In May, the World Meteorological Organization issued a warning, projecting that the Earth is poised to experience its hottest year on record at least once in the coming five years.
This year has witnessed a series of climate extremes, coinciding with the return of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean, that occurs every few years.
John Zimmerman, a student at IUPUI, expressed concern over the societal impacts of 2023 being the warmest year. He noted the routine response of governments signing agreements on emissions reduction, which often fall short, leading to disillusionment among the youth.
“Independent political direction in climate demonstrations is crucial for real change. Criticizing inadequate policies of political parties, I could see a rise in heat-related deaths, particularly among the homeless,” Zimmerman said.
Climate change can be seen everywhere across the world today. Droughts and crop failures are causing food and water shortages in some areas. Wildfires like in Canada in the Northwest Territory have become more common.
Dr. Ash Enrici, an assistant professor at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, emphasized that record-breaking temperatures in 2023 are having significant societal and health impacts around the world.
“Prolonged heat waves are causing health problems and even deaths, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning,” Dr. Enrici said.
Scientists agree that by far the biggest cause of climate change is the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, which has triggered a long upward trend in temperatures.
An El Niño event, a temporary warming of specific Pacific regions that influences global weather patterns, contributes a modest additional impact. However, certain researchers contend that the presence of another factor is necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
With extreme weather patterns becoming increasingly common the question remains, what are universities and governments going to do about it?
Dr. Enrici explained that Indiana’s government and IUPUI have taken some steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts, but the scale of action is inadequate given the pace of climate change. Strategies like transitioning Indiana's economy away from coal, incentivizing renewable energy, enhancing the resilience of infrastructure and agriculture, protecting vulnerable habitats and species, and engaging individuals and communities in climate action could help Indiana contribute more to addressing this global crisis.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management plans to use a $3 million budget to conduct a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory. This effort is part of their commitment to environmental responsibility. The ultimate goal is to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan, a mandatory requirement set by the Environmental Protection Agency, with the completion deadline set for March 2024. IDEM's proactive approach aims to meet regulatory obligations and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Dr. Enrici holds out hope but realizes the challenges of moving away from gas and other products that harm the environment.
“Overall though, this challenge requires ambitious, coordinated efforts across all levels of government and society,” Dr. Enrici said.
IUPUI students set up encampment following movement of universities across the U.S.
By Abby Godsen | May 2In the last several weeks, students at universities across the U.S. have been setting up pro-Palestinian divestment encampments, and IUPUI is no exception. On April 26, IUPUI students set up their divestment encampment in Democracy Plaza below the Kelley School of Business building by Taylor Hall following the establishment of an encampment on IU Bloomington campus.
Opinion: Five Palestinian poets for National Poetry Month
By Laynie Rearick | May 2Now that we’ve entered the seventh month of Israel’s attack on Gaza, I completely understand the people who say it’s pointless to read and enjoy poetry. While it is certainly not a replacement for attending protests, emailing representatives and donating to relief organizations, I believe that poetry has the incredible capacity to criticize and dismantle oppressive structures and ideologies. Poems serve as a rallying cry; they give voices to the voiceless and allow people to empathize with those who have different experiences from theirs.
Inaugural book crawl comes to Indianapolis
By Laynie Rearick | April 29You’ve heard of a bar crawl, but have you heard of a book crawl? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like (with presumably less alcohol). A book crawl involves visiting several independent bookstores as a way to support local businesses, connect with fellow book lovers and win prizes or rewards.
