2025: Providing Local and Regional Agencies with Air Quality and Health Impacts from Dust and Wildfire Aerosol Changes Due to Climate and Land Use Change (EDF)
Researchers seek to understand how health impacts from wildfire and dust aerosols have changed over time and how those impacts may change in the future, especially in Latin America. In this collaborative project between Cornell University and Environmental Defense Fund, researchers will first estimate fine particle air pollution concentrations from wildfires, agricultural fires, fossil fuels, and desert and agricultural dust. They’ll use the Community Earth System Model (CESM2.1), to estimate fine particle concentrations in preindustrial (1850), present day (2020) and future time periods (2030, 2040, and 2050). Recent data on aerosol pollution will then be used to improve the model. Researchers will also calculate mortality, respiratory disease, and economic impact due to aerosol pollution. Throughout the research, they will engage with policy makers to tailor information to their needs, leveraging other EDF efforts such as AirTracker and FireSAT. Outcomes could include policies that reduce agricultural burning, or aiding communities in planning for poor air quality days.
Cornell: Natalie Mahowald (Cornell Engineering, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences); Alistair Hayden (Veterinary College, Public & Ecosystem Health)
EDF: Fiona Lo