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