As Utahns, the Salt Lake Valley’s air quality during the winter months is something we have begrudgingly become accustomed to, and a problem to which we welcome a solution.
Most of us may not realize that the biggest contributors to poor air quality are cars, trucks, homes, small businesses and industry and a population which has expanded by nearly 900,000 people in the past two decades.
So, what don’t we know about Utah’s air quality? The Leonardo, in partnership with Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR), will present a discussion that will investigate the basics of air quality, the unknowns and what the future holds. The event will take place Friday, January 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at The Leonardo, 209 East 500 South, third floor event center. The event is free and open to the public.
“All Choked Up: What We Don’t Know About Utah’s Air Quality,” will feature discussions with a reporter, business expert and pulmonary specialist who will explore the complexities of Utah’s pollution challenges.
Lisa Davis, communications director for The Leonardo, says this program will focus on expanding the audience’s knowledge of air quality terms and concepts, and will provide information on scientific and technological developments occurring on a local level.
“We want to give the audience a solid background and vocabulary so they have the tools to really engage in these important discussions,” said Davis. “We hope that they will come away from the event feeling optimistic about the important role each of us can play in improving our air — from the individual actions we can take, to encouraging lawmakers and businesses to make responsible choices.”
“All Choked Up” will feature local experts and a live audience in an animated, interactive discussion that includes a basic primer of the terms and science involved, the unique challenges Utah faces and what’s being done to tackle them, as well as what the future holds. Featured experts include: award-winning journalist and current Salt Lake Tribune Reporter Jennifer Napier-Pearce; Chief of the Pulmonary Division at the University of Utah Hospital Dr. David Paine, and the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, Jeff Edwards.
Leonardo After Hours is a joint production of The Leonardo and the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR). The quarterly events explore science and technology in society through the lens local innovation, and are made possible with generous support from CH2MHill.
Previous After Hours events have included discussion topics such as the science behind why and what we fear, women scientists who have changed the world and uncovering the genius of Da Vinci.
For more information about the event or to RSVP, please visit http://www.theleonardo.org/programs/leo_after_hours.
