Researcher(s):
Thea Crowley Curtis Hall
ENVS course(s): 220 Initiated: November 2017 Completed: December 2017 Go to project site
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For this project, we looked at the use of dirty fuels within urban spaces. We situated the project in Christchurch, New Zealand. The use of wood burning stoves for heat and energy is very prominent within city limits. This can become particularly problematic as Christchurch is within a thermal inversion layer and PM10 concentrations are very high. PM10 has negative health effects like increased risk of pneumatic diseases.The city has developed regulations to limit the amount of PM10 in the atmosphere. For this project, we looked at the physical reduction of PM10 levels as a result of regulations and the reactions from residents towards these regulations. We utilized Voyant tools for narrative analysis as well as statistical data that we analyzed in Google Sheets.
Framing Question:
What can be done to move beyond dirty fuels for heating within cities?
Focus Question:
What has been done by the Christchurch government to address issues of air quality and have they worked?