Who We Are

Partnering for a just and resilient future

Hotter summers. Extreme precipitation swings. Shifting growing seasons.

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it is actively reshaping communities, economies, and ecosystems across Indiana and beyond.

Local governments, organizations, and residents face urgent challenges with limited resources and capacity. Yet within these challenges lies an unprecedented opportunity to create a more just, resilient, and sustainable future.

To help Hoosier communities create the thriving future they deserve, we're partnering to deliver the science-informed, community-driven, and equity-centered solutions needed to flourish in a changing climate.

Our mission

To advance environmental and climate solutions through community partnerships, transformative research, and immersive learning.

IU Grand Challenges Program logo over an image of Bloomington

Our history

The Environmental Resilience Institute was born out of Prepared for Environmental Change, the second initiative developed and funded through Indiana University's Grand Challenges Program.

Conceived as a transdisciplinary hub to address complex environmental challenges affecting Hoosiers, the institute has worked in partnership with industry, government, and communities since its 2017 beginning.

Over time, ERI has established itself as a state and regional leader in resilience, bridging sectors to apply real-word solutions and catalyze positive change.

Explore our history

The Environmental Resilience Institute is making bold and ambitious plans to advance climate solutions, which we must do out of necessity because the climate threat is imminent.

Pamela Whitten, Indiana University president