From Waste to Water to Wood: Challenges and Opportunities of Resource Management in a Changing Climate

Session Organizers & Chairs: Alexandra Ponette-González and Matthew Fry

Friday, May 17

Adapting to climate change requires that we rethink how we use and manage Earth’s natural resources.  Waste generated in expanding urban areas, where over half the world’s population now resides, contributes directly to climate change through emissions of greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide.  Freshwater supplies in cities and rural regions are dwindling as a result of overconsumption, pollution, and increased frequency of drought.  Altered temperature and precipitation patterns increase the risks associated with agricultural production, threatening the supply of valuable commodities such as wine.  How can we achieve sustainable management of our waste, water, and agricultural resources within the context of a changing climate?  How can we educate our community and the public about the pressing need to take action?  Papers in this session showcase UNT graduate student research and seek to illustrate some of the challenges of climate change as well as some of the opportunities.