Abstract
The objective of this research is to identify the need for stricter environmental standards and regulations in three areas of study. Organized by their level of analysis, these areas are Latin America (at the System-Level-of Analysis), Colombia (at the State-Level-of-Analysis), and the city of Cartagena (at the Sub-National-Level of Analysis). This research was accomplished in two phases. The first involved conducting an exhaustive literature search of sources, germane to the objective, published in Spanish and English. The second featured a site inspection conducted over a 10-day period during the month of May 2016 to Cartagena, Colombia. The purpose of the site inspection was to interview locals and to photographically document waste disposal practices. The results of this research determined that government at all levels (system, state, and subnational) play a significant and sometimes determinant role in managing waste and water pollution that are responsible for health problems primarily among the poor; these health problems are discussed in detail. This research discovered that the lack of government intervention is responsible for reducing the efficacy of waste management and water sanitation services. This research concludes with a discussion of how proactive waste management and water sanitation policies and practices can have a significant benefit not only to improving health but also has significant economic, social and environmental benefits that may reach beyond local levels.
Thesis Completion
2016
Semester
Fall
Thesis Chair/Advisor
Sadri, Houman A.
Co-Chair
Bledsoe, Robert
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
Political Science
Degree Program
International and Global Studies
Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Release Date
December 2016
Recommended Citation
Sullivan, Andrea K., "Water Sanitation and Waste Management in Latin America, Colombia, and Cartagena: A Study of the Relationship Between Environment, Health, Poverty, and Policy" (2016). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 150.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses/150
Included in
Environmental Studies Commons, International Relations Commons, Latin American Studies Commons, Public Health Commons