Mirror indy // september 11, 2024 // Sophie Young and Ted Somerville

At this Indy climate camp, adventure is a bus ride away

Every summer for 10 years, kids at Climate Camp have spent a week picking up litter, having fun in nature and learning about Indy’s plants.

“The idea [was] that we would get kids out into nature, teaching about climate change,” said Jim Poyser, director of advancement for Earth Charter Indiana. “Climate change, nature, connection and the arts.”

Now, Climate Camp has become Climate Bus Camp. Kids ride IndyGo buses to all the sites they visit, learning about public transportation.

Earlier this summer, Mirror Indy spent a day with the camp, starting at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center. 

We got off in Indy’s Riverside neighborhood and walked to the boat launch at the White River. Friends of the White River hosted the campers for an hour-long float. They asked questions, as guides pointed out native plants and animals. We spotted a bald eagle, an egret and a great blue heron. 

See photos captured by photojournalist Ted Somerville during our adventure. >> READ MORE & SEE PHOTOS

Nuvo // August 6, 2024 // Rita Kohn

"I don't want to be afraid": "Dreamland" is spinning a world of angst at The District Theatre

"When the whole world is on the brink of collapse, is working towards a better future worth the struggle?" 

"This question is eating away at the hearts of school-age youth, and we want to talk about it," cites ReAct, the acting company of youth theatre artists.

A cast of six is confronting us with our collective reality. What are we —personally, all together— doing about the collapse of the ecosystem of planet Earth?

"59% of youth are extremely worried about climate change, according to a recent study of 10,000 young people, from 10 different countries. Eco-anxiety plagues this generation of American youth, and React is proposing a new treatment for this diagnosis," cites a news release from Earth Charter Indiana. "Dreamland, a new original play, told through the eyes of Logan, a high school student. This is a call for hope in a world that seems doomed for climate catastrophe."

A web of plastic debris is floating across The District Theatre stage behind school lockers bookending a bed. At lights up, Logan is on her bed, tossing and twisting—writhing in a dream. Immediately, we are pulled into her angst. The news reports come alive as menacing monsters—it's an intersection between the dreamlands of Maurice Sendak's Max and Charles Dickens's Scrooge. 

We feel Logan's reality. The monsters are closing in on her. She can't breathe, can't move, andher scream is muffled by anyone, everyone, making money from overpowering what the realistically Earth can process from pollution to thrive in the purity of air, water, etc.

Logan drags herself to school; she's a mess. "I'm stressed," she spits out to her quartet of friends, who are trying to help her get ready for the day ahead. But all she can think of is that no one is paying attention. "There is no hope!" she declares. >>READ MORE

indiana Public Radio // July 30, 2024 // Rebecca thiele

Indiana passed over for funding to help cut greenhouse gas emissions, aims to do so anyway

A federal grant spurred Indiana to create its first climate plan and the state had hoped another grant would help put it into action. It didn’t get it, but the Indiana Department of Environmental Management said it still plans to continue the work.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the 25 recipients of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program last week. Neither Indiana nor its cities that applied got the money. Still, IDEM said in a statement it aims to submit a comprehensive climate action plan to the EPA next year and an update on how it reduced its greenhouse gas emissions in 2027.

More than a dozen cities in Indiana already had climate action plans when the state started this process a year ago. Shannon Anderson is with Earth Charter Indiana which, among other things, helps Indiana cities develop climate solutions. She said even this first step has been meaningful.

“I think that the formula grants that the were provided by EPA were a really nice carrot to get some states to kind of get up on their feet and think about climate action planning in a real, tangible way,” Anderson said.

In fact, the same year the state received the planning grant, Indiana lawmakers shut down a bill by youth at Confront the Climate Crisis to create a task force to discuss climate solutions.

“Creating a comprehensive climate action plan is something I don’t think many people five or even four years ago would have expected out of Indiana,” Anderson said.

The EPA said Indiana can still apply for other federal grants to help reach its climate goals. There’s also expected to be another round of funding once participants finalize their comprehensive climate action plans.

Anderson said if Hoosiers show overwhelming support for the climate plan then the state is more likely to take action to reduce Indiana’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“Especially as Statehouse gets geared up for session next year. I think that what constituents want matters,” she said.

You can take a survey on the next phase of Indiana’s climate action plan through Aug. 10.

IDEM didn’t make anyone available for an interview.

“While we’re disappointed, we remain committed to supporting the sustainability and resiliency measures that Indiana companies, schools, nonprofits, and municipalities are already pursuing across the state,” the agency said on its website for the climate program. >>READ MORE

WThr.com // May 5, 2024

Tony Kanaan hosts fan-focused charity event in Westfield

WESTFIELD, Ind. — Tony Kanaan, winner of the 2013 Indianapolis 500 and 2004 Indy Racing League champion, hosted a fan-focused charity event in Westfield on Sunday. 

Kanaan hosted a meet-and-greet with fans at Westfield's Motor District. The event allowed Kanaan a chance to give back to the community that he said gave him so much. Fans could have their photo taken with Kanaan, buy McLaren Racing gear and even test out the same race simulator that teams use.

All proceeds went to help Earth Charter Indiana, which is a local climate organization that promotes sustainable living. 

"We all need to get educated about sustainability and how we can make the place that we live more sustainable," said Kanaan. "Hopefully we'll educate them more and the new generations will set an example." >> READ HERE

WBIW.com // April 22, 2024

Indiana Coalition awarded Solar for All funding

On Monday, April 22, 2024, the EPA announced the awardees of the $7 billion Solar For All competition. This grant opportunity was made available to states, territories, municipalities, and eligible nonprofits through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to provide low-income and disadvantaged households across America access the affordable solar energy and the benefits of customer-owned and community solar. 

The EPA chose a coalition of Indiana organizations and cities that have been working towards energy justice to make these funds available to residents and community projects. This coalition is led by the Indiana Community Action Association leads this coalition. It includes Black Sun Light Sustainability in partnership with Indiana State Conference of the NAACP, the Indiana Energy Independence Fund, Energy Matters Community Coalition, Faith in Place, Solar United Neighbors of Indiana, Earth Charter Indiana, and the cities of Fort Wayne, Gary, and Indianapolis. >>READ MORE

Mirror indy // april 3, 2024

Feeling ‘eco-anxiety,’ teens help create a new play about climate change

As the six-cast ensemble of “Dreamland,” a play put on by the React theater group, rehearsed on March 25, it was clear the teens were having fun. As their characters discussed the threat of climate change, however, it was also evident they are concerned. 

When 13-year-old lead actress Rain Briscoe delivers the line, “I don’t want to be afraid,” the scene will likely strike a chord with many young viewers.  According to a 2021 study published in The Lancet, 59% of youth worldwide report being worried about the effects of climate change. 

Many of Briscoe’s peers are reported to experience “eco-anxiety,” a new term from the American Psychological Association that describes the emotions that come with “the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change.”  

“Dreamland,” which opens April 5 at the Basile Theater at the Athenaeum, was written by React’s Artistic Director Georgeanna Smith Wade. But to help the story feel true, React’s team of middle and high school students helped research and provide input over a two-year process. The team also heard from climate scientists and activists. 

Playing Logan, the protagonist in “Dreamland,” has helped Briscoe find hope. In the play, Logan struggles with their mental health and anxiety-fueled dreams about the climate crisis. 

Throughout the two years they’ve worked to develop and produce the play, Briscoe and actor Lucy Ansell, 14, have used what they’ve learned to make changes in their own lives. Briscoe said she’s become more conscious about recycling; she’s also started composting and her family has stopped using cow’s milk, one gallon of which requires 144 gallons of water to produce. Ansell has spoken at the Statehouse to advocate for environmentalism. 

“It’s little steps, but it all helps,” Briscoe said. >>READ MORE

wbiw.com // Feb. 13, 2024

advocates celebrate 2024 renewable energy day at the statehouse

Read about 2024 Renewable Energy Day on WBIW.com

WANE.Com // Jan. 23, 2024 // Matt Christy

Lawmaker pushes for bobcat hunting season despite native cat’s once-endangered status

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - An Indiana lawmaker and lifelong hunter wants to legalize bobcat hunting in the Hoosier state drawing criticism from some who question whether the once-endangered cat has recovered enough to be sustainably hunted and if the proposed law is more about trophies than conservation.

Authored by Sen. Scott Baldwin, a Republican who represents Hamilton County, Senate Bill 241 calls on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to establish and implement a season for hunting and trapping bobcats that would go into effect no later than July 1, 2025.

Bobcats are Indiana’s only native wild cat and are currently protected from being hunted or trapped. For more than 50 years, bobcats were on the endangered species list in Indiana until being removed in 2005. Sightings of the wild cat have increased in recent years, particularly in southern Indiana, but some question if an 18-year span is enough time for a recovering population to go from being endangered to being culled through annual hunting seasons.

Baldwin pointed out that while his bill would “nudge” DNR into creating a hunting and trapping season for bobcats, he would leave it up to DNR’s scientists and biologists to determine what exactly a sustainable season for taking bobcats would be. The season would also likely be in certain counties, not statewide.

“I don’t forecast that DNR is going to open a season statewide, in every county, for bobcats because I’m just not sure that is necessary yet,” Baldwin said. “But I do know that from the data I’ve seen we have a pretty significant increase in bobcats in southwestern Indiana, southern Indiana, south of I-70.”

Does the bobcat population support a hunting season?

Shannon Anderson of Earth Charter Indiana, who opposed the bill, said, “Bobcats have only just begun to get a paw hold back into the Indiana ecosystem” and called on further time and research into their numbers before a decision about a hunting season is made. >>READ MORE

MyWAbashvalley.com // oct. 18, 2023 // sky christian

TH Sustainability Commission met to discuss climate change

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute community members want to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to the potential impacts of climate change.

On Wednesday, the Terre Haute Sustainability Commission hosted a Climate Vulnerability Assessment Workshop that took place at Sisters of Providence at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods.

Local stakeholders and community members discussed climate risks and potential challenges posed to the Terre Haute area.

“Grow up in West Central Indiana” visits Sullivan

“To our parks, to our agriculture, to our economic system. What’s life going to be like for our kids in the years to come? We just want to make sure that we’re ready, that we adapt where possible, and that we put systems in place to protect the most vulnerable,” said Mark Minster, Rose-Hulman Professor.

According to a news release the sustainability commission began as an effort made by a local youth activist group.

SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE: Originally climate awareness was instigated by the youth activist group EARTHlings (Environmental Activists for a Resilient Terre Haute) right here in Terre Haute. The founding members of this group were Ahan Bhattacharyya, Julie Pichonnat, Diarmuid Corcoran, Leif Speer, and Elias Hellmann. EARTHlings was established in August 2020 with the guidance and support from Earth Charter Indiana. As a result of their persistent efforts and hard work, the Terre Haute City Council passed a resolution in 2021 to address climate change, setting in motion the development of a climate action plan. This resolution also led to the formation of a Terre Haute Sustainability Commission.

The ultimate goal of the workshop is to develop strategies to protect the Terre Haute Community. >>READ MORE

WFYI.org // Oct. 11, 2023 // REBECCA THIELE

IDEM asks for feedback on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in series of public meetings

Indiana received $3 million from the federal government to develop a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The state Department of Environmental Management held the first of several public meetings Tuesday night in Indianapolis.

Some of the projects the agency is considering include ways to expand clean energy, improve energy efficiency, increase electric vehicle use, expand access to public transit and reduce food waste.

About 40 cities in Indiana already have — or are working on — climate action plans. Shannon Anderson works with cities and youth activists through the nonprofit Earth Charter Indiana. She said it’s important that the state fund and serve the communities already doing this work.

“I think moving some of that work back into our communities not only helps build equity and resilience, but it also serves people," Anderson said.

Several participants expressed concern the state might prioritize big companies and institutions that can more easily apply for funding.

Anderson said Indiana should also consider projects that making solar and electric buses more available to schools — which can empower disadvantaged communities. >>READ MORE

NWI TIMES // Sept. 8, 2023 // Molly DeVore

Leading by example: Statewide climate summit emphasizes importance of regional collaboration

GARY — When Earth Charter Indiana held its first Climate Leadership Summit former Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight couldn't attend because a devastating tornado had just ripped through his city. 

Jim Poyser said the extreme weather event perfectly illustrated why statewide climate discussions are becoming more and more necessary. Some eight years later, the annual summit came to Northwest Indiana. 

Held on Friday at Indiana University Northwest, the summit featured about a dozen workshops and panels covering a wide-range of topics — everything from food waste to how the Inflation Reduction Act can impact local environmental efforts. Municipal leaders from across the Region and the state attended the all day event.

Earth Charter Director of Advocacy Shannon Anderson said bringing the summit to Northwest Indiana was an "obvious choice." Anderson said Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties have been ahead of the rest of the state when it comes to regional climate action planning, partially out of necessity. "I think (Region residents) been forced to be because of the fact that they've been combatting these environmental justice issues for so long," Shannon said, adding that the area also has a long tradition of activism. 

The team was ultimately able to complete greenhouse gas inventories for 16 municipalities: Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties as well as Cedar Lake, Chesterton, East Chicago, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, the City of LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster, Schererville, Valparaiso, Hammond and Portage. 

Using data from 2017, the team found that 83.5% of the Region's greenhouse gas emissions came from industry, and the next highest is transportation with 12.2%. The data also showed that Lake County had more emissions than both Chicago and Indianapolis, cities that are home to far more residents. 

While the Region's greenhouse gas levels may be daunting, Kathy Sipple, Earth Charter's Northwest Indiana regional Resilience coordinator, said "you need to know what the numbers are to know what to do about them." >>READ MORE

NWI Times // Sept. 8, 2023 // John J. Watkins

PHOTOS: Climate summit comes to Gary

>>SEE MORE CLS8 PHOTOS

Public News Service // May 15, 2023 // Joe Ulery, Producer

Indiana Group Amplifies Student Voices on Climate Crisis

An Indiana-based environmental group is amplifying the voices of high school students who write about the environment and climate change. Earth Charter Indiana launched its Youth Environmental Press Team as an online publishing platform to share environmental stories from high school newspapers.

Jim Poyser, director of advancement and the Youth Environmental Press Team for the group Earth Charter Indiana, said kids experience a lot of eco-anxiety and the program provides several avenues to be involved and act.

Poyser pointed out sharing students' stories online and social media connects young people to a much broader audience.

"It's just been remarkable to see how people can erase the party line that creates so much stasis and paralysis in our culture when you have young kids involved; and again, they're respectful," Poyser observed. "It's just very difficult to ignore these kids talking about their future."

The program shows students they are not alone with their environmental concerns. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned the climate time-bomb is ticking in a statement about the release of the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Poyser noted students are paid a stipend for their stories with funding from Earth Rising Foundation.

"There aren't that many kids writing about the climate crisis in the high school newspaper realm," Poyser acknowledged. "You wouldn't know there was a climate catastrophe unfolding, but then occasionally, a student will write about an opinion piece about global warming or the new IPCC report, and again-those are the kids we identify."

Poyser added students on the Youth Environmental Press Team not only receive a broader audience for their content, but also take away collaborative experience from working in a real newsroom. >> READ HERE

WFYI // May 10, 2023 // REBECCA THIELE

Nearly a dozen groups ask Holcomb to veto legislation on state coal ash rules

Groups concerned about coal ash pollution are asking the governor to veto a bill that wouldn’t let Indiana set stricter coal ash rules than federal ones. Eleven groups signed on to a letter to Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday — including Just Transition Northwest Indiana, Confront the Climate Crisis and League of Women Voters.

The waste leftover from burning coal can have toxic heavy metals like mercury, cadmium and arsenic – which can get into the groundwater and pollute local drinking water sources.

Among other things, the groups worry the bill could prevent the Indiana Department of Environmental Management from doing what’s best to handle toxic coal ash in the state.

IDEM is in the middle of creating a state permitting program for coal ash based on a law passed two years ago. The Hoosier Environmental Council said because the federal government hasn’t finalized guidelines for state programs like this, the bill could call into question anything Indiana has done to regulate coal ash that isn’t spelled out in federal rules.

Holcomb has until May 8 to sign, veto or let the bill become law without his signature. >>READ HERE

Towen Post Network // March 22, 2023 // Ryan Gabbert

Fighting the good fight for climate change

For many Hoosiers, climate change is just a buzzword they hear commentators on TV throw back and forth at one another. For the people at Earth Charter Indiana, it has a much more tangible meaning.

For them, climate change and its impending repercussions are at the forefront of their mind and something they work tirelessly to combat.

Earth Charter Indiana (ECI) was founded in 2001 by John Gibson and Jerry King. It was modeled after the Earth Charter declaration at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, in 2000, and its mission is clear.

On the front page of its website, it says: “Our focus is on intergenerational action and education in the face of our climate crisis, what we can do to mitigate the crisis and how we can adapt with dignity and resilience.”

Education about this issue is a crucial first step but by itself is not enough. This crisis is not someone else’s problem, nor is it going to get solved on its own. Indiana consistently ranks in the top 10 carbon-emitting states, which contributes to the U.S. being one of the largest carbon emitters in the world.

ECI knows just how important decisive action is in the face of this problem and is a firm believer that solutions are possible but only through cooperation and localized initiatives.

Shannon Anderson has been with ECI since 2015 as their director of advocacy. With a background in biology and in politics, she has a clear perspective on the full scope of the problem.

“It is really easy to overlook Indiana’s importance and significance when you look at the whole world, but everybody needs to understand that you are not responsible for what a country on the other side of the world is doing necessarily, but you are responsible for where you live and your community. That is where you matter and that is where you have connections and that is where your skills translate the best. If you can do it here you can do it anywhere,” Shannon Anderson says. >>READ MORE

Indiana Environmental Reporter // January 30, 2023 // Beth Edwards

Act Now for Climate Change Legislation

Concerned with the lack of sensible climate change legislation and action in Indiana, young people from across the state will hold a press conference and climate action rally Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Indiana Statehouse to bring awareness to these issues.

“Act Now!” co-hosted by Confront the Climate Crisis and state Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), will discuss the environmental issues facing the state, along with possible solutions including SB 335. This bill would establish a task force that would review issues related to sustainable and clean energy solutions. A hearing was just granted for this bill, but a date hasn’t been set.

Members of Confront the Climate Crisis at the State House in 2022.

A group of bipartisan legislators, advocacy groups and youth leaders will speak about the importance of enacting climate solutions for Hoosiers.

The Confront the Climate Crisis youth will advocate for pieces of legislation that expand access to community solar initiatives, clean energy and economic development projects, conserve wetlands and forests and establish a task force that will work toward a statewide climate action plan.

Confront the Climate Crisis was formed in 2020 and is a grassroots, statewide, youth-lead group that has been achieving climate action solutions in Indiana. It engages with students from communities across the state to educate them on climate literacy and resilience projects, and plans events to educate communities, such as climate strikes and intersectional events.

The group focuses on bringing youth to the forefront of state politics to create change needed to protect Indiana’s future.

This is the second legislative session during which Confront the Climate Crisis has advocated for environmental legislation. Last year, it worked with Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) on Senate Bill 255, but the bill didn’t receive a hearing from the Committee on Environmental Affairs. Even though their efforts weren’t successful, the members became even more galvanized to continue their advocacy, and their work attracted more young people to the organization.

Members of Confront the Climate Crisis at the 2022 Indiana Climate Policy Conference in September.

“In the 2022 Legislative Session, we saw youth engagement at the Indiana Statehouse that we have never seen before,” said Rahual Durai a high school student from West Lafayette and co-executive director of Confront the Climate Crisis. “The fact that this energy did not stop — the fact that we have continued to see Hoosier youth push their schools, cities, state officials and federal officials on the issue of climate change — makes me optimistic that we will see some bipartisan action in the Legislature.”

Plans for this legislative session began in September 2022. Confront the Climate Crisis and climate justice nonprofit Earth Charter Indiana organized the Indiana Climate Policy Conference in Indianapolis.

Ashlyn Walker, a high school student from West Lafayette and co-executive director of Confront the Climate Crisis, said more than 125 people, including lobbyists, legislators, scientists and dozens of high school students attended the conference to discuss potential climate solutions for Indiana related to energy, industrial emissions, buildings, agriculture, transportation and forest conservation..

Members of Confront the Climate Crisis at the 2022 Indiana Climate Policy Conference in September.

“This groundwork of bringing people together and developing meaningful policy ideas makes me feel excited and ready to advocate for climate action in the 2023 Legislative Session,” Walker said.

Confront the Climate Crisis members will be joined by many other advocacy groups Feb. 1, including Earth Charter Indiana and Just Transition Northwest Indiana. The rally will take place in the Fourth Floor’s North Atrium at the Indiana Statehouse. >> READ HERE

WVPE News // January 20, 2023 // REbecca Thiele

Lawmakers want a solar panel, wind turbine recycling study and a Statehouse energy audit

Everyone was in agreement on two environmental bills that passed out of a state Senate committee on Thursday. One would require an energy audit of the Statehouse. Another requests a study on solar panel and wind turbine recycling. Both passed unanimously and no one spoke in opposition.

The U.S. hasn’t found a cost-effective way to recycle solar panels and wind turbines yet. And that could mean a lot of waste in the next 20 to 30 years as the less efficient ones operating today reach the end of their useful life.

The bill would direct the state Department of Environmental Management and the Utility Regulatory Commission to study the issue and a potential state program to manage it. The bill’s author, Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus), said the U.S. and Indiana need to get ahead of this.

“We have concerns about the environment, concerns about industrial waste and we tend to only deal with them once we have a significant problem," he said.

Members of the Association of Indiana Solid Waste Management Districts, the Hoosier Environmental Council, and the Citizens Action Coalition all expressed support for the bill.

Another bill that passed the committee would require the state to hire a company to do an energy audit of the Indiana Statehouse. The bill’s author, Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington), said a lot of local communities are looking at how they can reduce the amount of heat and electricity they use.

“I count 30 light fixtures just in our office area in the Senate and what my question is are we looking at ourselves as leaders in this and considering if we are operating this building and our government center next door in the most efficient manner possible," he said.

If lawmakers decide to fix things like leaky windows as a result of the audit, it could save taxpayers money.

The Hoosier Environmental Council and Citizens Action Coalition also expressed support for the energy audit bill as did Earth Charter Indiana. The Indiana Department of Administration — which would be tasked with finding a company to perform the audit — remains neutral on the bill. >>READ HERE

NWI Times // Oct 29, 2022 // Molly Devore

Highland residents ask town council to create a sustainability commission

HIGHLAND — When David and Sarah Masciotra moved to Highland 10 years ago, they were attracted by the town's trails, the Heron Rookery and the walkable downtown.

Now he and other Highland residents want to ensure that the town's natural resources will be protected for generations to come.

“There’s often a misperception that there’s a conflict between economic vitality and environmentalism," Masciotra said during an Oct. 24 town council meeting. He and Sarah are "living proof that they often work in tandem because conservation, natural beauty and sustainability are highly appealing to young people, young families and retirees looking to relocate."

Masciotra was one of 12 people who spoke in favor of creating a town sustainability commission during the public comment session. The group Highland Neighbors for Sustainability, formed in 2020, has drafted legislation for the commission's creation.

“We hope the council recognizes the value of a citizen-led sustainability commission to research and bring back suggested solutions on environmental topics,” Connie Wachala said.

The idea came out of the recent greenhouse gas inventory completed through the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Cohort. In 2021, Earth Charter Indiana, NWI Region Resilience and the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), banded together and joined the cohort. 

The team was able to get funding for six climate fellows to conduct greenhouse-gas inventories for Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties as well as for Cedar Lake, Chesterton, East Chicago, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, the city of LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster, Schererville and Valparaiso.

The project was later extended, so they were able to inventory Hammond and Portage too. 

Industry accounted for the bulk of the Region's overall emissions, but residential emissions were the biggest slice of the pie in Cedar Lake, Chesterton, Hobart, Lake Station, Schererville and Highland.

In Year 2 of the Environmental Resilience Cohort, participants create a Climate Action Plan. Because every community in the Region is so unique, NIRPC, NWI Region Resilience and Earth Charter are creating a climate action plan that features a menu of options. Municipalities can select the options that are most applicable.

Because members of city and town councils often have outside jobs and are "so involved in the day-to-day nitty gritty of trying to run a city or town," Wachala said, it might be hard to actually enact the climate action plans without a dedicated commission. >>READ MORE

Indiana Environmental Reporter // Oct 18, 2022 // Timberly Ferree

12 organizations and individuals honored for environmental efforts at Greening the Statehouse event

A dozen organizations and individuals from across the state and in the region have recently been recognized for their environmental advocacy and stewardship at the Hoosier Environmental Council’s 15th annual Greening the Statehouse event according to the HEC news release.

Awardees:

Earth Charter Indiana, a statewide climate justice organization, was recognized as Organization of the Year. This organization creates solutions to the climate crisis by working with youth and bringing their voices into the public policy domain to advance resiliency. Among ECI’s activities is an annual Climate Leadership Summit convening citizens and local government officials to discuss programs and policies in response to climate change. Another key initiative is The Thriving Schools Challenge, a K-12 green schools' program with an emphasis on civic engagement and circular economy. ECI also hosts Resiliency Coordinators in 12 Indiana cities, focused on advancing local climate-related projects.

Katy Rogers, local/organic food advocate, was honored with the Sustainable Agriculture Champion of the Year award. She is a grower, an Indiana native and manager of Teter Organic Farm in Noblesville. The farm’s mission is to increase food security, provide ecological education, and build community. As a child, Rogers witnessed up close the loss of small family farms at the expense of people and the environment. She studied agriculture at Purdue University, and then earned a political science degree from Indiana University that led her to work in the communications and campaign management fields while maintaining her passion for food justice. In 2011, she began her own farm and her first Community Supported Agriculture program, which led to advocacy work for the hungry.

Canoe Country, a river outfitter in Delaware County on the West Fork of the White River, was given an award for Distinguished Service to Indiana’s environmental community. Canoe Country offers float trips, by canoe, kayak or tube, on a stretch of the White River that includes Mounds State Park. Owner Robbie Mixell purchased an existing canoe rental business in 2006 and continues to operate Canoe Country just across the river from Daleville’s Shellabarger Park. Besides hosting seven annual Rides for the Mounds, HEC’s bicycle outing highlighting the importance of protecting the White River valley, Mixell has outfitted numerous float trips to encourage community leaders to experience the river.

Ducks Unlimited Indiana, a non-profit that conserves wetlands for wildlife and people, has been named the Wetlands Steward of the Year. This year, Ducks Unlimited Indiana announced an initiative to help farmers plant 75,000 acres of cover crops in Indiana and Michigan that will improve soil health and reduce sediment running into Indiana waterways. Over the years, its conservation program has restored or enhanced almost 33,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent habitat. In the last two years, the organization increased its focus on wetland policy in Indiana, including significant engagement on the 2021 anti-wetlands bill at the Indiana statehouse.

Environmental Law and Policy Center, a public interest environmental legal advocacy organization, was named Legal Advocate of the Year. ELPC leads strategic environmental advocacy campaigns to protect natural resources, including the Great Lakes, and improve environmental quality across the region through legal strategy, economic analysis, public policy advocacy and research, and communications tools. Most recently, ELPC represented HEC in a successful legal action against a Lake Michigan polluter. The consent decree that resolved the case included a $3 million civil penalty, substantial new pollution control improvements at the Cleveland Cliffs Burns Harbor plant, increased water monitoring, and donation of 127 acres of open space that will eventually become part of Indiana Dunes National Park. >>READ MORE

NWI Times // Oct 16, 2022 // Molly DeVore

Region resilience: Greenhouse gas inventory illustrates industry's impact on NWI, works to engage local communities in solution

Driving through Northwest Indiana — past the industry-laden shorelines and along the heavily trafficked highways — it's clear the Region produces a large amount of greenhouse gas. However, addressing the issue has been difficult as there was no clear dataset outlining exact emissions — until now. 

In 2021, Earth Charter Indiana, NWI Region Resilience and the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission, or NIRPC, banded together and joined the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Cohort. Every year, the institute helps a cohort of Indiana communities create a greenhouse gas inventory. The next year, cohort participants use the emission data to craft a climate action plan. 

Inspired by Gary and Michigan City's participation in the 2019 cohort, the three groups envisioned a regional inventory, encompassing Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties.

The team was able to get funding for six climate fellows to conduct inventories for all three counties as well as Cedar Lake, Chesterton, East Chicago, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, the City of LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster, Schererville and Valparaiso. The project was later extended, and they were able to inventory Hammond and Portage as well.

The project was Indiana's first regional greenhouse gas inventory, NIRPC Director of Environmental Programs Kathy Luther said. 

“We’re a complicated region,” Luther said, adding that the areas' heavy industry made it "hard for the Indiana University folks to really understand what Northwest Indiana looks like.”

Using data from 2017, the team found that 83.5% of the Region's greenhouse gas emissions came from industry, and the next highest is transportation with 12.2%. 

The data also shows Lake County accounted for the majority of the emissions with 34,706,179 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, or MTCO2e. In comparison, the City of Chicago, which has a population five times larger than Lake County, produced 31,035,000 MTCO2e in 2017. 

In 2016 Indianapolis, which has 324,440 more residents than Lake County, produced 14,630,253 MTCO2e. Gary, which has a population that is about one-tenth the size of Indianapolis, produced 12,555,294 MTCO2e in 2017. >>READ MORE

Contact: Ben Inskeep, Citizens Action Coalition, 317-735-7741, binskeep@citact.org
Zach Schalk, Solar United Neighbors, 317-268-2099, zach@solarunitedneighbors.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2022

State Legislature Limits Growth of Indiana Solar Energy

Indianapolis, IN— As the Independence Day weekend approaches, Hoosiers will have less freedom to lower their outrageous energy bills. Effective July 1, Hoosiers who pay an electric bill to one of the five Indiana investor-owned utilities—Duke Energy Indiana, Indiana Michigan Power, NIPSCO, CenterPoint (formerly known as Vectren), or AES Indiana (formerly known as Indianapolis Power & Light)—will no longer be allowed to participate in a longstanding policy known as net metering when they install rooftop solar or another type of distributed generation system.

A broad coalition of solar developers and installers, and consumer, environmental, and solar advocates are joining together to condemn this major policy change by the state legislature, which will result in diminishing Hoosiers’ rights to energy freedom by using solar energy to reduce skyrocketing electric bills.

This shortsighted and unsubstantiated change in public policy was instituted at the behest of Indiana’s monopoly utilities via Senate Enrolled Act 309 (SEA309), which was passed by the Indiana General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2017.

“Instead of empowering Hoosier homeowners and Indiana-grown small businesses with the ability to manage their energy destiny by harnessing homemade energy, Indiana is taking a huge step backward by allowing net metering to expire,” said Zach Schalk, Indiana Program Director for Solar United Neighbors. “Rooftop solar is a powerful tool to enhance the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid. It makes no sense to eliminate net metering as grid operators are warning of electric capacity shortfalls and the threat of rolling blackouts.”

Net metering is a fair and simple way to credit solar owners for the electricity they generate but don’t use themselves. Instead, the solar owner earns a bill credit for energy shared with their neighbors on the electric grid valued at the same rate as electricity purchased from the utility - an even 1:1 swap. As a result of SEA309, Indiana’s investor-owned utilities will replace net metering with an arbitrarily designed Excess Distributed Generation (EDG) policy that credits new solar customers at a dramatically lower rate for the extra electricity they generate and share with their neighbors.

Further compounding the unjustifiably low EDG rate is the dispute over how the EDG credits are calculated on customer bills. The monopoly utilities refer to the desired change in calculating credits as ‘instantaneous netting’, instead of ‘monthly netting’ under existing law.

“It’s more appropriate to refer to this new methodology as no-netting,” said Ben Inskeep, Program Director at Citizens Action Coalition. “No-netting is a back-handed scheme designed by the investor-owned monopolies to obstruct Hoosier consumers who are trying to free themselves from monopoly control and their confiscatory and exorbitant energy prices.”

Although no-netting was neither authorized by SEA 309 nor is allowed within existing administrative rules, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved the no-netting methodology. The IURC approval of no-netting was reversed by the Indiana Court of Appeals (COA) after multiple groups, led by the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), appealed the IURC final order in the first EDG case filed by CenterPoint Energy.

Court recently accepted transfer of the CenterPoint EDG case, thereby vacating the COA decision rejecting no-netting. The Indiana Supreme Court has scheduled the case for oral arguments on Sept. 15 at 9 am.

The combination of the end of net metering and the potential change in how credits will be measured would make rooftop solar uneconomic for most Hoosier families, churches, businesses, schools, and government buildings.

“We understand that state legislators wanted to change how solar customers were credited for excess electricity put back on the grid,” said Laura Ann Arnold, President of Indiana Distributed Energy Alliance (IndianaDG). “But this rewriting of Indiana statute by the IURC was an egregious decision which will decimate the nascent Indiana rooftop solar industry by discouraging Hoosier ratepayers who want to install solar to reduce their electric bills.”

These policy changes undermine the very solutions Hoosiers desperately need and want deployed today. Rooftop solar, along with other clean, distributed energy generation technologies and end-use energy efficiency, are critical solutions for lowering the cost of power, addressing the climate crisis, and keeping the lights on for all Hoosiers.

Carmel Green Initiative, Citizens Action Coalition (CAC), Climate Reality Central Indiana Chapter, Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy (DAACE), Earth Charter Indiana, Elders Climate Action Heartland Chapter, Energy Matters Community Coalition Inc, Faith in Place, Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC), Indiana Distributed Energy Alliance (IndianaDG), Sierra Club Beyond Coal, Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, Solar United Neighbors (SUN), Solarize Indiana, and Valley Watch call on Indiana utilities to stop this attack on solar and urge Indiana policymakers to take immediate action defending Hoosier energy freedom by restoring fair compensation for customer-owned solar generation.

IndyStar // Apr 27 2022

Indianapolis pediatrician working to boost sustainability, food safety in school cafeterias

INDIANAPOLIS – Dr. Manasa Mantravadi wants Indianapolis to be the unexpected hero of environmental stewardship and public health. The local pediatrician formed a new business in 2018, Ahimsa, which sells colorful stainless-steel dinnerware for children and announced hopes last week to expand the product into school cafeterias.

“This is a dream come true for me,” she said. “As a pediatrician I keep people healthy and prevent them from getting sick. The chemicals in plastic are harmful for both the planet and human health.” Ahimsa is an extension of her pediatric practice, Mantravadi said, because people and the planet are connected.

Mantravadi brought local groups together on Earth Day at The Orchard School to kick off potential partnerships and get everyone on the same page.

Third graders at the school showed off their salsa verde recipe made from fresh produce grown at the school, the Patachou Foundation demonstrated culinary expertise using and identifying different parts of vegetables into cohesive dishes, and Earth Charter Indiana told visitors about Zero Waste Cafeterias.

Bringing these organizations together, along with private companies, is the main drive for Matravadi as she launches Ahimsa into local school systems. She hopes the effort gains momentum, but understands schools need funding. That's where the private sector stepping up will help. >>Read MORE

Tribune-star // april 22 2022 // davide kronke

earthlings march for climate justice

EARTHlings — short for Environmental Activists for a Resilient Terre Haute — celebrated the 52nd annual Earth Day by sponsoring a march for climate justice Friday afternoon, proceeding from the Vigo County Public Library to the courthouse and back, with speakers issuing proclamations at the courthouse.

Previously, the group, which was begun two years ago by a group of school friends, had teamed up with Todd Nation of the Terre Haute City Council to create a resolution forming a Sustainability Commission. The resolution was passed last August. Nation participated in the march Friday and spoke at the courthouse along with some teen members of EARTHlings.

Mayor Duke Bennett issued a proclamation observing Earth Day in Terre Haute and announced that Caleb Williams of the city’s Department of Engineering had been named sustainability coordinator.

“Caleb wants to be a part of that,” Bennett said in an interview. “So we’re going to start with ourselves and look at what we can do as a city to make a difference and set an example for others.”

Diarmuid Corcoran, one of the founding members of EARTHlings, was appropriately enough celebrating his birthday on Earth Day. He said the march was the largest climate demonstration in Terre Haute’s history.

“Basically, our march is serving to get the community involved in our work as a climate activist group,” he said. “It’s also to spread awareness if we meet new people as we’re marching.”

Corcoran said that the 19-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg was an important influence on the EARTHlings.

“She started the Fridays for Future movement, which we have participated in pretty much every Friday,” Corcoran said. “She inspires each and every one of us. She’s an amazing force.” >>READ MORE

WTHR // Feb 10 2022

Thriving Schools Challenge expands outside of Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Thriving Schools Challenge is now expanding across the state.

Earth Charter Indiana first brought the program to dozens of schools across Indianapolis as part of an effort to help schools go green. It's paid for through a federal grant awarded to Earth Charter Indiana last year. This year's Selected schools include one outside of Indy: Danville Middle School. It will get $5,000 in funding to help with up to three new projects.

"It will help address food deserts in underserved communities. It will cultivate youth leadership and it will encourage and provide for school gardens year round," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. Student involvement in the program is mandatory. Earth Charter Indiana will start taking applications for its next round of schools May 1 through June 1. >>READ AND WATCH

IPB News // Jan 19 2022

CO2 storage bill would make Indiana liable for long-term risks

By Rebecca Thiele

A state House bill, HB 1209, would set up a permit program to allow companies that pollute to capture carbon emissions and store them underground. That could create opportunities for companies to offset their emissions and possibly receive federal funding from the Biden administration.

Right now, the state has only approved one company to store its emissions underground. But after nearly three years, the pilot project with Wabash Valley Resources LLC in Terre Haute still hasn’t moved forward.

Damian Bilbao is the vice president of U.S. business development for BP. He said the bill would allow other industries to invest in carbon capture and storage or CCS.

“So a large CCS project in northwest Indiana, we believe, could effectively reduce the emissions of the state on a net basis by twice the amount of the state capitol," he said.

Among other things, the bill would require companies to get permission from owners of 60 percent of the land area and compensate those who don’t consent. Those property owners wouldn’t be allowed to sue for punitive damages as long as the company complies with its permit.

Some environmental advocates say underground carbon storage has the potential to contaminate drinking water or cause earthquakes.

Most importantly, Shannon Anderson with Earth Charter Indiana said it doesn’t address emissions at the source. She said, when a pipe breaks in your home, you don’t grab a mop first — you turn off the water.

“Many proposed sequestration projects feel precisely like this — a mop when we need to stop significant emissions at the source. And I would be interested in taking up the issue of investing in CO2 pipelines and infrastructure if we’d even begun to have the conversation about primary emission reductions," Anderson said.

Companies would also have to pay into a trust fund that goes to the long-term monitoring and maintenance of the stored emissions. After a carbon storage facility is closed for 10 years, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources would take ownership of it — but the agency isn’t comfortable with that.

“Our concerns lie with the potential long-term liability associated with these projects and believe that the operators who enter this market should remain liable for potential damages that may occur post-injection," said Caitlin Smith, the DNR's legislative and public policy director.

Smith said the agency also doesn’t have the staff to vet carbon storage applications and would like to see how the state’s pilot project operates first.

Wabash Valley Resources said it needs legislation to protect it from nuisance lawsuits from property owners before the project can move forward. The bill HB 1249 would do just that. It's been re-introduced in the House this year. Both of bills passed out of committee on Tuesday.

Indiana Environmental Reporter // Nov 10 2021

Earth Charter Indiana Receives USDA Grant for Statewide Expansion of its Thriving Schools Challenge

by Timberly Ferree

Earth Charter Indiana has received a $225,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that will support expansion of its Thriving Schools Challenge with the development of gardens at K-12 schools throughout the state.

“This USDA gift is the single largest grant we have ever received at our now 20-year-old organization,” said Earth Charter Indiana executive director Jim Poyser in a press release. “COVID has exposed the weaknesses in our food system; our mission is to teach circular economy and self-reliance to Indiana students, as well as empower these students to be leaders — now, not later, when they grow up, but now. This grant will go a long way toward accomplishing those goals.”

This is the third year of the Indy Thriving Schools Challenge program, originally created in partnership with the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability to support a component of Indy’s THRIVE plan to establish sustainability and climate friendly actions throughout the city. This past school year, ECI took sole ownership of the program.

“I am honored and excited to bring Indiana schools into the forefront of sustainability initiatives,” said ITSC program director Tatjana Rebelle in the press release. “Our School Garden Liaison Program not only ensures communities have youth learning on how to grow food and our schools have access to fresh produce, but that our upcoming generation has the tools to advocate for themselves from the soil to the statehouse.”

This USDA grant will support the following: Contracting with farmer-consultants; piloting the School Garden Liaison initiative, the first inception of ECI’s new TSC Youth Leadership Development Program; and along with other support, assisting schools in waste and emissions reduction and the creation of climate focused curriculum for Indiana schools.

Given this increased capacity ECI will change the name of its Indy Thriving Schools program to Indiana Thriving Schools Challenge, to reflect its statewide aspirations.

https://www.indianaenvironmentalreporter.org/posts/earth-charter-indiana-receives-usda-grant-for-statewide-expansion-of-its-thriving-schools-challenge

MyWabashValley.com // Aug 6 2021

City officials and local activists partner to battle climate change in Terre Haute

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After a new resolution was approved by the Terre Haute City Council, the city will partner with a group of young environmental activists to combat climate change.

The resolution, drafted by the Environmental Activists For A Resilient Terre Haute, also known as the Earthlings, passed by a 7-1 vote. The group has various members with ages that range from 11- 17.

Now, data will soon be collected to determine local emission levels through a greenhouse gas inventory method. Once certain emission hot spots are detected, a resiliency plan will be created to combat them. Earthlings member, Ahan Bahattharyya, says this is one step towards securing a safer Terre Haute. “Climate change is our futures really. because were the ones who are going to have live into this world, its our kids, grandkids, and we want to leave the best world possible for them.” Bahattharyya said. “The time for action is now,”

Indiana State University will assist in determining local emission rates through a greenhouse gas inventory. Graduate Assistant Sustainability Coordinator with ISU, Ashley Baysinger said this method will help ensure accuracy. “Our hope with this inventory is just to determine our points of emissions so we can forward that and reduce those emissions for a greener Terre Haute,” Baysinger said.

The resolution also creates a sustainability commission compromised of various officials.

“The commission’s goal would be to create a resilient Terre Haute action plan. This plan would entail exactly how Terre Haute will battle climate specifically from city government.” Bahattharyya said City Councilman Todd Nation voted in favor of this resolution. He adds it aligns with the city’s goal of continuous growth. “The economy and public health, those are two areas of impact we need to be aware of. We need to be working on and we need to be planning on how to do better,” Nation said.

A suitability coordinator position will also be created, but it is yet to be determined if someone will be appointed or hired. City officials will determine the qualifications needed and salary at a later date. The goal is to have a sustainability commission created by early 2022. >>READ AT

Richmond Palladium-Item // May 6 2021

Students encourage Richmond Common Council to act now on climate issues

by Mike Emery

RICHMOND, Ind. — Richmond Common Council members applauded for students supporting a climate-related resolution Monday night.

Youth Climate Action Team members, however, hope councilors provide even more affirmation by passing the six-point resolution with overall goals of reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, boosting renewable energy use and creating a climate change resilient city.

"They were awesome — so confident, so poised and they knew what they wanted," said Alison Zajdel, who has worked with the students. "They did a great job. I'm really, really proud of them."

Earlham College students began the resolution project 18 months ago, then the younger students began in February meeting weekly with Zajdel, who is a resiliency coordinator for Earth Charter Indiana and a member of the Richmond Environmental Commission. They analyzed and refined the Earlham students' work, spoke individually with council members, then presented in front of council during Monday's meeting. >>READ MORE

WTHI-TV10 // Jan 6 2021

Young voices are working to expand climate education in the Wabash Valley

by Anissa Claiborne

TERRE HAUTE, Ind (WTHI) -- They might be small, but their mission is mighty! A group of young voices here in Terre Haute is working to change their community, one step at a time.

"We just really hope that the community knows how big of a problem climate change really is, and I hope they step forward to take charge," said Ayush Bhattacharyya.

Bhattacharyya is a 6th grader in the Vigo County School Corporation. He's also a member of the youth group, EARTHlings.
Its acronym stands for Environmental Activists for a Resilient Terre Haute. The group is sponsored and supported by Earth Charter Indiana. Their mission is to empower and unite the community to shape a sustainable future by passing a Climate Resolution. They range from 4th graders to seniors in High School. To spread awareness, they want to get more climate education into the Vigo County school curriculum. >>READ MORE

Indiana Environmental Reporter // Jan 4 2021

Students, staff practice living sustainably, discuss importance of environmental movement

by Marissa Ryan and Kris Otten

In a school of over 5,000 students, there are bound to be different talents, terms of expression and passions, but not many can say their passion surrounds the environment like sophomore Maanya Rajesh, leader of Green Action Club at Carmel High School.

“I started off in seventh grade learning about the dairy industry and the impacts that had on the environment,” Rajesh said. “I started doing a lot of research and came across veganism, which started my path towards environmental activism. I read a lot of blogs about the importance of our environment.”

Rajesh said she created Green Action Club this year because she is really passionate about the environment and what her school could do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bring awareness.

Rajesh is not alone in this devotion to creating a sustainable environment. Junior Kai Tomcho, a member of Green Action Club, also does his best to live sustainably and encourages his friends to do so as well. >>READ MORE

Indiana Environmental Reporter // Dec 3 2020

IER, Earth Charter Indiana launch Youth Environmental Press Team

BY BETH EDWARDS

Young people of today will face unprecedented fallout from the climate crisis, encountering environmental health and safety threats that generations before them had not had to address. With those concerns in mind, Indiana Environmental Reporter and Earth Charter Indiana have partnered to create the Youth Environmental Press Team.

The team will gather the best Indiana high school journalism on environmental challenges and solutions. These stories will be published on the IER website, allowing statewide exposure for young journalists and a platform to share young people’s thoughts on these issues. >>READ MORE

Indiana Environmental Reporter // Nov 17 2020

Indianapolis Thriving Schools Challenge now accepting fall applications

By Timberly Ferree

Is your Indianapolis school looking to reduce its carbon footprint, create a sustainability curriculum or implement a composting program? If so, fall applications for the Indianapolis Thriving Schools Challenge are now being accepted through Nov. 20.

The Indianapolis Thriving Schools Challenge is a green schools certification program for Marion County K-12 schools.

“The ITSC is a way to celebrate schools that are doing the work to move us towards a more sustainable world. This program creates support and helps solidify schools as the community hubs they are,” explained Tatjana Rebelle, who serves as the program’s resilient schools coordinator. >>READ MORE

Indiana Environmental Reporter // Sept 1 2020

Local Indiana Leaders, Residents Discuss Climate Change Strategies at Virtual Conference

By Enrique Saenz

Municipal leaders and concerned residents from around Indiana met virtually to learn how climate change is affecting the state and what can be done to lessen future damage from related factors such as higher temperatures and increased rainfall.

Earth Charter Indiana, a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote and advance sustainability, hosted the Climate Leadership Summit Aug. 27.The summit was planned to be held in Evansville, but was moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A series of workshops during the conference taught attendees about how man-made climate change has altered life in Indiana over the last hundred years and the strategies communities can take to minimize effects that are expected to worsen in coming decades.

Scientists from Purdue University’s Climate Change Research Center explained how, despite a perception that climate change is solely a problem that is far away in both distance and time, climate change has demonstrably impacted the state’s weather.

“We can’t ignore the significance and relevance that climate change has in our own backyard,” said Melissa Widhalm, operations manager for the Purdue Climate Change Research Center. “Climate change is not just a problem for faraway places at distant points in the future. It’s not just a problem for our granddaughters. It’s a problem for us.” >>>Read More

NUVO // AUG 27 2020

The climate is in crisis and they are not waiting: an interview with Vernice Riego and Ella Comerford-Barnett

This series of interviews is all about celebrating the inspiring and innovative work being done by environmental leaders throughout Indiana. The work is diverse and varied, but I have never felt more inspired and hopeful than hearing from these two exceptional leaders — Vernice Riego and Ella Comerford-Barnett. Introduced to me by Jim Poyser, executive director of Earth Charter Indiana, Riego and Comerford-Barnett are bright, passionate, and busy fixing the mess they have inherited from past generations’ treatment of the environment defined by ignorance, denial, and now appalling inaction. Riego and Comerford-Barnett’s work embodies several tactics for change — from school organizing, to traditional advocacy. Whatever the means, the climate is in crisis, and they are not waiting.

New Albany News and Tribune // Aug 27 2020

Gahan to Attend Climate Summit

NEW ALBANY — Mayor Jeff Gahan has announced he will attend the Thursday, Aug. 27 Climate Leadership Summit. According to a news release, the event is a one-day virtual summit “designed to help Indiana mayors and leaders prepare for the changing climate.” The summit is slated to include presentations from Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute and Purdue University’s Climate Change Research Center.

“It’s time for New Albany to become more active on this issue,” Gahan said in the news release. “Protecting the environment for future generations has always been important to me. Climate change is a pressing issue that requires action and planning now.” >>Read More

Indiana Environmental Reporter // Aug 12, 2020

Student and Community Groups Call on Purdue University to Join Local Climate Efforts

A diverse coalition of more than 70 student and community organizations has sent a letter to Purdue University President Mitch Daniels, asking the former Indiana governor to commit the school to join local efforts to address climate change. The letter asks Daniels to commit the school to carbon neutrality by 2030 and to pursue other goals that would reduce the university’s climate change impact to the school’s home city, West Lafayette. >>Read More

Indy Star // April 22, 2020

Hoosier youths join climate strikers globally on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day

Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a day that in the past has been paired with climate change protests across the country. However, this year the spread of the novel coronavirus required activists to stay at home and shelter in place — so instead, they protested online. 

Across the country and the world Wednesday, people took to social media to participate in climate advocacy, and Hoosiers were no different. Organizers at the Indiana Climate Coalition, a newly formed environmental activist group, set up a digital strike to advocate for climate-centered policy.

It wasn’t originally what the group planned to do this month, said Claire Kaneshiro, a co-organizer of the event, but it was an opportunity to bring others into the fold who might not have been able to physically attend a protest. 

WISHTV // JAN 28, 2020

Youths gather at Indiana Statehouse for climate action

On Tuesday, another rally came to the Statehouse.

In the first Youth Climate Action Day, students from local schools got to voice their concerns. They also heard from state Rep. Carey Hamilton, an Indianapolis Democrat who delivered a climate action resolution. She is in the minority party in the House.

Hamilton said, “The majority party at the moment is not taking action moving forward, but I am an elected official. I have a voice. I want to use that voice and bring in young people to have a conversation, really start the conversation at the Statehouse about what we can do to move forward.”

Purdue Climate change research center // June 2019

stories of change: youth and Climate

Indiana Daily Student // June 13 2019

City council passes harassment amendment, new resolution created by students

BY CLAIRE PETERS 

Wtiu public television // April 24, 2019

indiana matters: environmental change

bruce kopp

The majority of people in Indiana believe in environmental change, but there are still many skeptics. Indiana Matters has an in-depth discussion with experts from across the state on the effects of environmental change already taking place and what could possibly happen in the future.

goshen news // April 23, 2019

Council unanimously passes environmental action resolution

Aimee ambrose

By a unanimous vote, and before a packed house, the Goshen City Council took a bold step toward a greener future. The council passed a resolution during Tuesday’s meeting that states an intent to be more environmentally conscious and sets goals to achieve that standard. The 6–0 vote followed approximately an hour and 15 minutes of discussion by residents, adults and teens alike, who overwhelmingly voiced support for the resolution. The crowd at the meeting was standing-room only, with the audience ranging from a large amount of teens and college students to adult residents. The proposal calls for the city government to reduce carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy, and build up the city’s resiliency to climate change. Outlined goals include achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, penning an emissions management plan, increasing the city’s tree canopy to 45 percent by 2045, pursue greenhouse gas assessment and storm water management programs, implement a climate action plan by 2021 and create a new city office of sustainability, the document shows. “I am going to work hard to make sure that we do all that we can to achieve the goals that are in here,” said Mayor Jeremy Stutsman. “We lose nothing by trying, and we lose everything by not doing anything.”

WFYI // jan 15 2019

Courage, Brains and Muscle: Our Environmental Champions

By judy o’bannon

Former First Lady Judy O’Bannon travels the state in search of environmental champions, discovering creative individuals who are successfully improving sustainability and reducing pollution in Indiana.

NUVO // Jan 2 2019

Professor Animalia’s Struggling Species

by dan grossman

The monarch butterfly population in California, according to a survey conducted in late 2018, was down 86 percent in the Western U.S. compared to the previous year. The monarch, it so happens, is just one of the subjects of an upcoming art exhibition at the Harrison Center opening Jan. 4. 

Professor Animalia’s Menagerie of Struggling Species features circus-style sideshow banners, one of which portrays a monarch butterfly bicycling on a high wire. Another features a honeybee being shot out of a cannon.

indy star // Dec 23 2018

‘now it’s on us to fix’: fearing for their future,

hoosier kids are taking control

by emily hopkins

Too young to vote and not even in high school, Julianna Espinoza has already pushed policy at the city of Indianapolis.

At 10 years old, she stood in front of the city's public works committee in February 2017 and told them about her dream of becoming a nature photographer. 

"And that's the problem," she told the committee. "We don't know if there's going to be any nature at all."

Espinoza and her peers are part of a global trend of young people who are speaking out about climate change and its catastrophic effects in the face of what they view as negligent indifference from world leaders.

Journal & Courier // Dec 4 2018

30 to watch: Iris O'Donnell Bellisario strives to reduce

community's carbon footprint

By Ron Wilkins

WFYI // Aug 2 2018

‘Curious Mix’ segment on climate camp

By Carter Barrett

[Barrett’s story about ECI’s summer Climate Camp begins at the 39 minute mark]

Indianapolis Monthly // april 2017

Change the City: Plan Bee

by Kate Franzman

A little over five years ago, Bee Public started out as an idea rolling around in my head, which soon ripened to obsession. Bees pollinate a third of our food and have been dying at an alarming rate for more than 10 years. I saw dozens of chicken coops popping up all over town, but where were the beehives? Bee Girl to the rescue, I thought. I ignored well-meaning friends who told me to spend the winter writing a business plan—the textbook first step. Without putting pen to paper or gaining 501(c)3 status, I got swept up in what’s known in the cause world as “doing the work.” Before I’d kept a single hive, I found myself passionately describing pollination to a crowd at Dig IN, desperate to be a voice for the tiny insects. Then I started a few hives and taught beekeeping classes. The project grew seemingly overnight when I teamed with Earth Charter Indiana and the Arts Council to apply for a SustainIndy grant in 2015. We would merge what we had each been doing—honeybees, youth education, and art—to create Save the Bees Indiana. The city liked our idea and gave us $10,000 to offer talks, place beehives at schools, and help pass pro-bee legislation. I spent the next year buzzing around town, talking to more than 2,000 kids. In 2016, Mayor Joe Hogsett proclaimed Indy a bee-friendly city and did the bee-waggle dance with dozens of third- and fourth-graders. Then we teamed up with City-County Councilor Zach Adamson to pass a pro-pollinator resolution, making Indy, at the time, one of only 25 localities in the country to do so.

NUVO Newsweekly // May 14 2014

The world's first climate change game show