COASTAL EROSION: INTEGRATING GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY TO AID IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EROSION DUE TO RISING SEA LEVELS ALONG US COASTLINES

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Tristan Knowlton Environmental Sciences Miki Nisbet Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Environmental Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 4, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Along the coastlines of America, specifically along the Pacific Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, rising sea levels are causing great levels of coastal erosion, leading to the loss of coastal homes and ecologically valuable land. Climate change affects the rate at which sea levels rise, which in turn determines how quickly coastlines are eroded. The objective is to analyze coastal maps of California and the Gulf of Mexico to determine which coastal factors facilitate or hinder the degradation of coastlines.

Sustainability Progress of Global Companies Using GRI Standards

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Maria Pertz Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 5, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

In a recent survey by IBM, 51% of respondents from 10 major global economies stated that sustainability is more important to them today than it was 12 months ago (Emeritus, 2022). Historically, influential corporations have disregarded the triple bottom line and have ignored the effects their supply chains have on the environment, people, and the economy, and in turn, made negative contributions to sustainable development. To reduce and eventually eliminate the harm, many companies are now creating sustainability plans to monitor their progress. Sustainability planning and reporting have gained traction in the last decade given the push for standardization, the need for transparency from consumers, and improved environmental social governance metrics within their business operations. Today, there are over 600 different sustainability reporting standards, industry initiatives, frameworks, and guidelines that have improved the transparency, consistency, and interoperability of sustainable practices (Brightest, 2024). One of the most widely adopted frameworks is the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). GRI created the first global sustainability and social impact measurement standards in 1997, and they help businesses and other organizations take responsibility for their impacts, by providing them with a global common language to communicate those impacts (Global Reporting Organization, n.d.).

The purpose of this research is to examine the contents of 10 sustainability reports across five industries and document their actions towards sustainable development. I will focus on how companies are not only reducing their environmental impacts but also protecting workers and contributing to society. Understanding the degree to which companies are addressing these challenges is crucial to measuring their progress and determining if they are advancing toward sustainability.

Product testing the next generation Song Meter Mini Bat acoustic detector for Wildlife Acoustics, Inc.

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Kaitlyn Roussel Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Tory Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: First Floor, Table 1, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Analyzing the calls a bat emits is one of the main ways to identify a species. We use bat acoustic detectors to filter these ultrasonic sounds produced. As technology advances, so do these detectors. Wildlife Acoustics Inc. produces bat acoustic detectors constantly. These detectors are then tested with older models to see if they produce the same results. We, therefore, conducted a study to test the next generation of bat acoustic detectors to the older models by Wildlife Acoustics Inc. We tested all three detectors at the same site, over the same period, and analyzed the results to see if the newest model was. This study took place in the flight room on Texas Christian University's campus between the dates of 03/01 - 03/08/2024, in Fort Worth Texas.

Austin's Walkability: Tree Canopy Cover of Downtown Austin's Sidewalks

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Zoey Suasnovar Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 2, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

As the Capital of Texas, Austin has been a great exemplar in the protection and preservation of trees within their city limits. Austin has had a commitment to these trees for decades, but what do the trees do for the city of Austin? This poster focuses on the sidewalks of downtown Austin, and what percentage of them are covered by the canopy of these trees. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) we calculate the percentage of the canopy cover overlaying the sidewalks. Understanding the canopy cover allows us to also find the walkability score of downtown Austin. A tree's canopy provides shade, and when placed over a sidewalk, it provides an escape from the omnipresent heat in Austin in the Texas summers. People in areas of lower-socioeconomic status tend to have reduced trees (and greenspace in general) compared to those of a higher-socioeconomic status. By determining an area's walkability score, we can also find areas of desire where greenspaces and trees can benefit the people living there.

Can Passive Acoustic Monitoring Effectively Be Used To Inform The Species Diversity And Activity Patterns Of Bats In Big Bend National Park

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Justyn Wallace Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 8, Position 3, 11:30-1:30