Recent climate change news only reports on big events, such as Japan switching to nuclear power and deadly storms in California. While events on country borders do not directly affect central parts of the United States, the long-term effects of climate change disrupt Indiana too. Hoosiers are already starting to recognize changes in weather. Rain and snow are becoming severe, humidity is more intense and air quality is decreasing from soil erosion. How is Indiana responding to climate change? 

          The Nature Conservancy, a global nonprofit for environmental change, created a climate change roadmap for Indiana in February of 2021. To aide natural climate, Indiana has a few different ways to help farmers adopt agricultural practices, including conservation tillage and crop rotation. This will prevent soil erosion and improve air and water quality. Additionally, eight coal plants in Indiana will be retired by 2031 to increase the use of natural gases and renewable energy.  

          According to research from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Indiana was the country’s eighth largest coal producer and third largest coal consumer in 2021. With the expense and negative health effects of running coal power plants, Indiana is looking toward more renewable energy alternatives, hoping to have 40% of Indiana’s electricity coming from renewable sources by 2035.  

          The Nature Conservancy is not the only group taking action, but without assistance from Indiana citizens, change will not be easily made. There are simple changes that can be made in homes to use more renewable energy, such as switching to solar power roof panels for electricity. Solar power can also be used for air conditioning and water heating. The more simple changes that Indiana citizens make, the quicker Indiana will reach its goals of using more renewable energy sources.  

          As more news surfaces about climate change effects in coastal areas, Indiana will continue to act on this plan. The changes happening on country borders will affect life quality in Indiana and the Nature Conservancy is continuing to act fast to prevent further changes. Without help from citizens of Indiana, the road map might be too little, too late.