Our presentation has a focus on the environment of the island nation Cape Verde and an endangered species that lives there referred to as the Cape Verde Swamp Warbler. We will focus on how SDGs 9, 11, 13, and 15 and their targets can be utilized to create habitat suitable for the swamp warbler and a stable environment. We would also like to focus on portions of Cape Verde’s INDC about renewable energy and adaptation contributions, mostly dealing with water security. Lastly, we aim to present drivers, pressures, and impacts on the Cape Verde islands and the Warbler.

Pollinators play a critical ecosystem role, transferring pollen for wildflowers and crops. We investigated methods and benefits of establishing native pollinator corridors through agriculture by conducting a literature review on a partner farm, soil, and native plant and pollinator species in Colorado. Collaborating with stakeholder farmers and a volunteer restoration organization, we designed an agricultural field optimized to support native pollinators and are implementing our design with the help of a volunteer crew. To maximize our impact, we are creating community education resources from our literature review. Incorporating pollination corridors will strengthen the local ecosystem and agriculture economy.

The pygmy sloth, endemic to the island of Escudo de Veraguas is significantly understudied in regard to ecological requirements, life history and reproduction. As a result their conservation efforts are at the bare minimum. They are critically endangered as a result of their restricted range and regular habitat destruction of their mangrove habitats from the local communities who seasonally visit the island. My poster discusses a few strategies which may be potential options for their successful conservation without being detrimental to those whom the island rightfully belongs to.

Mountainous communities are among the first to face climate change events, and therefore are required to be some of the first to adapt to and address climate change. The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication has been conducting research on opinions towards climate change and climate activism within the United States. Our project will analyze literature including the Yale Climate Opinion data, different GIS layers and demographics to compare public opinions on climate change within these mountainous communities and those living in non-mountainous communities in the U.S and whether climate opinions are associated with certain characteristics (demographics, economics,etc.).

Pollinator populations are in decline, which is detrimental to ecosystem functioning and human well-being. Communities in Boulder County, Colorado are at the forefront of civic involvement to help restore pollinator habitat. In collaboration with local farms, the non-profit Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV) is interested in expanding pollinator habitat throughout Boulder County. Our research team is utilizing geospatial technology (Esri ArcGIS) to identify potential areas that can be targeted for habitat creation. Ourteam will also produce outreach materials to encourage other farms and households in Boulder County to join PPAN and advocate for pollinator health in their communities.