Thanks for joining Climate Smart & partners for a series of virtual events, films & discussions all about the intersection of human health, the climate crisis, and social equity. In addition to our practical Q&A about preparing for wildfire smoke given COVID-19, we loved watching and discussing two provocative short films, Unbreathable and Cooked, with you. Both spurred important discussion as we consider who is most vulnerable to climate impacts, how we build resilient and equitable communities, and how we care for our families and neighbors amidst a changing climate.
Summer Series: Health, Climate & Community
Unbreathable Film & Panel, August 19 
This short (~30min) film commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Clean Air Act, and explores why the fight for clean air and a healthy climate are more urgent than ever. With panelists and perspectives from across Montana, our discussion illuminated how climate justice and human health intersect and how we can work for solutions locally, statewide and beyond. This event was organized by the American Lung Association & co-sponsored by Climate Smart Missoula & Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate. 

Special guests:
  • Kenneth Smoker, Jr., MBA, Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Wellness Program, Fort Peck Tribes 
  • Gwen Lankford, Sapphire Strategies, Inc., Member of the Gros Ventre Tribe and direct descendent of the Salish Tribe
  • Margaret Cook-Shimanek, MD, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Specialist 
  • Wilmot Collins, Mayor of Helena, MT​
  • ​Samantha Francine, Black Lives Matter Community Leader, Whitefish MT

​July 29 | Film & panel: Cooked: Survival By Zipcode
This provocative film shows how poverty and racism fueled hundreds of "excess" deaths in Black neighborhoods during the 1995 Chicago Heat Wave. Disasters, like the climate crisis, reveal deep inequalities. We hosted a fantastic PANEL discussing how our community can be more sustainable and just, with a focus on our shared history and addressing racism. This film is currently available for free on PBS.  Listen to the audio of our discussion below. We also shared a list of resources and action opportunities with participants - see that document HERE. 

​Panelists:
Brenda Solorzano, CEO, Headwaters Foundation
D'Shane Barnett, Executive Director, All Nations Health Center
Eric Legvold, Director of Impact, United Way of Missoula County
Caroline Lauer, Program Director, Climate Smart Missoula
Co-sponsored by Families for a Livable Climate

​July 22 | How to be wildfire smoke ready: Filters, fans & more!
We hosted a Facebook Live Q&A with Sarah Coefield & friends about wildfire smoke + what you need to know to create clean indoor air. Air pollution, such as particulates from wildfire smoke, worsens COVID-19 health outcomes, so now is the time to prepare - before the smoke rolls in.  Missed the live stream? Re-watch it HERE.