"This research analyzes the transformation of the Peruvian Andes within the Terminal Phase of globalization, where the Transnational Capitalist Class has shifted to the active extraction of Indigenous territory and identity. Examining the Chinchero Airport and Chancay Megaport, this study exposes how extractive corridors bypass ILO Convention 169, evolving physical enclosure into a digital Viral Extraction that triggers severe capital leakage and gentrification. To investigate these dynamics, this project utilizes a qualitative comparative case study methodology bridging ongoing archival ethnography with upcoming fieldwork in Pisac and Chinchero. Public environmental assessments, water permits, and land registries will be reviewed to reveal how state-backed land-titling shatters the communal shield. Once abroad, this extractive model will be contrasted against counter-hegemonic resistance models: the Kusi Kawsay Andean School and local weaving cooperatives. Through future participatory observation and Ayni dialogues, this research demonstrates that true autonomy requires economic delinking and strategic refusal, such as banning Ayahuasca from tourism packages."

Access to safe drinking water is essential for public health, yet water-related environmental injustices continue to affect communities worldwide. Juba, South Sudan, and Flint, Michigan have both experienced significant water challenges that have negatively impacted residents’ health and well-being, with both similarities and differences in their underlying causes and impacts. While Juba's water crisis is largely associated with conflict and limited infrastructure, Flint's crisis stemmed from lead contamination, aging infrastructure, and government policy failures. The water crisis in Juba, South Sudan, affects over 500,000 people. Since 2011, rapid population growth and weak infrastructure have limited access to safe water, with approximately 25% of households lacking access to improved sources (Morbe, 2018). Water contamination resulting from poor infrastructure contributes to water-related diseases and poor health outcomes (Morbe, 2018). Children are particularly vulnerable, facing higher risks of diarrhea from unsafe water (Lado et al., 2025). Additionally, conflict and weak governance have limited water service delivery and effective management (Morbe, 2018). In comparison, Flint, Michigan, experienced a water crisis driven by lead contamination, aging infrastructure, and government policy failures (Pauli, 2020). Cost-cutting decisions, inadequate oversight, and delayed responses to community concerns contributed to significant public health impacts (Pieper et al., 2018). This literature review compares the political, social, economic, and historical factors that contributed to water-related environmental injustices in both communities while highlighting shared challenges, key differences, and potential solutions to improve water quality and public health outcomes.

Nearly 85 percent of Nebraska residents rely on groundwater for drinking. Over the past 70 years, agricultural production has contributed to widespread groundwater contamination. This study examined the relationships and co-occurrence of arsenic, nitrate (as nitrate-N), and nitrite (as nitrite-N) concentrations in 49 Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) groundwater wells. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression were used to assess associations between well characteristics, subsurface geology, and contaminant concentrations. Spearman’s rank-order correlation test determined a significant (p<0.05) negative correlation between arsenic concentration and nitrate concentration. No statistically significant correlations were observed between total well depth and nitrate or nitrite concentrations or between nitrate/nitrite and arsenic concentrations. Multiple pesticides detected in the wells showed significant (p<0.05) correlations against each other. These quantified associations provided critical groundwork for epidemiologists and public health professionals to identify joint toxicological risks and associated adverse health outcomes, such as birth defects and cancer risks. These findings contribute to public health research, water quality awareness, and guide decisions regarding groundwater usage by identifying key groundwater contaminants and exposure routes. Correlation analysis of well characteristics and subsurface geology is pending and will be presented.

This research contributes to “Waterfront Ecologies,” a binational initiative addressing urbanization and climate change along the San Diego-Tijuana coastal area and watershed systems. By examining the threshold between land and water, this paper investigates the impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, watershed contamination, and rapid urban development. The study employs a case-study methodology focused on coastal conditions within the Cali-Baja region. Through this framework, it reviews planning history, environmental reports, and past precedent studies. Methodologically, the project produces analytical drawings and comprehensive base maps that synthesize regional environmental systems, urban patterns, topography, hydrology, and infrastructure. Preliminary findings reveal that post-colonial territorial division prioritized geopolitical expansion over ecological stability, destabilizing Indigenous communities and native ecosystems alike. During the 20th century, rapid migration reshaped both sides of the border; San Diego emerged as a transportation, military, and commercial hub; while, Tijuana’s tourism boom led to commercial growth, nightlife, and casinos. However, rapid urban growth, inadequate cross-border infrastructure, and limited maintenance contributed to environmental degradation. Irregular settlements with insufficient drainage systems have increased vulnerability during heavy rainfall events, especially as most of the Tijuana River watershed is located in Mexico. Consequently, the Tijuana River became contaminated by waste from both countries, challenging coastal waterfront development. This study reviews design approaches and building guidelines to examine how they protect public health and the environment, while exploring implications on housing design and urban planning along this volatile coast.