Author: tamidix

Defining A Wicked Problem

One of the main problems in the Quad Cities is Climate Change. In a nutshell, climate change can be defined as the long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns which can be  mainly accredited to human activities. Sources, such as the United Nations have expressed their concerns about human activities and their correlation with climate change. Moreover, the United Nations state “but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas (United Nations 1)”. It could be said that greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide (CO2),  methane and nitrous oxide are all causes of climate change since they trap heat within the earth’s atmosphere. Ultimately, these gasses are being produced by burning fossil fuels. Specifically, activities like deforestation, oil, gas, coal and the industrial processes all contribute to the burning of fossil fuels. 

The Quad City area, which includes Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, East Moline, and Moline battle severely with climate change everyday. Increased flooding and extreme weather events have led to many concerns. Excessive rain periods have caused delays in corn and soy-bean harvesting seasons. With this being said, farmers are more worried about the effect that climate variability has on their soil health. 

Temperature is one of the many concerns farmers and pedestrians living in the Quad Cities have regarding agriculture. It should be noted that warmer temperatures can expedite the growing process for crops as they are developing. Heat Stress is another factor that contributes to the reduced production of crops. Prolonged periods of heat can result in lower crop yields and are proven to shorten the process of pollination. Not only this, but, higher temperatures can aggravate air pollution, which can increase the health risks for people who deal with asthma or lung conditions. Vector-Borne diseases are also a huge concern for citizens living in the Quad Cities. It can be said that warmer conditions permit bugs like mosquitos and ticks to surface for longer periods of time, which could possibly spread Lyme disease and the West Nile virus. Ultimately, extreme heat exposure puts pressure on plants by slowing the process of their development and introduces the risks of many diseases. With this being said, farmers are finding that increases in temperatures result in reduced production quality.

Increased flooding is another concern that pedestrians and farmers have. Due to climate change, the Quad Cities have been experiencing more rainfall compared to the last couple of years. In 2019 floods along the Mississippi River caused huge delays in planting, and extensive damage to homes. Since the river borders the area, floodwaters cause soil erosion and nutrient loss for plants. Soil Erosion is one of the leading problems when explaining the correlation it has with increased flooding. Many scholars define soil erosion as a process in which the top layer of soil is removed from its original location by natural forces. In conjunction, it can lead to reduced production, nutrience loss, and soil degradation. Commonalities such as water saturation make it difficult to plant crops and often correlate to diseases in crops. 

Droughts are another underlying issue of climate change. Normally, the Quad Cities don’t encounter droughts, however this community has been experiencing an influx of droughts recently. Dry spells occurring within these cities reduce availability for water irrigation and put more stress on crops by taking their natural resources away. Highly water dependent crops, such as corn and soy-beans become the most affected agriculturally. Both of these crops depend solely on water to produce high yield. An influx of droughts has caused a reduced production in all crops and has created inconsistency for the growing seasons. It can be concluded that droughts have a huge impact on the community’s agriculture.

Climate change also has a huge impact on businesses in the Quad Cities. Floods have been proven to damage the infrastructures of many buildings in areas such as Moline and Davenport. Small businesses located on the border of the river are struggling to operate and stay open to the public due to floods. Nevertheless, flooding has disrupted the work for companies such as the John Deere plant located in Moline. More specifically, flooding makes it hard for the community to receive goods and services internationally. Climate change also raises the price of essential agricultural products. It can be said that climate variability has resulted in lower crop yield, which has made the prices of crops higher. Commonalities such as livestock, have also stressed the challenge of heat stress which is currently affecting the health conditions of animals. 

In conclusion, climate change has presented many challenges for the Quad Cities region. Agricultural conditions, infrastructure damages, reduced crop yield, and health concerns are all problems associated with climate change. However, capitalizing on innovative ideas to build stronger sustainability when combating climate change is influential.

Laylah., Zuleyri, Tamaria, Jasmine 

Community Engagement involving water in East St. Louis IL 

When it comes to focusing on defining systems and trying to figure out what the specific classifying drivers are, there are multiple things to consider. People around the community in East St. Louis, including the government, can affect community engagement on water. If people and/or residents in the community see that the government cannot improve their community, that will cause them a lack in involvement and being engaged. But first, we must figure out how to get the community engaged and interested in water. Keeping the community engaged and interested in water can be achieved through several strategies like different programs that’ll educate the community about the importance of water conservation and the impact of water issues on their daily lives. Interactive activities will help with keeping the community engaged by hosting events like clean-up drives, water conservation challenges, and community gardening projects that involve hands-on participation. These can be events that are not only available for adults but also children. As stated above, doing these activities can help grown and young adults improve their education on water and sharing these events within the community on social media can help spread the word and help get the community engaged. For example, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation unveiled designs for urban agriculture and nutrition center in East St. Louis Hickman, Matt. “East St. Louis Unveils Design for Agriculture Center.” The Architect’s Newspaper, 1 Aug. 2022, www.archpaper.com/2022/07/jackie-joyner-kersee-foundation-unveils-design-urban-agriculture-nutrition-center-east-st-louis. 

. With this space they created outdoor spaces and demonstration areas where community and global citizens connect to learn about community supported agricultural systems and even food innovation, entrepreneurialism and economic development. By focusing on these components, the system can effectively engage the East St. Louis community in water-related issues and promote sustainable water management practices.  

The Causal Chain Analysis 

When explaining issues regarding water, it can be said that community engagement provides citizens with the opportunity to become informed about the water infrastructure within their community. Causal chain analysis is a model that helps stakeholders identify and address the root causes of a problem. More importantly, the causal chain analysis breaks down a problem into their underlying causes, first by identifying them. That said, many communities run into similar root causes of a broken water infrastructure, including aging infrastructure and pollution. Furthermore, the analysis helps stakeholders visualize the chain reaction being caused by the issue. This step helps us critically understand the links towards certain causes, while being able to critically think of ways to resolve the issue. The chain analysis also helps stakeholders evaluate long-term solutions, while assessing the potential solutions and their consequences: In the case of determining how the community can be informed about water infrastructure starts with community-wide meetings. This can be in the form of a public hearing or informational. Meeting in-person is a wonderful way to involve stakeholders in determining an issue. Countries such as China are making large strides to further understand the sciences behind water treatment. In Beijing, the city has created an International Conference that reaches scientists from all over the world. Mr. Hao’s article on this advancement should inspire cities within the US to share knowledge regarding water science. He states that “with the 2009 Internation Conference on Sustainable Water Infrastructure for Cities and Villages of the Future, held in Beijing, we built an academic platform to attract top research and science papers, helping to advance the water sciences regarding sustainable development (Hao pg. 1)”. Creating worldwide seminars such as the International Conference will help bridge the gap in inequities regarding water infrastructure. Specifically, it gives cities an equitable chance to learn from professionals, in hopes they rebuild their infrastructure at home. 

 The “drivers” in getting the community interested in water are important figures and organizations that play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards water conservation. These drivers include community leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educators, and the media. 

Community leaders, such as mayors, council members, and other public officials, are instrumental in influencing public opinion. They have the authority and platform to promote water conservation policies and take part in awareness campaigns. By setting an example and prioritizing water issues in their agendas, they can motivate the community to act. Their involvement often lends credibility to the cause and can significantly amplify its reach and impact. 

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specializing in environmental and water resources bring ability and resources to the table. They are adept at organizing educational programs, workshops, and community activities that highlight the importance of water conservation. NGOs often collaborate with local communities to implement sustainable water management practices, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and active participation among community members. 

Educators also play a vital role by integrating water-related topics into the school curriculum. By educating students about the significance of water conservation from an early age, they instill a sense of environmental stewardship that can last a lifetime. School projects, science fairs, and field trips related to water conservation can actively engage students and their families, spreading awareness beyond the classroom. 

The media, with its vast reach, is another powerful driver. Campaigns on radio, television, and social media can give information about the importance of water and how to conserve it. The media can keep water issues on the public agenda, ensuring that they receive the necessary attention and action. 

To keep community interest, continuous education, community involvement, incentives for conservation practices, and transparent communication about water management challenges and progress are essential. By combining these efforts, the community can remain engaged and committed to sustainable water conservation practices. 

Stakeholder Analysis for Community Engagement on Water Infrastructure 

Effective water infrastructure requires the engagement of various stakeholders to ensure sustainable management and equitable access. A stakeholder analysis identifies key groups involved in or affected by water infrastructure projects, their interests, and the potential impact of their involvement (Cardwell & Langsdale, 2022).  

The primary stakeholders are the residents who directly depend on water infrastructure for daily needs. Their interests include access to clean and reliable water, affordability, and minimal disruption during construction or maintenance. Engaging with local communities through public meetings and surveys can help identify their concerns and preferences, ensuring that the infrastructure meets their needs. 

Local, state, and federal government bodies play a crucial role in regulating and funding water infrastructure projects. Their interests lie in ensuring compliance with environmental and health regulations, efficient use of public funds, and long-term sustainability. Collaboration with government agencies is essential for securing permits, funding, and policy support (“National Environmental Justice Advisory Council: Water Infrastructure White Paper,” 2019). 

These groups advocate for the protection of natural resources and ecosystems. Their interests include minimizing the environmental impact of water infrastructure projects and promoting sustainable practices. Involving environmental organizations in the planning process can help identify potential ecological risks and develop strategies to mitigate them (Cardwell & Langsdale, 2022). Companies involved in the construction, maintenance, and operation of water infrastructure have a personal stake in the project’s success. Their concerns include profitability, project timelines, and regulatory compliance. Engaging with the private sector through contracts and partnerships can leverage their expertise and resources. These stakeholders contribute technical knowledge and innovative solutions to water infrastructure challenges. Their interests include research opportunities, data collection, and the practical application of their findings. Engaging with academia can provide valuable insights and evidence-based approaches to project planning and implementation. 

 By conducting a thorough stakeholder analysis, project planners can ensure that all relevant parties are considered, fostering a collaborative approach that enhances the sustainability and effectiveness of water infrastructure projects. 

Hickman, Matt. “East St. Louis Unveils Design for Agriculture Center.” The Architect’s Newspaper, 1 Aug. 2022, www.archpaper.com/2022/07/jackie-joyner-kersee-foundation-unveils-design-urban-agriculture-nutrition-center-east-st-louis. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “National Environmental Justice Advisory Council: Water Infrastructure White Paper.” 2019. Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/documents/nejac_white_paper_water-final-3-1-19.pdf. Accessed [10/30]. 

Cardwell , Langsdale. “Stakeholder Engagement for Sustainable Water Management.” Aqua, vol. 71, no. 10, 2022, pp. 1095-1110. https://iwaponline.com/aqua/article/71/10/1095/91431/Stakeholder-engagement-for-sustainable-water. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.