Community groups discuss climate change adaption

Work to prepare Central Indiana communities to be more resilient in the face of climate change is ongoing. 

A recent gathering to share ideas around climate adaptation brought more community groups into the discussion of environmental sustainability and resilience.  The Climate Adaptation Summit was hosted by the American Red Cross and Indianapolis’ Office of Sustainability at Martin University on the city’s east side.

Climate scientists predict warmer, wetter conditions for Central Indiana in the coming decades and Indiana Red Cross CEO Chad Priest said that impacts some communities more than others.

“The most vulnerable communities in Central Indiana are the ones that are at the nexus between climate change and traditional social vulnerability,” Priest said.

Nonprofits, social services and other grassroots groups gathered to discuss ways to reframe climate work.

Climate changes may impact the growing season for urban farmers or step up the need to provide residents with air conditioning.

Indianapolis’ Office of Sustainability Director Morgan Mickelson said the city’s first actionable plan — the Thrive Plan — hinges on community involvement. 

“Each community knows what they need, they just might need some resources to help them get there,” Mickelson said.

The plan sets goals like increased urban tree canopy and increasing renewable energy usage.