Rising global temperatures have increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide, especially in northern and temperate forests. These extreme fires have sparked significant legal claims affecting agriculture, forestry, tourism, and infrastructure. Accurately understanding wildfire smoke dispersion is vital in legal disputes to identify which fires caused specific impacts and to gauge their effects amid multiple simultaneous wildfires.
In recent decades, wildfire size and intensity worldwide have increased significantly alongside rising global temperatures. Scientific studies using satellite data over the past 20 years show that extreme wildfires have more than doubled in frequency and intensity globally, particularly in northern and temperate forests such as western North America, boreal forests of northern North America and Russia, and parts of Australia. These wildfires have driven significant legal actions as affected parties seek compensation for damages. The economic impact spans sectors including agriculture, forestry, tourism, and infrastructure, compounding financial pressures on communities and insurers and fueling litigation over liability and compensation. This trend is expected to persist or worsen in coming years.
Owens Lake, located in eastern California’s Owens Valley, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a once dust-prone landscape to one of the largest and most successful air quality restoration projects in the world. Once an area that generated severe dust (PM10) pollution and health risks for surrounding communities, Owens Lake is now a model for environmental recovery and sustainable management.
Understanding the Role of Sensors in Air Quality Monitoring
In conducting air quality monitoring work, Air Sciences has recognized the benefits of using non-regulatory supplemental and informational monitoring (NSIM) sensors in various applications. From assessing pollutant concentrations in neighborhoods to evaluating air quality near road construction projects, Air Sciences has used NSIM sensors to provide a cost-effective and flexible solution where traditional regulatory monitors may not be practical or necessary.
Air Sciences had a significant presence at the 2024 PNWIS Annual Conference, held November 12–15 in Eugene, Oregon. The conference is the signature event of the Pacific Northwest International Section of the Air & Waste Management Association. This year, Air Sciences was proud to be a platinum conference sponsor.