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.
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.
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Jonathan Hines
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johines@iu.edu
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