Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Conflict And Coltan: Resource Extraction And Collision In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo And Venezuela, Jenna Marie Goldblatt

Senior Theses

Resource extraction has played an essential role in shaping human development and is an essential tool for technological improvement. However, resource extraction is also inherently exploitative of the environment, and therefore of people. This paper evaluates the relationship between Coltan, a mineral necessary for the creation of electronic capacitors, and the conflict it creates locally, regionally, and internationally through the case studies of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Venezuela. These case studies illustrate the relationship between export and consumption based countries and how this relationship keeps “developing” countries in a never ending cycle of development, and developed …

Conflict And Coltan: Resource Extraction And Collision In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo And Venezuela, Jenna Marie Goldblatt

Student Theses 2015-Present

Resource extraction has played an essential role in shaping human development and is an essential tool for technological improvement. However, resource extraction is also inherently exploitative of the environment, and therefore of people. This paper evaluates the relationship between Coltan, a mineral necessary for the creation of electronic capacitors, and the conflict it creates locally, regionally, and internationally through the case studies of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Venezuela. These case studies illustrate the relationship between export and consumption based countries and how this relationship keeps “developing” countries in a never ending cycle of development, and developed …

Farm To Boardroom: How Improving Farm Conditions Leads To Sustained And Ethical Profit, Emily Mueller

Student Theses 2015-Present

As a society evolving and innovating at a pace faster than ever before seen in human history, we find ourselves at a crossroads of dealing with planetary boundaries and improving social standards. We are met with a crisis just thirty years away; the crisis of needing to be able to effectively and sustainably feed ten billion people across the globe. The 20th century brought on a booming age for industrializing the food system in order to increase yield and thus profit. The new process was a significant breakthrough at its time, but now we must face the question of when …

Ethical Implications Of Population Growth And Reduction, Tiana Sepahpour

Student Theses 2015-Present

No abstract provided.

A Fishy Problem: Effects Of Atlantic Salmon Farming In The Pacific Ocean, Madeleine A. Griffith

Student Theses 2015-Present

In this report, I explore the historical, climatological, economic, and ethical issues created by the contemporary industrial salmon farming practices off Pacific coast of the United States and Canada. Chapter 1 utilizes a variety of sources from Stephen Hume’s A Stain upon the Sea to Miller’s Living in the Environment, to examine the integral part salmon plays in both freshwater and marine ecosystems, the ecosystem services salmon contribute in wild and farmed settings, and the trends in salmon consumption around the world. Chapter 2 examines the historically relevant role salmon held among indigenous societies and how that role has changed …

Nature As Privilege: How Environmental Racism Changes The Access To Fresh Air And The Effects On New York City’S Communities, Sarah C. Morrison

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper serves to addresses the issue of environmental racism in relation to New York City, and more specifically comparing the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn, often characterized as low- income and high-minority populations with their white counterparts. New York, among other urban centers in the United States serves as an example of environmental racism because of the discrepancy in high air pollution levels in marginalized communities, the subsequent negative health effects (specifically asthma), and the lack of green spaces. The root of this issue is prominent in the history and construction of New York during the 1900s. The construction …

Radical Social Ecology As Deep Pragmatism: A Call To The Abolition Of Systemic Dissonance And The Minimization Of Entropic Chaos, Arielle Brender

Student Theses 2015-Present

This paper aims to shed light on the dissonance caused by the superimposition of Dominant Human Systems on Natural Systems. I highlight the synthetic nature of Dominant Human Systems as egoic and linguistic phenomenon manufactured by a mere portion of the human population, which renders them inherently oppressive unto peoples and landscapes whose wisdom were barred from the design process. In pursuing a radical pragmatic approach to mending the simultaneous oppression and destruction of the human being and the earth, I highlight the necessity of minimizing entropic chaos caused by excess energy expenditure, an essential feature of systems that aim …

Sustainable Interiors: Green Design Methods And Its Influence On Ecopsychology, Tillie M. O'Reilly

Student Theses 2015-Present

The profession of interior design proposes to enhance interior spaces through the use of furnishings, lighting, and color palettes while adhering to safety standards and building codes. Although designers follow strict codes to beautify a space, they may disregard the natural environment when choosing materials that are aesthetically pleasing. It is difficult for designers to design sustainably when they must balance many demands in design such as functionality, aesthetics, safety, and clients’ tastes. This paper addresses how sustainable design methods can be incorporated into the field of interior design to benefit the environment, while simultaneously improving the beauty of the …

Housing The Homeless: A Framework For Sustainable, Affordable Housing, Brianna Providence

Student Theses 2015-Present

New York City’s building stock is comprised of nearly one million structures. Buildings are responsible for unconscionable amounts of global energy, water, resources, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Thousands of buildings are annually constructed when the truth is that there is a significant stock of buildings that could stand to be rehabilitated. New green developments present an opportunity to increase efficiency while reducing energy use, resource consumption, and waste. If virgin new green developments provide the aforementioned opportunities, then it logically follows that sustainably retrofitting preexisting buildings represents an even greater opportunity to promote environmental sustainability and reduce inefficiencies. As …

Wave And Tidal Energy In New York: Sustainable Hydroelectricity For The Grid, Lucas Basil Romanowsky

Student Theses 2015-Present

As humanity continues to exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the earth in its use of nonrenewable energy sources, it is imperative to find and shift to alternative renewable energy sources that can sustain human civilization. The ocean based phenomenon of tides, current, and waves are a way in which that source of energy can be obtained and broadened for human consumption. Oceanic energy can serve not only as a means to provide cleaner energy, but also improve the economy and the land based environment. The natural sciences and social sciences are examined within the quantitative data present. The natural …

The Human And Environmental Effects Of Cbrn Weapons, Brendan M. Doran

Student Theses 2015-Present

Since the first use of modern weapons of mass destruction during the First World War, the World has lived in fear of these horrifying instruments of death. Gripped by this fear, countries around the world have continued to research, develop, and test these weapons in the spirit of mutually assured destruction. Over the years, science and warfare have continually refined their methods of human extermination, bringing forth some of the most terrifyingly effective weapon systems ever devised. However, the testing and use of these weapons is often a step into the unknown. The repercussions of deploying these weapons are sometimes …

California Drought: A Need For Agricultural Revolution In The Golden State, Benjamin Clinkinbeard

2014 Student Theses

California is in a drought State of Emergency, which is fueling negative social and economic consequences. After multiple years of below average rainfall, California has arrived at one of the most severe droughts in recorded history. Climate change is upon the Golden State, and the ugly consequences need to encourage citizens to spur green movements combating environmental destruction. The agriculture industry is in need of drastic change in order to secure a future that includes clean water, and fresh food for a growing population. Currently, the agricultural techniques practiced are far from sustainable. Adopting a new ideal on what it …

Eating Misery: The Moral Question Of Factory Farming And The Struggle With Affected Ignorance, Victoria Elizabeth Oh

2014 Student Theses

What moral responsibility do we have to the suffering that we cause to animals? Should we reconsider our socially accepted treatment of animals in agriculture? In this essay I attempt to explore those moral questions by comparing new agriculture to the past; quantitative data linking environmental concerns to animal agriculture; and the current policy and law relating to factory farming. Using this information I try to unpack our moral obligation to these animals in factory farms and our affected ignorance to the entire subject of the unethical treatment of animals in factory farms. I recommend that we need to transform …

No Parking But Parks: Sustainable Urban Planning Of Open Space In New York City, Jenny Kun

2014 Student Theses

Parks are keys to create a sustainable urban living environment. They are particularly important today as they ameliorate of one of the most urgent problem—global climate change. Parks has been New Yorkers’ most cherished public infrastructure. This thesis takes a close look on New York City and examines how open space planning affect the development of a metropolis. To investigate the topic, I applied three disciplines in environmental policy: environmental planning and design, history, and politics. These disciplines are intertwined. This thesis first digs in to the history of how the city’s iconic Central Park is created and evaluates how …

Green Infrastructure: A New Way Of Addressing Water Quality Issues Within A Growing Population., Marlin Martes

2014 Student Theses

Abstract

Beneath the great metropolis known as New York City, underlies an intricate system of water networks linking all of New York City’s five boroughs. In the same manner that veins function as vessels for the transportation of blood in the circulatory system, NYC’s water system interconnects all of the diverse communities found at multiple levels of society within the city. Regardless of origin or background, today all NYC residents and visitors share NYC’s tap water as a natural resource without fearing water scarcity tomorrow. However, as the estimated population in New York City is expected to rise above 9 …

The Unknown Puppet Masters Of The Modern Day American Diet And How To Cut To The Strings: A Look Into Parasites And Applied Kinesiology, Kirstie E. Carrizales

2014 Student Theses

Many Americans suffer recurring health problems that are accepted as "normal" in American society. From panic attacks to digestive problems, Americans have been getting sicker and sicker. At the same time, we find ourselves craving more processed foods and sweets. And how could we not, it's very hard to find food that has not been contaminated with processed parts. Western medicine provides multiple pills both prescription and non-prescription to "ease" our pains. But what is the underlying cause? And what is a real cure? To understand what is really going on with our bodies, we must scale ourselves down and …

The Answer Is Blowin' In The Wind: The History And Practical Future Of Wind Power, Lillian Flynn

2014 Student Theses

Our energy practices have caused damage to the ecosystems of our planet. It is important that we move away from our current practices and towards more renewable and clean energy sources. Oil and coal both have incredibly harmful effects on the environment, including the emission of chemicals into the atmosphere leading to climate change and rising temperatures. Wind power may be the path that we need to take; it is a technology that has been around for thousands of years. In the recent years, technology has jumped forward in the turbine field. That being said, wind farms still face opposition …

The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: A Tragedy Of The Commons On The High Seas, Janice G. Boswell

2014 Student Theses

Considered the biggest threat to marine ecosystems today, it is estimated that three fourths of the world’s fish stocks are being harvested faster than they can reproduce. Because the ocean is not subject to defined property rights, there exists a “race to the bottom” encouraged by the rise of industrial fishing, as well as a voracious global demand. The Atlantic bluefin tuna provides a glaring example of an overfished species on the brink of extinction due to its popularity in the Japanese market. Its rarity and esteem have made it the most expensive fish in the sea and policy has …

Got Milk?: Exploring The Truth Behind America’S Drink And Nature’S Perfect Food, Andora Leung

2014 Student Theses

The product of milk is a staple to American culture and diet. Described as the “perfect food,” this notion has been ingrained through decades of misleading information as well as persuasive marketing and advertisement implemented by government officials and industry leaders. However as health risk rise, questions concerning the validity of milk calorie and nutritional value, the use of bovine growth hormone (rBGH) and subtherapeutic antibiotics rise as well. In my thesis paper, I will study the history of the dairy industry and how their agenda quickly transitioned from the benefit of the customer to the benefit of the industry. …

Want All, Waste All: Exploring Food Waste In The United States, Ani Esenyan

2014 Student Theses

This thesis examines food waste within the United States as an environmental and social problem. It is estimated that 40% of food in the United States is thrown out every year, and the disciplines highlighted in this thesis explains why food waste exists. First, the amount of food wasted and the reasons behind the waste is explored. Second, the history of food production and consumption within the United States is analyzed to give further explain the waste epidemic. Third, the agricultural policies which have contributed to food waste are explained in detail. Fourth, the economic and environmental impacts of food …

Growing Roots: Gardening As A Means To Mitigate Urban Poverty And Its Symptoms, Maeve Bassett

2014 Student Theses

Urban gardening has become a very popular trend in the last few years in both affluent neighborhoods as a form of relaxation and in impoverished areas as a form of hunger relief. In impoverished areas, urban gardens are usually exclusively advertised as a solution to limited food access; however, there is a naïve belief that these gardens are effective forms of mass food production. Presently, these gardens are not productive enough to globally effect food production and the environment. However, to the communities surrounding the gardens, the effects are immense. Urban gardens are cheap and effective solutions for many of …

Environmental Disasters And Policy: Fear Prompts Awareness, Ashley K. Dunn

2014 Student Theses

The affect that environmental disasters have on public attitudes directly affects policy-making. This paper explores the implications and results of disasters on environmental policy-making. Various disciplines shed light as to why a disaster can spur awareness. Disasters directly threaten peoples lives and way of living. These threats result in a higher level of public awareness. The use of environmental psychology explains why people tend to ignore environmental problems until they become imminent and personal. Environmental history sheds light upon particular instances of environmental disasters. The three major environmental disasters covered are the Exxon ValdezOil Spill in Prince William Sound, …

Feeding Fordham: How Fordham University Students And Local Bronx Residents Are Affected By Their Location In An Urban Food Desert, Jane Wynne

2014 Student Theses

Abstract

My thesis examines the health and nutrition conditions in the Bronx, New York and the extent to which this location changes the diet and well-being of Fordham University students who live on or around Rose Hill’s campus. Upon entering college, there are undoubtedly social and personal changes as young adults gain independence from their parents and forge their own path. Once parents stop stocking the fridge and students are forced to make their own choices when it comes to food and diet, there are often drastic changes made. In addition, many students’ activities levels will vary in college as …

Colony Collapse Disorder In North American Honey Bees: History, Economics And Policy, Lauren Marra

2014 Student Theses

In recent years, millions of bees have died in North America as part of a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder. This thesis analyzes the importance of productive bee colonies and how their act of pollination is a vital ecosystem service to many of our economies. It identifies the major crops reliant on bee pollination and the many ecological threats that declining bee populations pose. Using data from the USDA, university studies, and other scientific research, this thesis evaluates the many reasons for the decline of honeybees as a result of the gradual decline of the nation’s current agricultural system. …

A Decrepit New York: Synthesizing New York’S Infrastructure Problems, Connor Farrell

2014 Student Theses

Coastal living has become a very popular, often fantasized, way of life. This lifestyle is easy, relaxing, and, above all, it soothes the stress. However, mankind’s innate desire to live near America’s oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water have allowed its population to become vulnerable to super storms. Super storms, such as Hurricane Sandy, have become more prevalent over recent years, and America needs to take into account the massive population whom call the East coast home. Focusing in on the New York area, I will be able to show how our thoughtless designs and locations of towns/cities have …

If Slaughterhouses Had Glass Walls: The Truth Behind The History, Economics, And Ethics Of Factory Farming, Deanna Ripley

2014 Student Theses

In recent years, the awareness of factory farming has raised many questions regarding the treatment of animals, the health risks towards humans, and the affects it has on the environment. In the United States today, factory farming is the largest form of food production, where it is estimated that over a billion animals each year are killed to meet the high demand in the meat industry. The goal of factory farming is to maximize the amount of meat and dairy in a given amount of time through the cheapest forms of production. Thus, animals continuously live in inhumane conditions and …

Bioplastics: Reinventing Conventional Plastic Production And The Future Of Biodegradable Materials, Ruby Roca

2014 Student Theses

The use of plastic is prevalent in our society due to the increasing amount of new products entering the market that need some form of packaging that is solid enough yet disposable. From everything to yogurt containers to diapers, plastic containers are a large part of our society’s consumption culture and often goes unnoticed. However, people point to plastic water bottles and containers as the only culprit, and often times forget that almost all packaging contains some form of plastic. For my thesis I want to examine how the use of plastics has increased waste material, considering that it takes …

A Flaw In The Design: American Sprawl And Climate Change, Gregory Behl

2014 Student Theses

The physical landscape of the United States has developed to a point that it has become detrimental to the health of its citizens and the natural environment. Designed around abundant fossil fuels, the sprawling panorama Americans call home has significantly contributed to a decline in global ecosystem services. Using historical precedence as a guide for the constant improvement of surrounding environs has led to the nation’s exorbitant resource use and beyond sustainable emissions rates required by the physical design of the man-made landscape. These mandates, embodied in a physical design, further reinforce isolation and contribute to the psychological denial about …

The Global Effects Of Rising Sea Levels On Cities: Venice, Houston, Nyc, Alexa N. Fuller

2014 Student Theses

No abstract provided.

From Arrows To Bullets: Sustainable Hunting, Fishing, And Trapping, George S. Apostolopoulos

2014 Student Theses

My thesis paper is on hunting, fishing, and trapping in the state of New York. In this thesis I will go over months of my own personal research and experience on the topic. I will provide information on wildlife populations and biodiversity, as I have recorded it over the last two years.

When discussing the topics of hunting, fishing, and trapping in New York State the focus of conversation is often on the moral wrongness and negative impacts on wildlife that these disciplines have. However, those who oppose hunting, fishing, and trapping not only overlook their environmental educational value, environmental …