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The first-ever Indiana Climate Change study reveals that 80 percent of Hoosiers believe climate change is happening, and nearly as many believe it will negatively impact the state’s economy.

IU McKinney Law Professor of Practice Janet McCabe discussed these findings and more from the first-ever Climate Change Study, a new statewide survey commissioned as part of the Indiana University Prepared for Environmental Change Grand Challenge initiative in a new interview for Inside Indiana Business.

The statewide survey of Hoosiers also found that 77 percent believe climate change will negatively impact Indiana economy, and 75 percent support policies aimed at addressing climate change. “That might be surprising to some people,” Professor McCabe said.

Although about 30 percent of Hoosiers think there is debate among scientists about whether or not climate change is happening, “there really isn’t, including among the scientists in Indiana,” Professor McCabe said.

The survey also revealed that 64 percent agree hotter summers threaten Indiana farmers, and two out of three residents agree increased flooding poses a threat to Indiana communities. Those observations are in line with the key climate-related changes already occurring in Indiana, where extreme weather has already cost the state $6 billion since 2011, Professor McCabe said. 

A team of more than 120 researchers funded by IU's Prepared for Environmental Change Grand Challenge initiative -- including 11 Environmental Resilience Institute fellows -- are working to predict the short- and long-term impact of climate change, identifying best practices for adaptation, and equipping policymakers and civic leaders with the information they need to make smart, effective decisions. Tools such as the Environmental Resilience Institute Toolkit provide community-tailored resources, while the Hoosier Resilience Index -- to be released this fall -- will help Indiana communities evaluate their level of preparedness.

The Environmental Resilience Institute seeks to “connect the dots for Hoosiers” with information and solutions, especially for local governments coping with the impacts of climate change, Professor McCabe said.

Professor McCabe is Professor of Practice at the Indiana University McKinney School of Law and Assistant Director for Policy and Implementation at IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute. She is also a Senior Law Fellow with the Environmental Law and Policy Center. From July 2013 through January 2017, Janet McCabe was the Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation at the United States Environmental Protection Agency and was nominated by President Barack Obama to be Assistant Administrator of that office.