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The impact of winter temperature increase on aquatic macroinvertebrates

Ben Curell, Angelea McPartlin, and Maurah Steinmetz (2018)

Aquatic macroinvertebrates play an essential role in stream ecosystems. Given the potential metabolic demand, we investigated the impact of increased winter stream temperatures, due to climate change, on aquatic organisms. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from headwaters and mainstem sites at the Kayaderosseras and Battenkill Rivers in February and March. Organisms in the families Taeniopterygidae, Nemouridae, and Simuliidae may be disproportionately impacted because these families contain many cold-adapted, winter and early spring-emergent species.

Road salt deposition and retention in the riparian zones: High impact in the High Peaks?

Daniel Casarella, Connor Christoffersen, and Jennifer Cristiano (2018)

Road salt (NaCl) application in the Adirondack Park (AP) is expected to increase with climate change. We assessed the impact of NaCl on riparian soils in the AP because riparian zones are vital to protecting AP waterways. We used soil samples from Johns Brook Tributary (JBT), which is not exposed to winter salting, and Cascade Brook (CB), which is. CB soils had higher Na and Cl concentrations. JBT had higher concentrations of available ammonium and phosphate. There were no statistically significant differences in soil macroaggregates or microbial communities.

Energizing schools: A feasibility study of energy improvements for Saratoga Springs City School District (SSCSD)

Khalil Choukeir, Jack Curry, and Miary Rasoanaivo (2018)

The 6,000 public and private schools in New York State spend approximately $1 billion annually on energy. We created an energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for SSCSD and propose ways to reduce their energy costs and GHG emissions. The proposed LED lighting project would save the school district $22,367 annually, with a <2-year payback period. Proposed geothermal and solar thermal systems have longer payback periods. Lastly, we propose a solar-powered sustainability park at the high school to be designed and installed by the students and faculty.

Paper is not available.  For information, please contact the ESS Program Director.

The various effects of varied tilling practices on long-term soil health

Elizabeth Forelle and Katie Wolfe (2018)

Soils are a critical natural resource given their role in everything from climate mitigation to food production. We examined the effects of varied tilling practices on long-term soil health and carbon retention. We focused on dairy farms in Washington County, NY that maintain multiple fields to grow crops to feed their livestock. Tilling practice had an impact on total carbon, total nitrogen, soil organic matter, macro- and micro-aggregates, and microbial diversity, with moldboard tilling showing the most significant and immediate soil impacts.

Weathering waste: Combined sewer overflows, community impacts, and climate change in New York’s Capital District – Part A

Karen Nolan and Carolyn Koestner (2018)

Currently little data exist on the impacts of CSOs on winter water quality and of climate change on CSO events. We investigated the impacts of CSOs on water quality from November to March in the Capital District. Nitrate and phosphate levels were steady, however concentrations for ammonium were significantly higher in dry weather months. None of our samples, including non-CSO event samples, passed EPA standards for Escherichia coli, and few samples passed for Enterrococcus. Low turbidity levels did not necessarily indicate safe bacteria levels. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of CSO events in this region and extend the season of CSO events into the winter months.

Weathering Waste: Combined Sewer Overflows, Community Impacts, and Climate Change in New York’s Capital District – Part B

Julia Cavicchi, Olivia Golden, and Anne Pfeifenberger (2018)
 
New York’s Capital District has aging infrastructure and struggles to address the impacts of combined sewer overflows. We spoke with stakeholders at various levels and found that constituents were largely unknowledgeable of CSOs and the surrounding concerns, despite being increasingly engaged in Hudson River water and riverfront activities. We suggest a more holistic approach to combined sewer management that accounts for greater socio-ecological equity, increased collaboration, and considers alternatives to traditional sewage management practices.

Moo-tivations, obstacles, and opportunities: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices on dairy farms in New York State

Alyssa Bueno, Ian Daly, and Tracey Wingate (2018)

New York State (NYS) is the third largest producer of dairy in the US. We examined what sustainable agricultural practices (SAP) NYS dairy farmers are adopting, and their motivations. NYS dairy farmers are currently struggling due to low milk prices, and thus look for SAPs that contribute to the economic sustainability of an operation over environmental sustainability. If dairy farmers are expected to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations, they need more financial and technical support from state and federal agencies to help implement more expensive SAPs.

Climate change education with Catholic ideals: Measuring knowledge, attitudes and behaviors

Meaghan Long and Bryn Sarner (2018)

We sought to bridge the gap between Catholicism and environmentalism. Three lessons were taught to a Catholic 5th grade class: environmental worldviews, the science of climate change, and environmental advocacy. We found a significant increase in knowledge while pro-environmental attitudes only slightly improved. Certain concepts were too advanced for 5th Graders. Our research is useful for better understanding environmental education that works to incorporate Catholic ideals.

Opportunities for Community Shared Solar in Saratoga County: Policy, Economics & Interest

Corey Brown and Henry Hoffmann (2018)

Community Shared Solar (CSS) is a rapidly growing form of renewable energy that allows residential and small business customers to acquire shares of solar energy and receive credits or savings on monthly electric bills. We analyzed the feasibility of a CSS project in Saratoga County and found it is viable, as replicable models are feasible, financial incentives are increasing, land parcels such as brownfields are available for repurposing, and community interest is strong. Management remains the biggest hurdle to short-term development.

Paper is not available. For more information, please contact the ESS Program Director.

Who will save the world? A cross-cultural study of how our social and physical environments shape climate change perspectives and behavior

Rafaela Iturralde, Urvi Kalra, Emily Meagher, Yesenia Olivares (2018)

In the face of increasing climate change threats, the way humans respond is key in mitigation and adaption. By understanding what factors influence individuals in taking pro-environmental behaviors, we can make systematic changes to encourage a future generation of mobilized global citizens. We identified four prominent factors that had the greatest effect on pro-environmental behaviors: education, cultural norms, socio-economic status, and cross-cultural experiences. The results of this study are presented in a short documentary film: https://tinyurl.com/capstonefilm