Air Quality and Climate

Abstract:

This effort is divided into three tasks. The first task is to investigate the connections between air quality, climate, and air mass transport patterns. This involves analysis of data collected across several state, local, and federal monitoring networks in New Mexico. We will address the concerns from several agencies of tracking the frequencies, intensities, and locations of dust storms and wildfires over time. The second task is to provide useful information to stakeholder agencies for looking at the effects of climate on air quality. This will involve an analysis of climate model output to help understand the potential effects of climate change in the regions surrounding the monitoring networks. The third task is to evaluate the capacity of cooperative extension in the area of climate adaptation. This will be done through focus group discussion and surveys with extension staff. With these tools we will stimulate discussions of personal observations of the impacts of climate change in their surroundings. During the process we will assess climate service needs across New Mexico.

Project Partners:

• National Weather Service