By Scout Nelson
Farmworkers in California are adapting their work schedules and locations to minimize exposure to wildfire smoke, a growing environmental hazard. Research using cell phone location data sheds light on these adjustments and their implications.
During California’s 2020 wildfire season, farmworker numbers in surveyed fields dropped by 35% on smoky days, while work hours declined by 37%. Even on less smoky days, worker numbers were 18% below typical levels, with a 23% reduction in hours.
“When this smoke is really heavy there's a large reduction in the amount of people in a field in day,” explains Tim Beatty, chair of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economists.
The study also found that workers adjusted by working longer hours before smoke events and switching fields to avoid heavily affected areas. “We could figure out very rich hourly information of where these farmworkers went and if they moved to another location,” says Goeun Lee, lead author of the research.
This innovative approach helps policymakers understand the challenges faced by farmworkers, who are crucial to California’s agriculture sector. Researchers combined cell phone data with smoke plume and weather information to track 12,667 crop workers, representing 8% of the workforce.
“Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of wildfire smoke and California relies a lot on this labor force. They are essential for California agriculture,” Lee highlights.
Wildfire smoke poses health risks like dizziness, fatigue, and confusion, increasing the danger of injuries. Protective measures like respirators are mandated under specific conditions, but these may not fully address workers’ health or financial challenges.
The short harvest season coincides with peak wildfire months, making it vital to balance health and earnings. “We should worry about people's health but also their ability to earn a living,” Beatty emphasizes. This research highlights the need for policies that safeguard both health and livelihoods.
Categories: North Dakota, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety, Weather