Gina McCarthy to deliver keynote at 2026 Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference

Gina McCarthy, the first White House National Climate Advisor and former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will deliver a keynote message on building a sustainable future at the 2026 Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference (ISRC) on Feb. 6 in Bloomington. 

A national leader on climate and public health, McCarthy will speak about how collaboration across sectors can drive meaningful progress toward addressing extreme weather and climate change during a day showcasing work across the state to boost community resilience, accelerate clean energy adoption, and rally Hoosiers around sustainable policy and practices. 

Hosted by Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) and the Indianapolis Airport Authority, ISRC will explore how Hoosiers are transforming ideas into action—from local governments implementing climate plans to farms and businesses investing in renewable energy. Sessions will cover topics such as the impacts of data centers, sustainable building design, and energy policy. 

“During a time when Hoosiers are grappling with the rising cost of food, energy, and more, people across the state are proving that sustainability isn’t just a climate solution—it’s a solution that can also help with economic and community challenges,” said Gabriel Filippelli, ERI executive director. “ISRC is an event to connect those efforts, learn from each other, and identify ways to scale success.”

The 2026 schedule reflects growing momentum in a state where two out of three people believe that global warming is happening but only one third discuss it at least occasionally, according to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. At ISRC, several panels will feature leaders who are broadening community engagement and connecting environmental issues to shared Hoosier values such as faith, health, and security. 

Throughout the day, the conference will feature research with practical implications for Indiana’s sustainability, a conference expo, and poster session highlighting student scholarship. 

Registration is $90 for general admission and $25 for students, which includes a buffet lunch and all conference activities. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Register for ISRC 2026

About the Environmental Resilience Institute

Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute connects a broad coalition of government, business, nonprofit, and community leaders to help Indiana and the Midwest better prepare for the challenges of environmental change. Together, we integrate research, education, and community to create environmental resilience and climate solutions—building a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. Learn more at eri.iu.edu.