Clearing The Air BONUS: Dry Air

Laws of Notion

The San Luis Valley has always had dust storms, for as long as humans have been there. The problem now is that as water dwindles, temperatures warm, a multi-decade drought rages on, and people continue altering the landscape, dust is increasing. Dust and sand storms impact farming economies by reducing valuable topsoil, and breathing in dust can have immediate and long-term respiratory and health impacts. We talk with farmer and rancher Kyler Brown and Dr. Lisa Cicutto about the impact of dust on public health and the state of farming in the Valley, along with the constant challenge of embracing change and uncertainty amid climate change.

Learn more about the podcast at clearingtheair.org.

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The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions to society’s greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Episode Credits:

Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock

Producing, marketing: Tricia Waddell

Additional reporting and fact-checking: Nicole Delaney and Kate Long

Sound design: Seth Samuel with tracks from Epidemic Sounds

Audio engineering: Jesse Boynton