Prioritizing Action on Extreme Weather Effects in the Qualla Boundary

Extreme heat and poor air quality are often considered separately, even though communities can experience these hazards at the same time.

Over the last five years, the Carolinas RISA team worked with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Natural Resources Department and the Center for Native Health to investigate and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat and poor air quality, conducting a health surveillance study, and leading multiple workshops.

The findings provide locally relevant information to help tailor health messaging, guide adaptation priorities, and inform the community-based air quality monitoring network across communities on the Qualla Boundary.