Free Event!
Awareness of Climate Change through Education and Research presents A Citizen's Guide to Climate Success: A Climate Change Symposium.
Join Keynote Speaker Dr. Mark Jaccard, renowned SFU author and economist who served on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and as the Chair and CEO of the B.C. Utilities Commission to learn and discuss how climate-concerned citizens can overcome myths that hinder us from acting in time to prevent extreme climate impacts. Their actions can involve personal consumption choices (electric vehicles, heat pumps) but these only have an effect if citizens are also engaged in the political process and civil society to elect and support climate-sincere politicians. These personal and collective efforts must align with and foster a global strategy of decarbonization, especially in developing countries. Come to the talk to find out what you can do.
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Speaker Dr. Stephanie Cleland to present: Breathing Fire: The Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke in a Changing Climate
Speech outline: Climate change poses a considerable threat to human health. Increases in temperatures and changes in weather patterns are expected to increase people’s exposure to environmental hazards. One pressing example is wildfires: climate change, in combination with the expanding wildland-urban interface, is increasing many communities’ exposure to wildfire smoke. The particulate matter, gases, and chemicals that make up wildfire smoke can travel thousands of miles and remain in the air for weeks at a time, exposing populations to very high concentrations of air pollution. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to a wide range of adverse health outcomes, yet much is still unknown about the detrimental effects of wildfire smoke. What levels, durations, and types of smoke exposure pose the greatest health risk? Which populations are most susceptible to this increasing threat? What are the longer-term health implications of chronic exposure? This talk will cover what we currently know about the health effects of wildfire smoke and the ways ongoing research is addressing key knowledge gaps. It will also highlight strategies to mitigate exposure and build smoke resilient communities in the face of the ongoing climate crisis.
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Speaker Dr. Sophie Wilkinson to speak on developing ecosystem management strategies that reduce the negative impacts fire can have on ecosystems and society.
Building 355 room 204. Lunch, refreshments, and prizes are provided. Doors open at 8:45! Please pre-register in advance.
