Sustainability Commons^™

Global Climate Change Driven By Marine Methane Hydrate Dissociation: Reality Or Fiction?, Yige Zhang

Sustainability Seminar Series

Methane hydrate dissociation has long been considered as a mechanism for global carbon cycle perturbations, climate change and even mass extinctions in Earth’s history. However, direct evidence of hydrate destabilization and methane release that coincides with such events is scarce. We use diagnostic lipid biomarkers directly linked to methanotrophic microorganisms to track the dissociation of gas hydrates in Earth’s Cenozoic history. We show biomarker and compound-specific isotope evidence of methane release and oxidation at several climate change events, suggesting that aerobic oxidation of methane in seawater which consumes oxygen and acidifies the ocean is a key process that drives climate …

Use Of Insar In Linear Discontinuous Ground Deformation Generation Analysis: Case Study Of A Mine In Poland, Bartosz Apanowicz

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Linear Discontinuous Ground Deformations are defined as fissures and steps, as well as structural forms composed of them. They occur on the surface as a result of underground mining. Knowledge of LDGDs has been acquired through field observations which are subsequently described in the scientific publication. Records of LDGDs are made by using the classic surveying method. The paper reviews the created LDGDs in the years 2015–2019 in one of the mines of the USCB. The analysis covers the velocity of subsidence as a result of underground mining and the values of horizontal strains determined according to the Knothe-Budryk theory. …

Think Of The Future: From Nonrenewable To Sustainable, Froyzee Rey Eduard Armena

Symposium of Student Scholars

Abstract

When seawater evaporates, it becomes rainwater that you can store and use later on. The resources available on earth are immeasurable, yet it takes so much time for it to replenish its usable state, just like the ocean. When I drive through cities, I’m always in awe of being constantly reminded how the human race has progressed. The rate at which we progress concerns me, do we have enough power to fuel the future? Are the resources we can tap in from support the amount of research we do? This research aims to assess our energy reserves that seem …

Corrosion Prevention Of Aluminum Alloy, Andrea Brenner

Symposium of Student Scholars

Aluminum alloy (Al-alloy) is a widely used metal in construction, aerospace, aviation, and other necessary fields due to its lightweight and tweakable properties. However, corrosion is inevitable on metals and alloys, and that causes millions of dollars of revenue loss every year. Therefore, we propose to research fabricating coating to prevent corrosion on Al-alloy. This study uses an iron-based metal-organic framework (MOF) and polyurethane (PU) based composite coating to prevent corrosion on the Al-alloy. The makeup of the composite material is changed by varying the percentage of MOF. In addition, a binder is also used to enhance the homogenization between …

Sustainable Planning, Protecting Social, Economic, And Environmental Interests Of Coastal Communities, Daniel O'Hara

Undergraduate Research Competition

Understanding the connection between humans and wetland environments is imperative to coastal planning. This project looks to gather policy and scientific information from local, regional, federal, and international levels regarding wetland protection and preservation to improve policies and practices in coastal areas and create more sustainable and healthier environments. Sustainable planning in coastal communities includes connecting humans and nature through low-impact developments, using native plant species, non-impervious surfaces, and adequate buffers between developments and water sources. Successful coastal planning and development can help ensure that economic, social, and conservation interests are protected. Wetlands represent 5.5% of the total land area …

Empirical Analysis Of Sustainable Land Use And Development And Potential Solutions For Remediation In Georgetown County, Brittany Whitehead

Undergraduate Research Competition

The county of Georgetown, SC envelops lush natural landscapes and complex water systems that host a diverse network of plant and animal species. This region is continuously threatened by natural disasters like flooding and stormwater issues,which inhibit the local economy and jeopardize the well-being of its inhabitants. Within the last decade, Georgetown County has been experiencing a consistent growth in population and development, specifically in vulnerable coastal areas. This growth must be addressed in order to provide a safe and resilient place for the community and nature to live in harmony. Through a case study of my experience in a …

Georgetown County: The Issue Of Land Litter And Pollution, Nicole Rainwater

Undergraduate Research Competition

Land litter and pollution are a large issue in current society. Georgetown County in South Carolina is no exception to this with excess amounts of litter lining the streets due to a lack of municipal solid waste management, and possibly a lack of education in sustainability. Litter not only harms the environment but also affects the community and its people while driving businesses and tourists away from the location. This paper aims to explore the litter issue of Georgetown County and its lack of sustainability through a litter index. To achieve this study a heat map of the land pollution …

Creating Communities Of Practice To Promote Sustainability: A Framework For Organizational Change, Ryan J. Wallace, Haydee M. Cuevas, Sang-A Lee

Sustainability Conference

Everything necessary for human survival depends on our ability to establish stewardship practices that preserve critical resources and foster conditions to ensure long-term protection of Earth’s natural environment for future generations. Sustainability practices rely upon individuals to adhere to conscientious principles to establish a reasonable balance between environmental, social, and economic influences. This presentation seeks to establish a candid dialogue about how to identify opportunities for sustainability, how to implement policies that reinforce sustainability practices, and encourage the formulation of a community of practice to reinforce accountability and continuous improvement of sustainability efforts.

Identifying sustainability practices requires a keen understanding …

Tourism And Sustainability In The City Of Georgetown, Ya Zheng

Undergraduate Research Competition

I am working on improving and increasing tourism in the city of Georgetown. These plans that I will implement will relate to SDG goals. Works will include creating social media posts to attract tourists, promoting jobs to spread job opportunities, encouraging sustainable tourism through creative content, and much more.

Land Cover Classification And Change During Mine Reclamation In Northeast Florida Using Multispectral Imagery, Daniel Burow, Robert Brown, Alexis Caldwell, Patrick Hunter, Jett-Ramy Kaddour, Alexander Kingma, Justin Kozicki, Blake Neal, Abigail Neff, Rylan Randolph, Devon Tanner, Isaiah Vahos

Sustainability Conference

Titanium is commonly used in the aerospace industry because it is lightweight and durable in extreme temperatures. The Green Cove Springs Mine, near Green Cove Springs, Florida, was used for mining and processing titanium and other minerals from 1972 until 2009. Since then, the mine area is being reclaimed, or rehabilitated and restored to its natural state, as required by Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations. In this study, we use high-resolution multispectral satellite and aerial imagery obtained from 2016 to 2022 to examine land cover (LC) changes at the Green Cove Springs Mine during this reclamation period. We use …

Paleo-Perspectives On Marine And Terrestrial Ice Sheets, Lauren Simkins

Sustainability Seminar Series

The geological record of deglaciated landscapes extends spatial and temporal perspectives on ice-sheet processes and behavior that transcend the timeframe of modern instrumental observations. Based on geophysical, remote sensing, and sedimentological data from Antarctica and North America, I will discuss my group’s work on reconstructions of past ice-sheet changes and understanding processes and conditions that contribute to those changes, including subglacial meltwater drainage, grounding line retreat, and influence of topography on ice flow. The work that I will present highlights the importance of understanding past ice-sheet changes in assessing the stability of contemporary glacial systems – and what the multi-faceted …

Halfway: The Legacy Of Civilian Conservation Corps Company #704, Maxibillion Thompson

Student Academic Conference

Civilian Conservation Corps Company #704 began operations in 1933 approximately 10 miles southeast of Ely, MN, based at the site known as Halfway Camp F-1. This presentation explores some of the legacy they left in the region in the form of ecological projects and recreational structures, as well as the few remaining signs of their former camp on the shores of Birch Lake.

Measuring Sustainable Development Through Tax Increment Financed Brownfield Redevelopment Statutes: A Florida Case Study, Jeff Burton

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research measures the theoretically sustainable development synergy of United States’ redevelopment, tax increment, and brownfield statutes and questions local redevelopment professionals on this combination’s implementation. This policy’s integration and application measurements guide increased knowledge and best practice methods in the path of America’s population migration into urbanized areas, thus managing the economic, environmental, and social impacts for future generations.

This examination used a pragmatic, qualitative, and quantitative mixed-method approach to identify, collect, code, and analyze redevelopment, tax increment, and state brownfields laws. An exhaustive literature review of the laws’ histories explained when and why they exist. In addition, a …

Wcu Center For Civic Engagement & Social Impact - Student Basic Needs Insecurity At West Chester University, Seth Jacobson

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Dr. Seth Jacobson, Director, WCU Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact - Student Basic Needs Insecurity at West Chester University

Environmental Consequences Of Depleted Stratospheric Ozone Layer And The Biology Of Skin Cancer, Carlos Molina

Sustainability Seminar Series

The stratospheric ozone layer is Earth's “sunscreen” – protecting living things from too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The emission of ozone depleting substances has been damaging the ozone layer. Due to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, which has limited, and is now probably reversing, the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, only modest increases in solar UV-B radiation at the surface of the Earth have occurred. For many fair-skinned populations, changing behavior with regard to exposure to the sun has also contributed to lower the exposure to UV-B radiation. The skin and eyes are the organs exposed …

Social, Environmental And Economic Threats To Gullah Cultural Heritage In Georgetown: Sustainable Development Principles As Tools For Cultural Conservation, Brandon Peck

Goal 4: Quality Education

No abstract provided.

Remote Work And Sustainability Analysis Through Feddata Technology Solutions, Sandra Ataalla

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

No abstract provided.

Fulfilling The Un Sustainable Development Goals In Georgetown, South Carolina: Economic Recovery In A Post-Covid World, Margaret Sheridan

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

No abstract provided.

Coastal Media Solutions: The Role Small And Medium Enterprises In Sustainability, Bridgette Devlin

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

No abstract provided.

Environmental Impact Of Cryptocurrencies, Sydney Sanker

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

No abstract provided.

Sustaining Georgetown County, South Carolina: A Museum Approach, Jesse Morgan

Goal 4: Quality Education

No abstract provided.

Tidelands Health Wellness Department: Sustainable Development Goals 3 And 4 In Georgetown County, Hailey Restuccia

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

No abstract provided.

Making Forests, Making Communities: An Ethnography Of Reforestation In Monteverde, Costa Rica, Megan Brown

Anthropology Theses and Dissertations

Reforestation is not just planting trees in the ground. More than net increase in forest cover, reforestation is a complex political endeavor undertaken by both humans and non-humans and a popular climate change mitigation tactic. However, little research has examined the dynamics between selection of specific reforestation strategies, health, and community resilience, particularly with attention to entanglements between the lives of both human and non-human forest dwellers. This ethnographic work, based on six months of in-person fieldwork and six months of digital ethnography, examines reforestation and forest relations in Costa Rica’s Monte Verde zone, a region which experienced widespread deforestation, …

Tidelands Health Community Care Resources Relations To Sdg Goals 3, 10, And 11 Sustainability 310: Methods/ Tools In Sustainability, Diquasha Simmons

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

No abstract provided.

A Small Business' Efforts To Support Mental Health, Leigha Schaefer-Ortega

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

No abstract provided.

Georgetown County Environmental Services Office 2022 Spring Litter Index United Nations Youth Corps Internship, Rainwater Nicole

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Land Use And Development Related To Drainage Infrastructure In Georgetown, Brittany Whitehead

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

No abstract provided.

Fisheries Science Update - Temperate Shark Fisheries - April 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Science Updates

Two fisheries make up Western Australia’s Temperate Shark Fisheries: the West Coast Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Fishery; and the Southern Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Fishery. They are some of the longest standing sustainable target shark fisheries in Australia.

These fisheries contribute to the WA economy by supplying sustainable locally sourced seafood; employing up to 150 people per year; and have an estimated overall annual market value up to $20 million.

774 tonnes of sharks were landed in 2019-20, which is approximately 2.27 million meals. The majority of which goes straight to the WA community, and is commonly found …

Fisheries Science Update - Shark Depredation - April 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Science Updates

Recreational, charter and commercial fishers in Western Australia (WA) are reporting significant increases in shark depredation (bite-offs), particularly in the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.

Shark depredation is an issue across Northern Australia, with similar reports in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Managing shark depredation is complex, and WA is leading the country in research to better inform our management decisions.

Recent research by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) has found that:

• a range of shark species are responsible for bite-offs, including blacktip, dusky, milk, pigeye, sandbar and tiger sharks;
• the probability of sharks taking fish is …

Droughtscape, Spring 2022, National Drought Mitigation Center

DroughtScape: Quarterly Newsletter of the National Drought Mitigation Center (2007–2023)

DroughtScape, Spring 2022