February 28, 2025

Public perceptions and actions related to wildfire and prescribed fire smoke: Results from recent surveys in the Pacific Northwest

Daniel Chapman, a research associate at the University of Oregon, is dedicated to improving public health communication concerning wildfire smoke risks. His work emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, investigating how information presentations, like visual aids and AQI scales, influence protective actions, particularly among parents worried about their children’s health.

Through field surveys in Bend and studies comparing U.S. and Canadian air quality indexes, Chapman’s research highlights the need for clear communication strategies. Upcoming studies in New York and New Jersey will further explore responses to wildfire smoke.

Chapman also discusses wildfire management, advocating for prescribed burns despite challenges, and notes public support for such measures.

Ongoing research focuses on demographic differences and aims to involve diverse populations in understanding and addressing smoke-related health concerns.

Speaker

Daniel A. Chapman, PhD is a distinguished Research Scientist at the University of Oregon who specializes in environmental social science and risk-related decision making. With expertise in climate change communication, environmental conservation, and disaster resilience, Chapman has made contributions to understanding how people process and respond to environmental challenges. His research, particularly his work on emotions in climate change communication published in Nature Climate Change, has garnered widespread recognition in the field. Currently affiliated with the University of Oregon’s Center for Science Communication Research and the Center for Wildfire Smoke Research and Practice, Chapman focuses on improving public health communications about environmental risks, particularly in relation to wildfire smoke in the Pacific Northwest. His impactful research has earned over 1,000 citations, establishing him as a leading voice in environmental psychology and public health communication.