http://hdl.handle.net/1974/757 2013-05-23T09:57:55Z 2013-05-23T09:57:55Z Akhuetie, Floxy http://hdl.handle.net/1974/8015 2013-05-02T18:18:00Z 2013-05-02T04:00:00Z

Title: Microbiological Indicators of Water Quality and Water Sustainability Authors: Akhuetie, Floxy Abstract: The provision of high quality, clean water is of paramount importance to both human public health and the welfare of all biodiversity. Maintaining this quality also helps to promote sustainability of water globally through programs involving public health, watershed (ecosystem) protection, water-resource management and water governance and regulation. These initiatives allow for more effective risk assessment and management of the world’s usable water supply. Pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa which are present in faecal-contaminated water have always been a major threat to human health. Monitoring every single pathogen present in water is impractical, therefore the use of microbial water-quality indicators has been recommended. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus sp. are the main microbial indicators used for assessing fresh and marine water (recreational water), respectively. E. coli testing is conducted all over the world and there are good tests readily available, but tests for Enterococcus are limited, even though these bacteria are often better indicators of faecal contamination. We are developing an Enterococcus test by adapting technology that was developed at Queen’s University for detecting E. coli and Total coliforms. Different growth media types were used and Todd-Hewitt broth (THB) was found to be the most effective media for the Enterococcus test and can be used at full strength or half strength. The test was optimized for temperature; 41oC elicited the best results. In order to promote selective Enterococcus growth, different antibiotics were administered. It was found that 6 mg / L of amikacin in half strength THB was optimal to make the THB media selective to Enterococcus in the presence of potentially interfering E. coli bacteria. This novel test will complement the tools already available for global water-quality monitoring, thereby promoting sustainable water-use, and thus enhancing the protection of the public’s health. Description: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2013-05-01 20:31:16.331

2013-05-02T04:00:00Z Chretien, Jonathon http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7783 2013-02-01T06:11:50Z 2013-01-31T05:00:00Z

Title: Potential for synthesis between REDD+ and community forest management as understood through the lens of global political ecology Authors: Chretien, Jonathon Abstract: Global climate change is one of the defining issues of the 21st century. The phenomenon of natural climate variation being pushed beyond normal ranges has been fueled largely by industrial activities and those which support them (i.e. land-use change and the over-exploitation of natural resources). The urgency is well established with reports demonstrating an increased occurrence of rare, highly damaging weather events, and shifts in the natural range of species. The necessity of action on climate change has resulted in the development of novel global initiatives designed to address the problem across global and regional scales. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) is emblematic of this new wave of conservation strategy. It brings together parties which are often seen as opposed on environmental issues in collaborative environmental practise. This thesis explores the development of REDD+ as an effective and equitable solutions to this problem. REDD+ is a policy architecture designed for global deployment, the success of which will depend largely upon the engagement and involvement of local community groups. Community forest management (CFM) may inform the REDD+ design process, and enhance both land-use strategies by way of synergy. The pathway to that point is, however, uncertain and marred with potential pitfalls. This thesis uses the instructive and critical lens of political ecology to assess the potential for integrating greater CFM elements into the REDD+ policy structure. It explores how the narratives of CFM and REDD+ clash at discursive levels, while also identifying elements of each which may make them mutually beneficial. The thesis finds that much of the conflict between positions on REDD+ are the result of contrasting environmental understandings, some of which are informed by negative experiences with past environmental conservation initiatives. Greater community-centric attributes may assist in improving the local and regional acceptability of REDD+ projects by appealing to the “alternative” values of forest-dependent peoples. Some suggested policy modifications are made to improve the overall design of REDD+ to be inclusive of the concerns of forest user groups, and potential areas for future research projects are discussed. Description: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-28 14:57:55.951

2013-01-31T05:00:00Z Basso, TINA http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7681 2012-12-06T21:25:36Z 2012-12-06T05:00:00Z

Title: An Investigation into Sustainable Building Evaluation Strategies for use within the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence Authors: Basso, TINA Abstract: Environmental sustainability in regards to infrastructure and the built environment is a significant consideration for the Department of National Defence (DND). As the 2nd largest landowner in Canada, the DND is making great efforts to operate in a sustainable manner through the creation and implementation of sustainable building policies. Meeting the green/sustainable buildings requirements of the recent Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, and the 2006 DND Sustainable Development Strategy to achieve accreditation within generic green building systems, has proven to be extremely challenging given the mandate and the nature of Canadian Forces (CF) operations, both domestically and overseas. This line of research was conducted in order to identify the unique requirements and the sustainability factors/criteria that are applicable to the CF / DND and to investigate how to best align these requirements within the context of sustainable development strategies. Input data was obtained through an analysis of literature and relevant documents, as well as a series of interviews with individuals at all levels within the Federal Government. The result of this research undertaking was, in part, the creation of a Sustainable Development for DND based on a thorough, comprehensive and internationally-investigated factor selection process. These results illustrate the importance for the DND to consider implementing a department-specific sustainable building strategy; one that is more representative of the unique type of infrastructure DND owns and operates. The results of such an investigation can surely be used to assist with best practices and strategic policies within DND and to potentially influence policies at the Federal level of governance in this regard. The ultimate goal of this thesis was to establish the policy framework with a view for DND to develop and implement its own unique Sustainability Standard. Description: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-11-29 14:21:37.63

2012-12-06T05:00:00Z KELLER, EMILY MARGARET http://hdl.handle.net/1974/7586 2012-10-11T20:05:57Z 2012-10-11T04:00:00Z

Title: RE-CONSTRUCTING CLIMATE CHANGE: DISCOURSES OF THE EMERGING MOVEMENT FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE Authors: KELLER, EMILY MARGARET Abstract: This thesis examines the discourses surrounding the subject of climate change, with particular emphasis on the discourse(s) of the emerging social movement for climate justice. Positioned within the social constructivist and critical research paradigms, the methodology involves a Foucauldian-inspired discourse analysis in which discourse is defined as a historically-situated, materially-embodied, and power-imbued set of statements and rules that comprise a unique and coherent representation of the world. A review of the climate change-related literature reveals four primary discourses on the phenomenon of rising greenhouse gas emissions: early scientific, climate modernization, climate change denial, and climate justice. The statements and rules of these four discourses, as well as the theoretical trends and sociopolitical, economic, and ecological factors affecting their historical development are described. A deeper analysis using 26 primary documents representing every major climate justice organization reveals that rather than a single coherent discourse, the climate justice movement encompasses four individual sub-discourses: global, peasant-oriented, Indigenous, and civil rights. Focussed on climate-related inequities in developing countries of the Southern Hemisphere, the global discourse constructs climate change as a problem of the structures and logic of the globalized capitalist economy. The peasant-oriented discourse emphasizes inequities to peasant farmers, and represents climate change as largely the result of industrialized agriculture and food systems. With specific concern for the wellbeing of Indigenous communities, the Indigenous discourse locates the cause of climate change in the “violation of the sacred” and the loss of harmony with Mother Earth. The United States-based civil rights discourse primarily emphasizes the rights and interests of African American communities and constructs climate change as a problem of externalized ecological costs and failure to incent a “green” economy. The relations of power between the four climate justice sub-discourses and the prevailing climate modernization discourse are tentatively explored on the basis of three indicators of strength (internal coherence, material foundations, and adaptive capacity), on which basis several questions related to discursive resistance are proposed as possible avenues of future research. Description: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-10-11 09:45:29.397

2012-10-11T04:00:00Z