The 2019 Hoosier Life Survey Reveals Support for Environmental Initiatives
April 22 is Earth Day, and a significant portion of the global population is calling on governments to address the pressing issue of climate change. In the Hoosier State, Indiana University conducted a survey in 2019 to gather opinions on reducing carbon emissions and making communities more resilient to extreme weather. The results were heartening, as most residents expressed support for various environmental initiatives.
Key Findings of the 2019 Hoosier Life Survey
- Most Hoosiers supported using tax dollars to expand access to public transit and help residents install solar panels.
- A majority of respondents, at 82 percent, agreed that a tax increase on companies that pollute more than others would be an effective way to address climate change.
- Hoosiers also expressed support for actions that make their communities more resilient to climate change, such as planting trees, which can help reduce carbon emissions.
Dr. Matthew Houser, an environmental sociologist and co-leader of the Hoosier Life Survey project, noted that many Hoosiers share common goals despite the politicization of climate change. He emphasized that conversations about climate change can lead to incremental progress toward implementing environmental initiatives in their communities.
A Conversation Starter
Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute has identified several strategies for sparking conversations about climate change and its impact on communities. According to Sarah Mincey, managing director of the institute, starting these conversations involves asking open-ended questions.
- What are the most important issues to you for your community?
- What matters most for your family, health, and well-being?
- How do you envision your community’s spaces and work environments?
Mincey highlighted the importance of these questions in understanding the values and priorities of Hoosiers. While the survey was conducted in 2019, Yale Climate Opinion Maps have shown that Hoosiers continue to support government action on climate change and climate resilience.
Expert Insights
“…and whenever we start having those conversations, it moves us step-by-step slowly toward actualizing some of those ideas in our community…” Dr. Matthew Houser
Sarah Mincey, managing director of the Environmental Resilience Institute, emphasized the significance of ongoing conversations about climate change. By asking the right questions and engaging with the community, we can work together to create a more sustainable future.
Stay Informed
Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text “Indiana” to 765-275-1120. Your comments and questions will help us find the answers you need on climate solutions and climate change at ipbs.org/climatequestions.
Additional Resources
- Hoosier Life Survey: Indiana University conducted the survey in 2019 to gather opinions on reducing carbon emissions and making communities more resilient to extreme weather.
- Yale Climate Opinion Maps: These maps have shown that Hoosiers continue to support government action on climate change and climate resilience, even after the initial survey.
By engaging with the community and exploring the values and priorities of Hoosiers, we can work together to create a more sustainable future for our communities.
