Cliff Chapman

We live in a time when newspapers, radio, television, the internet and social media seem to be constantly ablaze with breaking news. And each time a new story breaks, we all draw lines in the sand, settle into opposing corners and argue.

In this midst of this endless barrage of big stories, one story will not go away: climate change.

Those two words also can send people to opposite corners. They don’t need to. The simple fact is, we live in a changing climate. There is no doubt about it. So — regardless of which side we take on questions like “How did this happen?” and “Who’s to blame?” — we need to come together to learn what we can do. We need to ask, can we make a difference?

In Indiana, the answer to that question is a resounding, Yes.

I offer that assurance based on my work for the Central Indiana Land Trust. Here’s what I know: Can we, as a regional land trust, stop climate change? No. Can each of us as individuals stop climate change? No. Can we all play a role in mitigating the effects of global climate change from here in Central Indiana? Absolutely.

The fact is, Indiana is uniquely qualified to make a difference, and this is why: The forest types, climate and soil in Indiana and parts of our neighboring states are simply better at scrubbing carbon from the air. Our natural areas act as powerful filters for our planet.

That’s why protecting Indiana’s natural areas is about more than those areas. Yes, we should do all we can to save rare and endangered species, support Indiana’s rich biodiversity and buffer old growth forests in order to give ourselves the opportunity to enjoy Indiana’s natural treasures and allow future generations to see what the natural world once looked like. But we also should preserve our natural areas because they give us a tool for addressing climate change.

If you have friends on the coasts who like to make fun of Indiana, tell them this: Our land is incredibly productive and relatively inexpensive, so saving our natural areas is both efficient and affordable. The best part? Once we protect a nature preserve, we don’t destroy it. Never have, never will. So, if your coastal friends — or even your flyover-state friends — are interested in investing in ways to protect a warming planet and save coastlines, I can think of no better place to invest than Indiana.

At the Central Indiana Land Trust, our strategic conservation plan outlines areas to protect and plant more than 1 million trees. That same plan calls for thousands of acres of forest, wetland and prairie to be protected. And we’re not alone. Our colleagues at land trusts and conservancies across Indiana also are working with landowners to protect, plant and manage more trees, forests, wetlands and prairies. People like you are helping, by donating, volunteering and otherwise supporting Indiana land trusts.

We all can band together to make a difference, knowing that every single tree that is planted and every single acre that is protected help to mitigate the effects of climate change. Join us. Come out of your corner and work to achieve a cooler future.

Cliff Chapman is executive director of the Central Indiana Land Trust.