MA Environment and Management Theses

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https://hdl.handle.net/10170/617

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    Exposure Assessment to Estimate the Population Exposed to Low Air Quality from Wildfires in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    (2024) Vidal Veliz, Carolina, Liz; Shrestha, Rudra
    In 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2023, British Columbia experienced severe wildfire seasons, leading to increased exposure to PM2.5, which can cause respiratory issues and even death. Hourly PM2.5 data from air quality monitoring stations across the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) between 2014 and 2023 were aggregated to daily values. The weighted average daily PM2.5 concentrations were estimated using the indirect method of Thiessen polygons to obtain spatial coverage of the stations. Person-days of exposure to weighted average daily PM2.5 concentrations above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of 15 μg/m3 were calculated considering days during the year with concentrations above this level and the population of the MVRD. During the study period, the number of person-days exposed annually to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding WHO air quality standards in MVRD showed notable peaks in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023, with 2018 recording the highest exposures at 53,283,580 person-days.
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    Sustainable Retrofitting in the 21st Century: Reviewing the Impact of Municipal Policy on Rental Property Owners
    (2024) Probe, Daniel; Martin, Gary
    AbstractThe climate crisis is influenced by many factors, including energy use in residential buildings, which accounts for approximately 10% of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires that 85% of existing buildings be retrofitted to a zero-carbon-ready state. Rental properties, often less energy efficient than owner-occupied homes, must also be improved to meet these targets. This study investigates how prepared rental property operators in Regina are to meet the City's net-zero emissions goal by 2050, as outlined in the Energy and Sustainability Framework. Through interviews with rental property operators and municipal representatives and reviewing relevant literature, this research identifies the challenges and opportunities in adopting energy-efficient practices in the rental sector. The findings provide insights for policymakers, highlighting the gap between policy goals and the practical realities rental property operators face. The researcher's personal experience in the rental property industry and governmental roles enriches the study. The thesis includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendices.
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    The Effect of Emotions on the Acceptance of Reclaimed Wastewater for Irrigation: A Key to Manage the Hydric Balance in an Arid Region of Spain?
    (2024) Gil English, Samuel; Wolfe, Sarah Elizabeth
    The Marina Baja water system in Alicante has been exemplified as achieving hydric balance through reclaimed wastewater exchange agreements between urban and agricultural uses, limiting external water resource contributions. This study examines the impact of emotions on farmers’ acceptance of reclaimed wastewater amidst water scarcity, increased water demand due to urban population growth, and emerging concerns of about water quality and arrangements among stakeholder groups. Applying Q methodology and Appraisal Theory, the research reveals how both positive and negative valence emotions influence farmers’ decision-making and stakeholder interactions, provoking both acceptance and rejection of reclaimed wastewater. The study challenges the prevailing academic and institutional narrative of balance achieved through reclaimed wastewater by analyzing the perceptions of farmers and water managers, in addition to highlighting the risk related to the acceptance of reclaimed wastewater of low quality. The findings emphasise the importance of understanding emotional dynamics in water management and the necessity for trust to ensure sustainable water resource practices.
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    Nature-Based Awe and The Role it Plays in Water Professionals’ Commitment to Their Work
    (2024) Deboer-Smith, Avery; Wolfe, Sarah
    This research explores the role of awe-inspiring experiences in nature, particularly focusing on water professionals who work closely with natural environments. The study aims to deepen our understanding of how nature-based awe influences professionals' commitment to their work within the water sector. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating a literature review to establish foundational knowledge on the concept of awe. Through a survey-based empirical study, water professionals' nature-based awe experiences are examined, addressing questions around the frequency, characteristics, and preferred forms of these experiences. Findings underscore the significance of nature-centric awe in shaping professionals' commitments to environmental stewardship. The research identifies several implications for practice and future research. This research underscores the imperative of prioritizing and preserving our connection to the natural world. By recognizing the profound influence of nature-based awe on individuals, particularly within professional contexts, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how nature-based awe experiences can influence environmental professionals commitment to protecting the natural world.
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    Green Space and Trees In Langford: Community Perceptions, Environmental Awareness, and Conservation
    (2024) Montes de Oca Palau, Roberta; King, Leslie
    Urban green spaces (UGS) and trees play a pivotal role in addressing contemporary challenges across environmental, social, and economic dimensions in cities. The rapid growth of Langford, British Columbia, driven by an accelerated increase in population over recent years, poses significant challenges for the preservation of urban green spaces and trees. I conducted a literature review to research the benefits of trees and UGS in cities and, based on the identified benefits, created a survey to examine Langford residents' perceptions of UGS and trees, including the benefits they provide for the city as well as their preferences regarding management policies. The results suggest that residents are aware of the ecosystem services provided by trees and UGS. Additionally, the results showed an inclination to preserve and protect urban green areas in Langford. A holistic management approach involving informed leadership and robust community participation is essential for translating knowledge about ecosystem services into practice. Furthermore, the results of this research suggest improvements in decision-making processes by including mechanisms to gather and evaluate stakeholders' perspectives and moving from planning and goal setting to actual implementation in the city. By adopting such approaches, Langford can enhance its UGS management practices and promote sustainable urban development.