IU responds to climate change challenges

As world leaders gather in Scotland to focus on climate change, Indiana University is taking part in the conversation and finding solutions to make the future brighter for all of us.

Jessica Davis, director of IUPUI Sustainability, will be speaking at Vision 2045, a conference held in Edinburgh, Scotland, coinciding with the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow. IUPUI is the only higher education institution invited to present at Vision 2045.

IUPUI is ranked second in the nation and 28th in the world in 2021 Impact Rankings for sustainability, which are based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. IUPUI's reputation for its culture of sustainability will set an example on a global scale when Jessica shares our story alongside 50 other climate leaders, including officials from the U.N.

IU will also join the international conversation on climate change when 13 students enrolled in an International Climate Governance course at IU Bloomington attend the U.N. Climate Change Conference, known as COP26. IU is one of the few universities worldwide to allow students to observe, thanks to associate professor Jessica O'Reilly from the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies.

On our campuses throughout the Hoosier state, it is evident that IU is committed to sustainability and making the world a better place. Our IU faculty, staff and students have joined in the international effort to respond to this global crisis by:

• Confronting environmental change head on and strengthening the state's health and economy through the work of our Environmental Resilience Institute.
• Training students as climate fellows through Sustain IU, giving them real-world experiences that assist Indiana businesses, nonprofits and municipalities with climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Making our campuses greener by incorporating sustainability principles as we develop and renovate buildings.
  

As our world faces the challenge of climate change, it is heartening to see Indiana University actively finding solutions, leading conversations, and engaging the community locally and internationally on this issue.

Pamela Whitten

President
Indiana University