
Since high school, Indiana University student Maisie Westerfield has known she wants to pursue a career focused on sustainability and urban planning. Now in her senior year at IU Bloomington, Westerfield is playing a leading role in guiding Terre Haute, Ind. through an assessment of the community’s vulnerabilities to climate change and helping residents make plans to reduce risk.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Logan Pollander
Before he was planning the power grid of the future, Logan Pollander joined McKinney Climate Fellows to help his hometown of Fort Wayne, Ind. create a climate action plan, benchmark local greenhouse gas emissions, and establish long-term sustainability goals. The experience gave him insight into how to effectively work with a broad group of stakeholders toward a common goal.
Nominate a 2024 Hoosier Resilience Hero
Nominations for 2024 Hoosier Resilience Heroes are open now through March 1. Individuals can nominate an Indiana resident by filling out and submitting an online form.
