Breathing Easier During Calamities
Editor: Re:“Deteriorating air quality reported across North Bay as Pickett Fire grows in Napa County,” Aug. 22.
As climate change increases the frequency of wildfires and communities continue to suffer from poor air quality which harms the health of vulnerable groups, it’s time for a change.
A short-term solution to improving indoor air quality is providing portable electric HVAC units (known as heat pumps) and air purifiers to low-income residents in heavily impacted communities.
This allows communities impacted by the fire to stay inside during unhealthy air quality levels and protect themselves. With the right support and education to install and use heat pumps and air purifiers, communities can be more resilient during wildfire season.
Even though these are short-term solutions to the rising concerns about climate change related disasters like wildfire, they can provide a life-saving relief for communities who are most impacted by poor air quality.
Our local and state government should dedicate more resources into funding research and projects that will address poor air quality and its health impacts in our community.
– Nima Sherpa, 350 Bay Area
See full article: https://www.sonomanews.com/2025/09/03/pulse-of-the-public-88/