Year in review: Finding opportunity amidst uncertainty
Despite a murky national picture, ERI continued to strengthen partnerships with Indiana communities and launch new initiatives to advance sustainability and resilience in the state.
FARMWISE Indiana cultivates connections between Hoosier farmers and schools
FARMWISE Indiana, a program from Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute, connects local farmers with schools and other institutions to strengthen regional food systems and bring more fresh, locally grown produce to Hoosier communities. By coordinating relationships between farmers and buyers, the initiative helps schools source nutritious local foods while supporting Indiana’s agricultural economy.
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.
Survey: More Indiana cities and towns taking sustainability and resilience actions
More Indiana cities and towns are stepping up efforts to build sustainable, climate-resilient communities, according to a new Indiana University survey. Through actions such as participating in regional collaborations, applying for grants, and updating local ordinances, survey respondents report new measures they are taking to protect Hoosiers from climate impacts, such as severe storms and flooding.
Benvenutti sparks climate conversations at Indianapolis Public Library
As a McKinney Climate Fellow with the Indianapolis Public Library, Ava Benvenutti initiated dozens of climate conversations this summer, educating Marion County library patrons about local impacts and efforts being taken to address the challenge.
Climate fellows help Indiana communities warm up to heat pumps
Working in Evansville, Indianapolis, Lafayette, and South Bend, McKinney Climate Fellows partnered with local governments to educate residents and HVAC contractors about the benefits of heat pumps.
Photos: McKinney Climate Fellows advance sustainability efforts across state
This summer, 35 McKinney Climate Fellows — Indiana University undergraduate and graduate students interested in sustainability career experiences — embedded across the state to help Hoosier organizations advance climate and resilience goals.
IU Southeast junior’s summer fellowship a win for Indiana environment
IU Southeast student Owen Harmon has made an impact on sustainability in Indiana through his summer position with Indiana University’s McKinney Climate Fellows program.
DeWael boosts sustainability initiatives at Second Helpings
IU Bloomington student Sophie DeWael worked with Second Helpings this summer, a nonprofit in Indianapolis focused on fighting hunger in Central Indiana, to build a sustainability dashboard.
Business student’s sustainability knowledge blooms at Newfields
Caroline Pennington — a senior in the Kelley School of Business studying economic consulting — is conducting a waste audit on the 152-acre Newfields campus, which includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), two historic homes, performance spaces, gardens, and a nature preserve.
Working with churches and other community-facing organizations, ERI and Groundswell are identifying opportunities to create community resilience hubs, trusted spaces equipped with solar and battery systems that can provide critical services to residents during power outages.
ERI to help communities tap into $16M in solar funding
The IU Environmental Resilience Institute is working with Hoosier communities to lower energy costs and maintain critical services during power outages as part of a statewide coalition focused on expanding access to solar energy. As a technical partner with Solar Opportunities Indiana, ERI is helping cities and rural communities across the state develop solar and battery storage projects that qualify for $16 million in funding.
EfEC Summer Science Institute allows K-12 teachers to be students again
Instilling an appreciation for the environment and humanity’s dependence on environmental health is a shared goal among science educators, but not one they always feel well-equipped to meet. The Educating for Environmental Change (EfEC) Summer Science Institute, a collaboration between the IU Environmental Resilience Institute and other partners, is an opportunity for teachers to ask questions from IU experts and get new ideas about how to approach complex topics, such as climate change.
Study highlights complexities of species’ response to climate change
As rising global temperatures disrupt established patterns in the natural world, how species respond could be the difference between survival and extinction. A new framework developed through an interdisciplinary collaboration established at Indiana University takes a close look at the strategies available to plants and animals in response to a changing climate as well as how those responses may interact with each other.
IU students ready to contribute to Indiana’s sustainability
Thirty-five Indiana University students are dedicating the summer to helping Indiana organizations advance their sustainability and resilience goals. While contributing to Hoosier businesses, nonprofits, and communities, the students will also be developing valuable skills for their future careers. The students are members of McKinney Climate Fellows, a program administered by the IU Environmental Resilience Institute to support the health and security of Indiana communities, while developing the next generation of climate leaders.
Environmental policy expert Janet McCabe returns to ERI, IU
Janet McCabe, an environmental policy expert with a distinguished career in public service, law and academia, will rejoin the faculty at Indiana University for a yearlong appointment beginning July 1. McCabe will serve at the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law, the IU Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the IU Environmental Resilience Institute.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Chloe Norton
At IU South Bend, Chloe Norton took advantage of multiple professional development opportunities, including spending her senior year supporting the City of South Bend Office of Sustainability as a McKinney Climate Fellow.
12 Hoosiers recognized for contributions to Indiana’s sustainability and resilience
As Earth Day 2025 approaches, Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute is recognizing 12 Hoosiers for their contributions to Indiana’s sustainability and resilience.In cities, towns and rural communities, these Hoosier Resilience Heroes are taking on urgent environmental challenges spanning food waste, clean energy, climate policy and environmental education. Some have devoted decades to these efforts. Others represent a new generation of Indiana leaders, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives.
8 communities to partner with IU on heat pump adoption, tree canopy health
Indiana University is partnering with eight local governments this year to accelerate adoption of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and to expand community tree canopies. The program, the latest chapter of the IU Environmental Resilience Institute’s Resilience Cohort, aids Hoosier communities with their climate goals by connecting them to specialized training and resources as well as support from IU students.
ERI, IU Press publish book on Indiana’s changing landscape
A new book produced through a collaboration between Indiana University Press and the IU Environmental Resilience Institute explores how centuries of human settlement and industrialization have transformed the Indiana landscape, leaving no corner untouched.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Francisco Martínez-Márquez
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Martínez-Márquez decided to shift careers from research to policy. The change led him to become a McKinney Climate Fellow, an experience that equipped him with the technical and soft skills he currently deploys on behalf of the North Carolina State Energy Office.
Amidst uncertainty, Hoosier climate leaders see opportunity
Even in uncertain times, Hoosiers have reasons to feel good about Indiana’s progress toward a more sustainable and resilient future. At the Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference (ISRC), held Feb. 28 at the Monroe Convention Center in Bloomington, Ind., McKinney Family Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Goodrid Lawson acknowledged the difficult moment, but said she drew hope from the growth in Indiana’s environmental sector and progress on environmental issues over the last decade.
Photos: ISRC highlights Hoosier contributions to Indiana’s sustainability
On Feb. 28, more than 450 people attended the Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference (ISRC) at the Monroe Convention Center in Bloomington. The event brought together students, academics, industry leaders, local government staff, community groups, and others for a day of knowledge-sharing and networking.
Filippelli joins NSF advisory committee for geosciences
Gabriel Filippelli, executive director of Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI), has been named to the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Geosciences Advisory Committee. In this capacity, Filippelli, who began his three-year appointment in January, will advise the NSF on geosciences education and research as well as provide guidance on NSF policy, program development, and long-term planning.
Building a green talent pipeline: A Q&A with Ben Sebastian
As a graduate student interested in environmental science and ecology, Ben Sebastian oftentimes felt overwhelmed navigating the conservation community. A McKinney Climate Fellowship with Sycamore Land Trust in 2022 provided the confidence boost he needed to pursue a career in environmental conservation.
Nominate a 2025 Hoosier Resilience Hero
Nominations for 2025 Hoosier Resilience Heroes are open now through March 7. Individuals can nominate an Indiana resident by filling out and submitting an online form.
