Poster Session #1
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Nicky Phear
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Davidson Honors College
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Projections of climate change show that western Montana will experience hotter and drier summers that may extend already drastic fire seasons. Extended fire seasons can lead to extreme smoke events, which are known to have harmful impacts on human health. However, there is not extensive research on these human health effects or on adaptation strategies pertaining to western Montana. Research in this project was conducted through literature reviews as well as personal interviews. A final report draws on available research to provide readers with a clear understanding of the relationship between climate change, extreme smoke, and human health impacts, as well as exploring possible adaptation strategies. The interviews in this study supplement the literary research with personal experience, and ensure that research is grounded with community insight. This report can act as a resource for individuals living in areas affected by fire. It is incredibly important for community and public health workers, citizens, organizations, and policymakers to understand how climate change can influence smoke emergencies, what the actual and perceived health impacts are of these events, and the options for adapting to smoke and preventing negative health outcomes.
Category
Social Sciences
Extreme smoke events: climate change and human health in western Montana
UC South Ballroom
Projections of climate change show that western Montana will experience hotter and drier summers that may extend already drastic fire seasons. Extended fire seasons can lead to extreme smoke events, which are known to have harmful impacts on human health. However, there is not extensive research on these human health effects or on adaptation strategies pertaining to western Montana. Research in this project was conducted through literature reviews as well as personal interviews. A final report draws on available research to provide readers with a clear understanding of the relationship between climate change, extreme smoke, and human health impacts, as well as exploring possible adaptation strategies. The interviews in this study supplement the literary research with personal experience, and ensure that research is grounded with community insight. This report can act as a resource for individuals living in areas affected by fire. It is incredibly important for community and public health workers, citizens, organizations, and policymakers to understand how climate change can influence smoke emergencies, what the actual and perceived health impacts are of these events, and the options for adapting to smoke and preventing negative health outcomes.