Digital Commons Network^™

The Environmental Cost Of Artificial Intelligence, Ava G. O'Connor

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the increasingly innovative and evolving world of artificial intelligence. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated within global economies and infrastructures, its  environmental and economic impact has grown significantly, but still remains understudied in the conversation surrounding societal advancement and growth. This thesis delves into the history and development of artificial intelligence, AI's integration into modern life, Big Tech jumping to get ahead of AI development through investment, the cost of artificial intelligence, and the ethical and environmental implications of increasing artificial intelligence usage. Using multiple case studies, this thesis deeply explores the emergence of artificial intelligence as …

“The New Normal”: California’S Escalating Wildfire Crisis, Alexandra Vasquez

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the current state of California's wildfire epidemic and how the increasing effects of climate change have worsened the fires, harming residents' health and the state's economy. The wildfires are shaped by factors such as climate change, land-use choices, and policy designs. California wildfires have worsened substantially in the 21st century, with the worst burns in the 2020 season setting a record of 4.2 to 4.5 million acres destroyed. Given current policies and the administration's disinterest in combating climate change, understanding wildfire history and data is essential to improving California's wildfire resilience, creating sustainable land management practices, and …

Green Building Certification And Global Warming: Between Environmental Performance And Greenwashing, Marcel Michalak

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the role of green building certifications in addressing global warming. The growing trend of pursuing certificates, such as LEED or BREEAM, can be perceived as a great symbol of resilience and desire to improve the quality of our environment. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, developers or companies use sustainable labels more as a marketing tool than a real commitment to environmental effectiveness. This paper explores whether green building certifications effectively reduce global warming and how they may serve as tools for greenwashing. Chapter One lays the foundation for why green building certifications exist and why they …

Climate Change Mitigation And Resilience In Jamaica: How Nature Based Solutions In Eco Tourism Can Enhance Environmental Sustainability, Rynola O. Fraser

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper explores the impacts of climate change in Jamaica and seeks to identify ways in which the country can mitigate and adapt to it. It addresses this issue of serious climate change effects on the island and how the country can try to put two specific practices into effect. Using quantitative and qualitative, chapter one provides data on the historical damage of climate change by natural disasters throughout the Caribbean’s history and specifically in Jamaica. The paper also explores the discipline of environmental economics in chapter two and of the country within tourism and how eco-tourism can improve our …

Cult, Cultivation And Culture, Angelica M. Fogarty

Student Theses 2015-Present

Peter Maurin, the co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, had a vision for communities rooted in three principles: cult (religion), cultivation (self-sufficiency and farming), and culture (intellectual and artistic pursuits). This paper critically examines the rise of farming communes as alternatives to industrial agriculture, questioning their ideological assumptions and practical efficacy through an investigation of three distinct community models. While these communities often position themselves as solutions to systemic injustice and ecological degradation, they are frequently idealistic and exist on the margins of society. This paper questions whether these community models can function as scalable systemic alternatives or are fragile …

Financing A Cooler Future: Sustainable Finance And Environmental Justice In The Bronx, Akhila M. Dissanayake

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis examines the ways in which sustainable finance and green marketing might be used as instruments to address climate injustice, using the Bronx as a case study of a neighborhood that is disproportionately impacted by the urban heat island effect. The research intends to demonstrate how creative financial mechanisms and successful messaging tactics may promote more equitable adaptation to climate change in urban contexts by fusing ideas from environmental history, economics, and communications. The concept of environmental justice is presented in Chapter 1, which also describes how the Bronx's demographic groupings are disproportionately affected by climate change, including excessive …

The Legacy Of Lead: Lead Exposure's Harmful Effects And Its Concentration In Poc Communities, Layla Sophronia Barber

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis examines the disproportionate burden of lead exposure carried by low income, POC communities. The systemic nature of this problem is a symptom of a longstanding legacy of environmental injustice in the United States. Decades of federal neglect are reflected in the higher statistics of lead exposure and poisoning in predominantly black communities. While it is understood that lead exposure poses a serious threat to physical health and early cognitive development, there is a discouraging lack of urgency to remove the toxin from non-wealthy communities. The material covered by this thesis aims to identify and correct the discriminatory social …

A System That Runs On Beef: The Effects Of Modern Cattle Farming On The Environment, Sean E. Fitzgerald

Student Theses 2015-Present

Abstract

This paper discusses the economic, ethical, and environmental impacts of modern cattle ranching in the United States, as well as e4orts taken to mitigate environmental damage as a result of agriculture. With the world population on the rise, and society becoming more disconnected from their food than ever, is important to understand the history of how modern-day agriculture came to be as it is, and how we can combat some of the unique challenges it poses. Chapter 1 covers the current problems in modern day cattle farming, as well as the ecology of cattle, both behavioral and biological, and …

Feeding The Desert: From Food Insecurity To Food Sovereignty In Rural And Urban America, Megan Scalera

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis examines the realities of food insecurity in the United States. Through comparing rural and urban hotspots of insecurity, it aims to address the frameworks that create the inability for certain regions to access safe, nutritious food. Chapter 1 details the current status of food insecurity in the United States and reveals the relevance these issues hold in regard to ecosystem services. Chapter 2 summarizes the environmental history of both rural and urban areas now described as food insecure or considered food deserts. This chapter uses small case studies, rural Appalachia and urban Detroit, MI, to assist in describing …

The Rise Of A New Dawn: Solar Energy And Us-China Relations, Regina Miller

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis addresses the challenge of aligning a renewable energy transition with the pursuit of US-China relations in a period defined by climate change and growing energy demand. Using quantitative and qualitative data in Chapter 1, the global problem is introduced by describing key differences in the impact of renewable and nonrenewable energies on ecosystem services, outlining the justifications for an energy transition focused on sustainability. Chapter 2 draws on historic and political perceptions of solar power to examine the shift toward renewables. This chapter highlights differences between the US and China to show how solar energy systems emerge under …

The Prospect Of F.E.W. Resources: How Food, Energy, And Waste Management Workforce Programs Address Global Equity And Sustainability, Quincy P. Biddle

Student Theses 2015-Present

As a global society, the issues affecting a specific city or country are no longer isolated; instead, they impact other places in myriad ways. Over the past few decades, environmental degradation and economic inequality, both within and between countries, have caused shortages of necessities like food and water, inadequate access to safe energy sources, and increased pollution, impacting people’s prosperity and the well-being of the planet. It is of global interest to remediate these issues for the betterment and progress of society, and thus, an approach to addressing these complications collectively and comprehensively is of utmost importance. This paper investigates …

Secondhand Or Second-Class? Environmental Injustice In Global Textile Waste Trade, Wendy S. Escalante

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the issue of textile waste dumping, specifically how secondhand clothing exports from the Global North create environmental, social, and public health burdens in the Global South. The study focuses on case studies in Chile’s Atacama Desert, where shipments of used clothing overwhelm local waste infrastructures and worsen patterns of environmental injustice. Chapter 1 describes the global flows of textile waste, including trade volumes, landfill accumulation, and the impacts of discarded clothing on ecosystem services such as clean water, fertile soils, and breathable air, alongside health risks from microplastic pollution, toxic runoff, and respiratory hazards from textile fires. …

Lithium Extraction In Chile, Estrella Pallares Medina

Student Theses 2015-Present

This article examines the environmental, political, and economic dimensions of lithium mining in Chile's Atacama Desert, a critical site within South America's "Lithium Triangle." Chapter 1 utilizes both quantitative and qualitative data to introduce the environmental problems of water shortage, ecosystem stress, and biodiversity loss associated with lithium mining, presented within the framework of the ecosystem services approach. This approach categorizes the impacts into four categories: supporting, regulating, provisioning, and cultural, which affect both human and ecological well-being. Chapter 2 applies the academic field of political ecology to analyze how corporate accountability, government policy, and governance shape environmental performance and …

A Sturdy Future: Mangrove Restoration Against Climate Extremes, Gabriella Marie Siasoco

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the impacts of climate change on natural disasters and examines how rehabilitation of mangrove forests in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean can mitigate those effects. Rising ocean and atmospheric temperatures contribute to higher sea levels and more severe hurricanes and tropical storms, characterized by increased frequency, duration, and intensity in peak winds, storm surges, and rainfall. Mangrove ecosystems act as vital buffers against coastal disturbances such as tsunamis and extreme storms, while contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. Additionally, they improve water quality by filtering nutrients, preventing eutrophication. Despite their ecological and economic value, mangroves in …

Isolated By Design: An Analysis Of The Texas Energy Grid, Samantha Prado

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper examines how climate change impacts Texas’s energy grid and identifies strategies for building grid resilience by focusing on renewable energy solutions and the inclusion of marginalized groups in decision-making processes. Understanding the conditions that led to the 2021 energy crisis and how they continue to impact Texas residents is critical in advocating for policy reform and climate adaptation. Therefore, the paper begins with the grid’s failure during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 to demonstrate how the crisis resulted from extreme weather, market design, policy choices, and inadequate infrastructure. Chapter One analyzes the environmental impact of generating electricity …

Solid Waste Management In Greater Khartoum City, Sudan, Roba Mahmoud

Student Theses 2015-Present

This study investigates the rising solid waste management (SWM) dilemma in Greater Khartoum City (GKC), a critical environmental and public health issue caused by fast urbanization and inadequate infrastructure, with historical linkages to Sudan's colonial and postcolonial growth. Chapter 1 describes the current problem using quantitative and qualitative data, demonstrating that GKC produces approximately 3,340 tons of waste each day, with 56% organic matter, 8% plastics, and 16% paper. Collection efficiency remains severely poor, at 31.5%. Informal recyclers known as Nakasha or Barkata collect approximately 7% of total waste, supporting roughly 3,900 people, whereas filthy open dumps and unsorted medical …

A Restoration By Mangroves: Marilao And Pasig River Plan For Restoration, Julian Luis Flores

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper discusses the restoration of the Pasig Rivers of the Philippines using the wondrous magic of mangrove trees to bring back various aquatic, flora, and bird species. The Pasig River was once the Philippines’ most beautiful river, spanning the entire Metro Manila, with different floral species blooming, teeming marine life, and being a significant transportation route. However, throughout the years, urbanization has caused the state of the river to decline drastically. Improper waste segregation, disposal, and improper river maintenance have given it the title “Manila’s toilet.” This is why it is essential to restore the river to its status …

Invasive Macrofungi In The United States: A Mushrooming Crisis, Emily Torres

Student Theses 2015-Present

Globalization has accelerated the spread of invasive species, making them one of the largest contributors to biodiversity loss worldwide. While invasive macrofungi remain largely absent from scientific discourse on invasive species, they represent a growing ecological concern throughout the United States. Invasive macrofungi disrupt forest ecosystems, alter soil communities, and displace native fungi. Beyond these ecological impacts, their presence and establishment profoundly affect human-nature relationships, most notably mushroom foraging and cultivation practices. This paper adopts a multidisciplinary approach to examine the ecological, economic, and anthropogenic impacts of invasive macrofungi in the United States. Chapter 1 provides a quantitative overview of …

The Cobalt Curse: Cobalt’S Role And Risks, Marley Jackowitz

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper examines the hidden environmental, geopolitical, economic, and social costs of the cobalt supply chain. Fueled by the demand for battery technology and electric vehicles, cobalt has become an essential element to the green energy transition. With the largest share of global cobalt deposits, the Democratic Republic of the Congo bears a disproportionate share of the industry’s harms. Cobalt mining in the DRC is marked by environmentally degrading practices and inhumane working conditions, compromising Congolese health, safety, and well-being. Chapter 1 discusses the environmental impacts of DRC cobalt mining and its adverse effects on public health. Environmentally degrading mining …

Consumerism In The Digital Age: Environmental And Cultural Consequences, Danielle Andrea Montoya

Student Theses 2015-Present

Overconsumption has emerged as a significant environmental problem, characterized by persistent patterns of buying, using, and discarding goods at rates that exceed ecological limits. In the digital age, these patterns of consumption are reinforced by economic systems, technological advancements, and cultural norms that make constant consumption feel normal and convenient. While consumption is necessary for everyday life, consumption beyond basic needs contributes to increased waste, resource depletion, pollution, and climate change. Overconsumption is embedded in daily habits such as online shopping, food consumption, and frequent product replacement. Therefore, understanding and addressing overconsumption is crucial for achieving environmental sustainability and social …

Fighting The Black Snake: The Dapl And The Case For Indigenous Environmental Stewardship, Kenny Moll

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis analyzes the current scope of environmental injustice on Native lands in the U.S. Specifically it examines The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) and its impacts on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North Dakota. Western colonialism and capitalism have dominated North American ecosystems since their forcible introduction hundreds of years ago, causing the commodification of natural resources and leading to injustices such as that of the “Black Snake.” However, the story of The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s resistance will be analyzed through the framework of Indigenous philosophy and environmental justice. Chapter 1 analyzes the implementation of the DAPL and …

Machines In The Marsh: Struggles Of Peatland Rehabilitation Following The Shutdown Of The Irish Industrial Peat Industry, Maeve Mcgroary

Student Theses 2015-Present

As the EU and the Irish government focus on shifting to green energy and becoming carbon neutral, there has been a growing concern about the use of Irish peatland. For centuries, Irish people have cut and dried peat for the purpose of burning. This would traditionally be used for heating and cooking but as electricity became increasingly popular in the 1960s, companies like Bord na Móna helped industrialize the process of harvesting peat as part of their expansion of several peat-fired electricity stations. Chapter one discusses how decades of overharvesting has caused extreme damage to peatlands and their wildlife. Chapter …

Applications Of Urban Forestry: Advancing Environmental Justice Via Tree Planting In New York City, Newell Alexandra Blanton

Student Theses 2015-Present

NYC’s urban forest is composed of 7 million trees and the infrastructure which supports them. These trees have incredible value in almost every sense of the word; they provide essential ecosystem services such as climate modification and air purification that are otherwise impossible or enormously costly to manage. Contrarily, a lack of tree coverage in an urbanized area can contribute negatively to the health, economics, and overall quality of life for a neighborhood’s residents. This paper analyzes the impact trees have in New York City through a socioeconomic lens by comparing tree metrics and their collective influence in various neighborhoods, …

Semblance Of Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Analysis Of Corporate Greenwashing In The United States, Brandon T. Williams, Environmental Studies

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the problem of greenwashing, the unseen environmental issues associated with it, and it concludes with an offering of potential policy options that better protect consumers and promote sustainable business practices. Using quantitative data, Chapter 1 lays out the prevalence of greenwashing in U.S. industry in recent years. Additionally, this chapter scrutinizes the operating practices of the offending firms and how they degrade vital ecosystem services. Chapter 2 explores greenwashing through a historical lens, following the unethical practice shifts meaning over time into the current era. Chapter 3 utilizes an economic lens and cost-benefit analysis to reevaluate the …

From The River To The Sea: Environmental Ecocide In Palestine, Isabela Pizarro

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper investigates the environmental and ecological toll of Israel’s current occupation and genocide of Palestine through ecological, historical, philosophical, and legal lenses. Chapter 1 explores the ecological impacts that Israel’s prolonged military operations have had on Gaza and the West Bank since October 7, 2023. Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive examination of the ideological motivations and historical context for Israel’s colonization of Palestine. The chapter also provides a pre-colonial history of Palestine’s indigenous agriculture and land management practices, highlighting its self-sufficiency and sustainability prior to the occupation. Chapter 3 explores different environmental philosophies between indigenous Palestinians and the State …

Camaraderie Or Commodity: An Examination Of The Human Connection To The Land, Amelia Hong

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper addresses the role of land in the United States by examining it as both a commodity and a spiritual being. The emphasis on profit and productivity in the United States agricultural industry insists that land be viewed as a commodity, skewing and influencing citizens’ relationships with nature. Agribusiness, or commercial farming, is a leading source of desertification and land degradation in the United States. This paper seeks to understand the necessity of a breadth of spiritual and philosophical knowledge when writing environmental policy, especially regarding commercial agriculture. Chapter One provides quantitative information on the effects of uncontrolled Agribusiness …

Ethical Elegance: Navigating Consumer Morality And Production Practices In Fashion Through Analyzing Shein, Zara, & Vivienne Westwood, Joshua Todd Auskalnis

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis examines current gaps within sustainable business and sustainable fashion within the global fashion industry by carrying out a comparative analysis of the three companies: Shein, Zara, and Vivienne Westwood. These companies have different positions along the sustainability spectrum and offer insights into how profitability is weighed against environmental and ethical concerns. Chapter 1 addresses environmental sustainability, assessing how each brand is responsible for damaging the environment through overproduction, wastage, synthetic materials, and greenhouse gas emissions. Chapter 2 addresses ethical and social responsibility, considering workers' conditions, fair compensation, and labor protections along international supply chains. Chapter 3 draws on …

Environmental And Labor Exploitation In Dominican And Haitian Sugar Cane Plantations: A Failure To Achieve Sustainable Development Goals, Norah S. Mosquea

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper explores the dual issues of labor and environmental exploitation in sugar cane plantations in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, focusing on these countries' actions in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Chapter 1 outlines the relevant SDGs, particularly those addressing labor conditions and pollution reduction. It discusses several types of pollution and its impact on laborers and surrounding communities, framing these impacts within the concept of environmental justice. Additionally, it explains how plantation-related pollution degrades all four types of ecosystem services, emphasizing cultural ecosystem services that affect people's overall well-being. Chapter 2 inspects the historical context, …

The Rainbow Nation Goes Dark: Unjust Energy Production And Load Shedding In South Africa, Grace E. Yearwood

Student Theses 2015-Present

Numerous inequalities experienced by South Africans right now are a result of the country’s previous apartheid government. One example is South Africa’s current energy distribution, which is extremely inequitable across communities due to the structurally failing energy grid and corruption within the government. Energy distribution in South Africa encapsulates the practice of load shedding, which is essentially controlled rolling electrical blackouts. Chapter One examines quantitative data regarding energy production and distribution in South Africa, including the details of load shedding. Moreover, this chapter explores the negative relationship between energy production, load shedding, and ecosystem services. The quantitative data lays the …

Climate Change Behind Prison Walls: Environmental Justice, Prison Abolition, And Social Welfare, Mia Moody

Student Theses 2015-Present

Unbeknownst to many, human rights violations occur on a large scale behind prison walls. This paper examines some of these violations, especially those exacerbated by climate change, through an environmental lense in order to emphasize the need for social welfare-based solutions in the abolition of the prison industrial complex. It also seeks to illustrate the connection between the environmental justice movement and the prison abolition movement so that marginalized peoples may be free from shouldering disproportionate effects of environmental hazards and imprisonment. This paper is introduced with a brief overview of the human rights violations occurring in prisons. Using quantitative …