EARTH CHARTER INDIANA

This recent story from the Youth Environmental Press Team seems to have struck a nerve so I wanted to share it here. You can read an excerpt below and find the full article at https://lnkd.in/gfxEr7fa Environmental Impacts of AI Dec 15, 2024 Written By Dania Razaq - a freshman at UIndy, who was a Reporter for YEPT in 2023/2024 when she also wrote for Elkhart High School’s ‘The Pennant.’ In schools and universities, conversations about artificial intelligence (AI) often focus on its morality — questions about academic integrity, and ethical dilemmas dominate the discussion. But one very real issue gets left out of these discussions: the environmental impact of AI. While sites like ChatGPT might seem harmless, they consume large amounts of energy and leave a significant carbon footprint. In a time where climate change is one of humanity’s most pressing challenges, ignoring the environmental cost of AI is a mistake. AI systems like ChatGPT depend on machine learning models that require massive computational power. Training these models takes enormous amounts of energy. For example, training GPT-3, the foundation of ChatGPT, produced an estimated 284,019 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2). To put this number into perspective, it is about the same as the lifetime emissions of five cars. Most of this energy comes from data centers, which are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels. These centers alone account for about 1% of the world’s electricity use and 0.3% of global CO2 emissions, and it is a number that’s only rising every year. And the energy demand doesn’t stop once the models are trained. Keeping AI systems running and accessible for millions of users worldwide requires constant power. Data centers hosting AI applications are estimated to increase their energy use by 4% annually as cloud-based AI becomes more popular. In regions where electricity grids still depend on coal or natural gas, this energy consumption directly translates to more emissions, only further fueling the climate crisis. It’s not just the electricity that’s a problem. The hardware needed to train and run AI models — like GPUs and servers — depends on rare earth metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Extracting these materials often involves destructive mining practices that harm ecosystems and pollute water supplies. On top of that, the constant need for newer, faster hardware creates mountains of electronic waste, much of which ends up in countries with weak environmental protections such as Nigeria, India, and Vietnam.

Indiana Renewable Energy Day brings together a diverse, broad coalition of Hoosiers rallying to advocate for a renewable energy future in Indiana that benefits everyone. You can find a full schedule for the event and register at https://lnkd.in/gh6aE6iD.

We're looking for someone to support Indiana's Solar for All program, Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI) through education, outreach and relationship building with program-specific partners and communities. You can see the full job description and more information about our organization at https://lnkd.in/gtg5CP9D. If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Two years ago we put out a call to action with the Indiana Forest Alliance, Hoosier Environmental Council, and many other environmental organizations, to speak up against the Buffalo Springs Project, the largest and most destructive plan in the history of Hoosier National Forest. This opposition is based on solid science from IFA (https://lnkd.in/g8uGj5XD) and a healthy skepticism of the US Forest Service, which is operating on outdated policies and prioritizes timber production over ecological health. We're back with another request to help protect this beautiful tract of land and the Patoka watershed from this extreme plan. If you're in the Paoli area you can join a community event this Thursday, November 14 at the Orange County Fairgrounds (bit.ly/savebuffalosprings). And if you live anywhere else in the state you can call Sen. Braun's office (317) 822-8240 at ask that he oppose the plan. It's a long shot, but regardless of who's in office, we believe that building solidarity, raising awareness and speaking up for environmental justice are good practices.

We know teachers are committed to supporting the next generation. That's kind of their whole thing. And we're here to help ensure our kids have a future on planet earth. The Indiana Thriving Schools Challenge combines all the best things about sustainability and education with a $5000 grant for up to 3 student led projects that help kids bring the circular economy to their school. The grant also includes a $1000 stipend for the adult champion(s) who support the projects. Open to all public, private, and charter K-12 schools in Indiana. Share with all the teachers you know and apply before November 15 at https://lnkd.in/gxyTmQ3N.

Have an idea that could change the way we protect our environment? Join our NGS Slingshot Team! Earth Charter Indiana (ECI) is participating in the National Geographic Society’s Slingshot Challenge as a project based learning project for our youth leaders across Indiana. The goal is for cohorts to receive first hand experiences with impacted and thriving communities, and reimagine systems around them. The cohorts will meet with community members, scientists, historians, storytellers, artists and elders of all ages and experiences. Taking a truly intergenerational approach.  The Slingshot Challenge invites 13–18-year-olds to rise to the challenge, and to submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues for a chance to receive up to $10,000 in funding. Together, small steps can lead to a big impact. Visit https://lnkd.in/g-rnza7H for more information.

We can vouch for Paige and her amazing work with 4SEE. She's lookin for a Newsletter Chair. If you're interested, fill out the form linked in her post.

Teachers - Do you know about the Educating for Environmental Change workshops offered by Indiana University Bloomington? Heres a flyer about their next full day workshop on Saturday Nov. 16. Throughout the academic year, EfEC faculty will facilitate one-day Saturday workshops at the IU School of Education, Bloomington. These workshops are designed for K12 teachers and are ideal for educators who have already attended the EfEC summer science institute or who are already teaching climate change in their classrooms. Educators can sign up for one or more of the workshops. Each workshop will provide participating teachers with classroom materials, a $150 stipend, and breakfast and lunch. The workshops run from 9AM to 3PM with breakfast starting at 8:30AM. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gSEWyDQC

As corporate citizens of the City of Indianapolis, we were proud to show up to support the The Indianapolis Foundation's rollout of their 5 year strategic plan. Going into the event, the Foundation teased BOLD... and boy did their "Equity Imperative 2030 Plan" deliver! Setting any of one of these 4 priorities would be bold, let alone 4 by 2030!: 1. 🩺 Health Equity - that all residents have access to quality healthcare regardless of age, gender, income, location. 2. 🌳Environmental Equity - that all residents live in healthy built natural environment 3. 🏘️ Housing Equity - that all residents have access safe, quality, affordable housing + any necessary supportive services 4. 💵 Economic Equity - that all residents have access to a living wage, the ability to participate in the prosperity economy and can build generational wealth. The event center was at capacity, mixing not just civic and corporate leaders, but regular joes and janes - the residents, neighbors and small business owners that make up the heart of Indy. The common cause was a hunger for bold leadership and big thinking - credit to President Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters and his Board and staff for delivering! The legendary Carolene Mays did a masterful job of M.C.'ing the event, and facilitating the panel of Indy leaders Andrew Black (I.F.), Joe Bowling (Englewood CDC), Kelli N. Jones (Be Nimble Foundation), Dr. Russell J. Ledet, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. (Indiana University School of Medicine), Tatjana Rebelle (EARTH CHARTER INDIANA) and Michael R. Twyman, Ph.D. (CREEO) as they cast a vision for the next 5 years and beyond. Thank you the Foundation for the invitation, and to our Chief of Staff Mark Wuellner for representing the firm. Approaching sticky challenges with bold, creative thinking is in our DNA, so we love what the Foundation is doing and can't wait to see what comes next!

This week our Director of Equitable Initiatives, Tatjana Rebelle, participated in a panel discussion at The Indianapolis Foundation's celebration where they announced their new 5 year strategic plan. This plan centers four deeply interconnected aspects of equity: Housing Equity Economic Equity Health Equity Environmental Equity Here is an excerpt from the Indianapolis Foundation's newsletter explaining the new plan - "Success will come from partners working together—through community leadership and coalition-building, we will work closely with residents and community leaders to realize the possibilities that abound in our neighborhoods. Our new plan strives to spark collaboration and galvanize collective action around aligning and increasing investments in these four priority areas by the private sector, government, philanthropic organizations, and donors." Thank you The Indianapolis Foundation for being a champion for equity in Indianapolis, and prioritizing the needs of the people!