Overwhelming Culture: Environmental Concerns and Cultural Considerations in Guatemala
Department
Arts, Languages, and Philosophy
Major
Environmental Engineering
Research Advisor
Merfeld-Langston, Audra L.
Advisor's Department
Arts, Languages, and Philosophy
Abstract
Guatemala is a country full of diversity, visible in its beautiful, varying landscapes, and also in the many people who make up its population—there are more than twenty ethnic groups within its borders. While each group has its own rich culture, many of their traditional ways of life are being challenged by 21st century technologies and other external influences. Rural Guatemala in particular faces many difficulties adjusting to cultural and environmental challenges such as changes in climate, polluted water sources, and accumulation of solid waste. This interdisciplinary study combines a cultural and historical perspective with environmental engineering and is based on both a literature review and first-hand observations and interviews of families in Antigua and the Izabal Region. I will demonstrate how these challenges will cause tensions within communities that are trying to maintain traditional ways of life.
Biography
Saki Urushidani is a senior in the Environmental Engineering Program at Missouri S&T graduating in December of 2016. On campus she is involved with Water Environment Federation, Zeta Tau Alpha, and Panhellenic Council.
Research Category
Arts and Humanities
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Arts and humanities oral presentation, Second place
Location
Carver Room
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Overwhelming Culture: Environmental Concerns and Cultural Considerations in Guatemala
Carver Room
Guatemala is a country full of diversity, visible in its beautiful, varying landscapes, and also in the many people who make up its population—there are more than twenty ethnic groups within its borders. While each group has its own rich culture, many of their traditional ways of life are being challenged by 21st century technologies and other external influences. Rural Guatemala in particular faces many difficulties adjusting to cultural and environmental challenges such as changes in climate, polluted water sources, and accumulation of solid waste. This interdisciplinary study combines a cultural and historical perspective with environmental engineering and is based on both a literature review and first-hand observations and interviews of families in Antigua and the Izabal Region. I will demonstrate how these challenges will cause tensions within communities that are trying to maintain traditional ways of life.
