In 2017, more than 500 people came together in Boise for a summit on climate change. One thing was made clear at the end of the summit: We need more information about the specific threats posed by a warming planet in Idaho, and we need more opportunities to find regional solutions to those threats.
Now, the University of Idaho’s James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research is looking to further the discussion. Researchers at the university have begun a two-year study that will use climate data and apply it to the largest economic sectors.
For example, researchers want to put a dollar value on wildfire smoke – while another part of the study will look at how a changing climate could impact the ski industry, for better or worse.
The two-year study is expected to be published and shared with Idaho communities in spring 2021.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
Copyright 2019 Boise State Public Radio
