Climate Resilience is Possible: Assessing Hoosier Communities’ Climate Preparedness

Abstract

The Hoosier Resilience Index Readiness Assessment was developed by Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI). The tool helps local governments understand the gravity of climate change, that adaptation and mitigation are important, and that preparedness is necessary, feasible, and unique to each community. In summer 2020, ERI – together with the Indiana Political Analysis Workshop (IPAW) -- worked with six undergraduate research assistants to administer the HRI to communities throughout Indiana. The project found that 1) communities want to be resilient, 2) climate change does not care about Hoosiers' political attitudes, and 3) climate resilience depends on risk and resources - not jut politics.