Environmental Consequences

Environmental Consequences of Homeless Encampments

Presenter: Kate Hovatter

Co-Presenter(s):
Jacob Peterson, Antonio Herrera, Gage Brahe

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Department: Biology

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14Iyw2CgfRJ058gr9Ce8qMOlHvJMWqFRo

Abstract:
Since the 1980s, countries around the world have experienced growth in homeless populations in encampments, and these settlements may relate to reductions in environmental quality. Our case study focuses on environmental and sanitary consequences of homeless encampments. We used the Sonoma State University Library search engine called OneSearch to identify studies of these consequences. Our primary focus is on peer-reviewed, scientific literature. The analysis of our research has revealed the main identified consequences of homeless encampments on the environment and surrounding inhabitants. The most commonly cited consequences of encampments were human waste, pollution, and drug paraphernalia. The findings of this study support the notion that reducing homelessness and encampments would provide environmental and social benefits extending beyond the immediate area.