Bloomington, Indiana – The Project 46 Southern Indiana Regional Climate Alliance has released a new report that takes a close look at how the region is contributing to greenhouse gas emissions—and what can be done to bring those numbers down. Developed with the help of Farallon Strategies and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the 2022 Inventory of Community-Wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions and High Impact Actions Analysis outlines both the scale of the challenge and the most promising steps forward.
According to the findings, communities in the Project 46 region generated 4.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2022. Transportation topped the list of emission sources, with gasoline and diesel vehicles responsible for 35 percent of the total. Residential buildings, through electricity and natural gas use, contributed 20 percent, while commercial buildings added another 15 percent.
While these numbers are significant, the report notes that progress is already underway. Factoring in vehicle fuel efficiency improvements, grid modernization, and policies already on the books, the region is projected to cut emissions by 33 percent by 2030. Still, the analysis suggests there is room to do more. If local governments and residents commit to the recommended high-impact actions, emissions could drop by as much as 39 percent in that timeframe.
Three Actions With the Biggest Impact
The report highlights three strategies that could deliver the largest reductions. The first is expanding the adoption of electric vehicles, which would help curb the region’s heavy reliance on gasoline and diesel. The second is retrofitting residential and commercial buildings for energy efficiency, a move that would lower energy use and costs while reducing emissions. The third involves diverting waste from landfills toward composting and recycling, cutting down on methane and other greenhouse gases produced by decomposing waste.
Together, these steps represent practical, high-yield opportunities to move the region closer to a sustainable future.
A Call for Collaboration
For Project 46 leaders, the work is about more than numbers—it’s about people and communities. Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson, who serves on the alliance’s steering committee, emphasized the value of working together. “Climate work gives us a compass,” said Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson, a Project 46 Steering Committee member. “When neighbors, cities, and counties row in the same direction, we create communities where people want to live, work, and dream. That’s the promise of Project 46. It’s a collaboration that turns ideas into a more resilient southern Indiana.”
Her words underscore the central mission of the alliance: to unite cities, towns, and counties in building resilience against a changing climate.
Climate Challenges in the Midwest
Southern Indiana, like much of the Midwest, is already seeing the effects of shifting climate patterns. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and changes in agricultural productivity have created challenges for local economies and infrastructure. More frequent extreme weather events are straining emergency response systems and increasing risks for vulnerable communities.
By advancing bold measures today, Project 46 members believe they can help safeguard the region while also unlocking economic opportunities in areas such as clean energy, green jobs, and sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
The release of the greenhouse gas inventory and high-impact actions analysis is intended to serve as both a baseline and a roadmap. It gives local leaders a clearer picture of where emissions are coming from and lays out a set of strategies with the greatest potential for change.
For residents, the report also highlights tangible steps they can support, from adopting cleaner vehicles to reducing household waste. The alliance has made the full 2022 report available online and encourages the public to explore resources on Project 46’s climate information website to learn more about how individual choices can contribute to regional goals.
As southern Indiana navigates the realities of climate change, the work of Project 46 offers a pathway forward—one grounded in collaboration, community, and commitment to a resilient future.
