Some fresh air for lunch

Dr. Robert Field, Interim Director of Center for Global Studies at the University of WYoming was recently announced as the guest speaker for the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce Leaders Luncheon in October. Field will be sharing information about the air quality in the Valley before and after fire season in comparison to other Wyoming locations. The interim director will also present possible solutions to improve air quality.

“Good outdoor and indoor air quality are fundamental to our well-being,” the press release stated. “Globally, outdoor air is estimated to cause 4.2 million deaths per year, with indoor air quality adding 3.8 million. A staggering 91 percent of the world’s population live in places that exceed World Health Organization guidelines.”

According to the press release, the average person breathes around 25 thousand times a day. In the presence of contaminants, even at the parts per billion level, it can adversely affect people’s health and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions or heart conditions are often the most vulnerable.

“Field will explore the outdoor air quality of Saratoga with reference to the monitoring stations run by the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality,” stated the press release. “Air quality is influenced by the weather, but is defined by emissions, whether near-by or from afar, from personal behavior, development activities or natural resources.”

The air quality of Saratoga will be compared to other locations in Wyoming, the United States and around the world with reference to a citizen science initiative known as the Purple Air Network.

“The primary focus of the presentation is upon the behavior of ozone and particulate matter,” stated the press release. “Finally, given Wyoming’s importance as an energy exporter, Dr. Field will close with thoughts on the potential impact of climate change upon our economy and environment.”

The Chamber of Commerce offers the Leaders Luncheon as a way for members to share what is new, including upcoming events and extends the offer for an hour in a relaxed and informal setting.

“Help generate ideas, discuss possible solutions, cement relationships between individuals and groups and show support for the community and leave feeling like you learned something new,” the press release concluded.

Those interested in October’s Leaders Luncheon must RSVP in advance with the price being $15 per person. While requiring an RSVP, the S/PVCC will have to charge individuals, whether they are able to make it or not, as the caterer will charge based on the number of RSVPs.

RSVPs must be received by the Monday before the luncheon. For more information, contact the S/PVCC by visiting http://www.saratogachamber.info or by calling 307-326-8855.