Introduction Climate Projections Agriculture Human Health Property and Infrastructure Recreation & Tourism Water Supply & Pollution Climate Solutions Resources & Links

Climate Change Solutions
Climate change is occurring mainly as a result of humans adding large amounts of heat-trapping gases, such as carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere. The good news is that practical solutions exist today to address this growing problem, and people in Indiana can help in many ways. Although some warming is inevitable—as past heat-trapping gas emissions will continue to have a warming effect for decades—the most extreme outcomes for Indiana can be avoided if responsible measures are taken locally, nationally, and internationally.

Three complementary approaches are needed to address the challenges that a changing climate poses to Indiana:

Programs that encourage energy efficiency such as The Industrial Energy Efficiency Fund (IEEF), also play a role in reducing emissions. The IEEF works directly with Indiana manufacturers to increase the energy efficiency of manufacturing processes. Indiana also has a Public Facility Energy Efficiency Program which provides loans to schools, public libraries and others to identify and implement energy efficiency projects.

In addition, overall emissions can be reduced through projects that encourage carbon sequestration. Forest carbon sequestration projects are underway on land owned or managed by The Nature Conservancy with funding from utilities looking for opportunities to offset some of the heat-trapping gas emissions from energy production.

To learn more about these programs and other ways to reduce emissions in the Great Lakes region see the technical appendix Reducing Emissions of Heat-Trapping Greenhouse Gases.

For Additional Information from UCS, see
UCS Clean Energy Program
UCS Clean Vehicles Program
State Clean Energy Maps and Graphs
Renewable Energy and Agriculture: A Natural Fit
Clean Energy Blueprint Benefits Farmers and Rural Economies

Minimize human pressures on the environment
Reducing or minimizing human pressures on the environment often results in long-term economic benefits that outweigh the initial cost. Moreover, reducing or minimizing pressures from land use, pollution, and other disturbances on the environment takes away some of the stresses that make ecosystems more vulnerable to climate change. Thus, while we and the environment benefit immediately from reducing these pressures, protective measures are indispensible in helping ecosystems and people become more resilient in the face of climate change. These benefits include flood protection, human health benefits from water and air purification, improved agricultural and forestry productivity, water supply security, safeguarding of habitat for native plants and animals, aesthetic benefits, and recreational opportunities. The following are key strategies for reducing human stresses:

• Air Quality Improvements
• Water Quality Protection and Demand/Supply Management
• Urban and Land Use Planning
• Habitat Protection and Restoration

To learn more about each of these options, see:
Managing our Response, or download
Minimizing Human Pressures on the Environment.

Changes in climate variability and weather extremes will need to be taken into consideration when implementing emergency management plans, zoning, and building codes. Resources will be needed to provide increased relief from the heat to the very young, the poor, and those whose health is already compromised. Such measures are particularly important in urban areas. These and other steps for planning for climate change in the Great Lakes region are highlighted in Managing the Impacts.

For a graphical overview of various solution options, please see the Solutions where we Live feature.