OLLI Talks: Battle Scars: Trends in Wildfire Size and Impact across Colorado (HYBRID)
OSHR 3346Wildfires have always been part of life in Colorado and play an important role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems, but in recent decades, they’ve grown larger, more frequent, and more destructive. This talk will examine how wildfire patterns have evolved across the state from 1990 to the present and their impacts on affected areas. We’ll examine where fires occur, which counties have been affected the most, and how a small number of massive fires now account for most of the total damage. This class will also examine the economic ripple effects in areas affected by wildfires, including their impacts on tourism, local jobs, and community resources. Using maps, visuals, and group discussion, we’ll dive into the story wildfires are telling about our changing landscape.
* This course is made possible through the Peg Chandler and Christopher Hensey Emerging Scholar Award Endowment.
Note: This class has two sections. The section you register for determines how (in-person or online) you will attend class. Please pay close attention to which section you select.
Click the + icons in the boxes on the right side of the page to view the additional section of this course. Review the location listed in each box and select the section that suits your preferred method of attendance: either in-person at Drake Hall or online.
*Thomas Gifford is a fifth-year PhD candidate in economics at CSU. He has been studying economics for almost a decade, first receiving a BA in economics from Colorado College in 2018, followed by a master's degree from the University of Denver in 2021. In addition to teaching at CSU, he also works for the Center for the New Energy Economy, supporting their efforts to provide policymakers with information on transitioning to clean energy sources in an economically responsible and bipartisan manner. Thomas's research interests include environmental economics and behavioral economics, with a particular focus on their intersection. He is currently working on projects that evaluate the economic impact of wildfires, and the welfare impacts of mitigation strategies, as well as research examining the relationship between electric vehicles and public charging infrastructure.
Notes
- A current OLLI membership is required to register for all courses and lectures.
- If you do not have a Spring 2026 membership, one will be added to your cart at checkout.
- OLLI membership fees and course tuition are critical to the Institute's sustainability and are non-refundable.