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.
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Jonathan Hines
Communications Manager
johines@iu.edu
812-856-3610
