By Andi Anderson
As Earth Day is observed across the globe, recent survey findings show that most people in Indiana support action to address climate change. This includes cutting carbon pollution and making communities more resilient to extreme weather.
The Hoosier Life Survey, conducted by Indiana University in 2019, asked residents their views on a range of environmental issues. Surprisingly, a large majority supported using tax dollars for projects like expanding public transit and helping homeowners install solar panels.
One striking result: 82 percent of respondents backed tax increases on companies that pollute more than others.
Environmental sociologist Matthew Houser, who co-led the survey and now works with the University of Maryland and The Nature Conservancy, said many Hoosiers also supported tree planting efforts — a simple, effective way to both improve community spaces and cut carbon emissions.
Houser noted that while climate change discussions can become political, most people share similar goals when it comes to improving their communities. "And whenever we start having those conversations, it moves us step-by-step slowly toward actualizing some of those ideas in our community," he said.
Sarah Mincey, managing director of Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute, emphasized the importance of engaging people with simple, personal questions. "We can ask questions like, what's important to you for your community? What's important to you for your family, for your health and well being? For the spaces that you live in? For the way that you get to work and the work environment that you're in?" she said.
Though the Hoosier Life Survey was conducted in 2019, recent data from the Yale Climate Opinion Maps shows continued support among Indiana residents for government-led climate efforts and resilience-building strategies.
These findings underline a clear message — most Hoosiers want cleaner air, safer communities, and strong action to protect the environment for future generations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Indiana, Weather