Category: Uncategorized

Climate change has affected my life throughout the year. One of the biggest problems has been drought. I’m from Alabama, where we do a lot of farming. It is one of the most significant ways the state makes money because we provide peaches to the whole country, along with Georgia. The most extensive drought was about five years ago when we didn’t receive a drop of water for months, and it was during the peach harvest. The heat was killing the peaches as they grew.

The whole state was affected economically and physically. People were not going out as much or had to be careful with the constant heat waves and alerts on our phones and TVs. We need to find a way to not cause more alarm to the temper, or it doesn’t get warmer, but there is not one solution. We have to speak up on the topic and communicate with the world and people to help understand the changes we can make together or even just your city to help reduce our carbon footprint.

          Climate change affects all of us, whether we like it or not. Change determines our future. Because we all have different lifestyles, our priorities are different. Sometimes, if we try to change the way we recycle or use specific materials, we may be affecting someone’s only source of money to provide for their families. Climate change is a multifaceted issue that we can solve with one solution.

              In our society there is no solution to climate change with the evolution of technology and life. All we can do is find a better way to reuse or avoid certain things that have a higher effect on your climate. Lower our carbon footprint, not fall victim to fashion changes and clothes, and take care of things we own to last longer and can later be given to others to extend the life of it. But realistically, we can’t make people change their lifestyles. We are all different and can’t come together to find one that fits all type of solution.

         Climate changes, and so do the types of solutions we try to find. With everything moving and changing, we cannot really find a solution or where to begin. All we know is that there is no solution; it’s a dead end. Irreversible  bbc.com/news/live/science-environment. 

The changes that have already happened because of climate change can’t be undone. Because of our action we have caused a change to animal habitats. If their ecosystem is affected so is ours it’s like Jenga we take pieces of and just put them on top like nothing but at one point you’ll take out the wrong one that unbalance it and make it all fall down. You can re-built it but it’ll never be the same as when you bought it. Some of the changes that we have already caused are that the Amazon rainforest becomes the savanna in a matter of time and our coral reefs are dying. The ice sheets are melting, and they can’t be refrozen.

“The stakes are clear. Complacency will be met by irreversible and unthinkable impact from climate change” John Kerry, U.S special presidential envoy of climate change on “PHYS ORG” article about the impacts and irreversible changes of climate change.

 Unique Earth’s Changing Climate (nationalgeographic.org)

It is unique that only certain areas get the most impact during a significant climate change. It’s primarily because of their location in the region that they are constantly being hit. Climate change affects many aspects of our lives, not just the weather, which is really the one thing that people pay attention to.

Urgent This is why fighting climate change is so urgent | Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org)

Finally Climate change is significant and we are all affected by it. We need to act now. It is urgent that we act. During my research about climate change, I read a very important article about acting called “This is why fighting climate change is so urgent” by the Environmental Defense Fund. During my reading I learned new things about climate change that I didn’t really take into consideration or realized because I don’t see. Over the years they have seen changes on our planet, specifically temperature, that the earth has gotten warmer by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit since the 19th century. But at the rate that today’s climate changes we are expected to change to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit in early 2030, also double the warmth. That half degree is so much more than what we normal people think isn’t a big deal because we think on a large scale that 1 or 2 number difference is not going to do much. The reality is much bigger. It affects our agriculture because there is an increase in evaporation and moisture causing more rain to fall in certain areas that don’t usually have that quantity of water, so they overflow in other areas. It’s the opposite for others; they don’t get a drop of rain for months, completely drying the land. In the end it’s not just that but the Antarctic ice breaking into parts and wildfires spreading faster and lasting longer, insects overproducing and spreading disease. We see the change and why can’t we make a change.

The “drivers” in getting the community interested in water are influential 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. In this circumstance, it is very important to identify the drivers because we never fully know who we’re all working. 

Community leaders, such as mayors, council members, and other public officials, are active 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.  According to Baer, Katherine. “Creating Connection between Community and Water Utility Leaders – What We’re Learning.” River Network, 2 Aug. 2022, www.rivernetwork.org/creating-connection-between-community-and-water-utility-leaders-what-were-learning/. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024, it says “We learned in our research that community organizations with a deep grasp of what the utility does allows these groups to hold the utility accountable, identify positive aspects of the utility operations and be empathetic to challenges facing utilities” This helps to prove with the work of everyone’s help things can get done and it gives us essential idea of how to go about the problem.

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. These organizations work on community development and can help mobilize community support, provide funding and facilitate training and education programs. 

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.

Creating a stakeholder profile for community engagement in water infrastructure involves finding and detailing the roles and contributions of various groups and individuals. This important because effective community engagement in water infrastructure projects relies on understanding and addressing the diverse needs and concerns of different stakeholders. By creating stakeholders we can enforce communication, build trust within the community, identify key influencers, address potential issues early to avoid conflicts and delays, and enhance project success. 

These would include the residents and community members, who are the primary users of the water infrastructure. They can provide firsthand knowledge on the patterns of water use, problems, and community needs. This helps in the tailoring of solutions for the improvement of water services, ensuring that they are user-friendly. In engaging them, publicity on surveys, public meetings, focus groups, and social media platforms can be used in soliciting input and keeping them abreast of happenings.

The contribution of local government officials, however, lies in serving as policy maker and administrator for local development. This may involve policymaking, securing approvals from regulatory agencies, providing funding, and considering larger community plans. In so doing, they signal their participation through collaborative planning sessions, public consultations that enhance accountability and transparency.

The role of Environmental Groups is to advocate for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Their contributions offer expertise in areas of conversation, sustainability practices, and protection of local water resources. Strategies for their engagement involve partnerships in environmental impact assessments, workshops, and educational campaigns on sustainable water management practices.

The involvement of Health and Safety Agencies is very instrumental. It is supposed to act as the guardian of public health and safety standards. Their contributions ensure that water infrastructures meet set health and safety standards, preventing contamination that will make supply unreliable. Their strategies for engagement include compliance checks and public health campaigns to inform the community about safe water practices.

The role of Educational Institutions has to do with research, innovation, and education. They could begin to conduct research on water management, come up with innovative solutions, and spread awareness among the students and the community. Their strategies of engagement in this case would include things like collaborative research projects, educational programs, and outreach initiatives in the community.

NGOs can be relied upon to advocate for community development and support. This may include community support, funding, and holding training and education programs on water management. Regarding strategies of engagement, they may provide community workshops, advocacy campaigns, and engagement with local authorities.

These very important agencies in this case are the Media and Communication Outlets. This is where, for instance, their role is that of informers and educators of the public, in helping to send information, awareness, and keeping the community informed of progress and the benefits accruing thereof from water infrastructure projects. Their engagements may include press releases, media briefings, and public information campaigns. By doing so, this ensures that their involvement secures comprehensive engagement by these parties in terms of meeting the needs and concerns of all parties in the development process of water infrastructure.

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. 

Marques Rutlin 

Dr.Martinez

Research Team 1

2 September 2024

Water Quality in St.Louis

Water quality is one of the most essential parts of any community, and we need water to survive. While St. Louis may not have the worst water quality, scientists have found microplastics. Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimeters in size, such as trash, dust, and cleaning products. Of the 31 drinking-water samples collected, 87% had so-called normal levels of microplastics. That means the levels were within the range in most of the country. The first characteristic of a wicked problem is a vague problem definition. 

Although there isn’t one solution that will cure microplastics, here are some ways to help prevent the spread of microplastics. For example, you can buy organic clothes. Synthetic clothing, such as polyester, is a massive contributor to microplastics. Choose eco-friendly, sustainable clothing from organic materials, such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, and other natural fibers. All types of material will produce some microfibers, but the microfibers from natural materials, like cotton, tend to stay more significant than those from synthetic materials. That’s because cotton fibers frequently become tangled, creating more substantial pieces of lint that are not readily released into the air. Plastic and microwaves don’t mix. Plastic containers leach plastics when they’re heated. This holds even when plastic containers are labeled “microwave safe.” Being microwave-safe means the container won’t melt in the microwave, not that it won’t transfer chemicals to your food. The second characteristic of a wicked problem is an undefined solution, meaning there isn’t a definite solution to each problem.

The third characteristic of a wicked problem is that there is no endpoint, meaning that solution implementation may cause new problems. While all these solutions can be easily implemented, one person can’t stop the spread of microplastics. Large amounts of microplastics can’t be removed in one day; it takes effort from everybody in a community to do their part to dent these problems a collaborative initiative of Missouri Confluence Waterkeeper, Blue2Blue Conservation, and other community partners to install and maintain floating “trash traps” in local creeks and streams. Trash traps, or in-stream litter collection devices, comprise a floating boom that attaches easily to embankments, stormwater outfalls, canals, or creeks. These traps gather floating debris before reaching the main waterway, creating a more significant pollution problem. Wicked problems don’t always have one solution; this characteristic is unique. While trash traps have put a bandaid on the microplastic problem, we have to keep doing our part in our environment to get help with the spread of microplastics. 

One wicked characteristic is that solutions are irreversible and can’t be undone. Experts believe that raising water prices would help reduce the waste of others. I  think executing this plan would cause more harm than good. Not only is making water an even harder source for people who can’t afford it, but it might cause water to become even more in high demand. The 6th characteristic of a wicked problem is urgent; these problems are urgent because failure to act can cause permanent harm to humans and animals. In today’s society, we have so many amazing tools at the access of fingertips to help the environment, saving the world starts with the people around us. One of the most influential tools in the world is social media, a platform almost everybody has. I believe with the use of social we can help spread the word about the risk of microplastics and how to better or water quality overall. While people in our society can be hesitant to change I believe some people just don’t know the right way. In conclusion, the world is what we make it, how will you better your society?