
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.

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