Date of Award:

8-2024

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Sociology and Anthropology

Committee Chair(s)

Jennifer Givens

Committee

Jennifer Givens

Committee

Jessica Schad

Committee

Kirsten Vinyeta

Committee

Eric Reither

Abstract

Currently, there is a lack of social science research on the Great Salt Lake – a shrinking lake that faces potential ecological collapse as more water is taken upstream for human uses before it can get to the lake. The drying lake has received national attention, as it will lead to a loss of wildlife habitat, contribute to public health concerns, and impact Utah’s economy. In response to this issue, environmental scientists and activists have pressured policymakers to prioritize actions to conserve water for the lake. However, while polices have been implemented, water saved from these efforts are not guaranteed to make it to the lake. Further, lake advocates stress that such efforts are not enough to meet the urgency of this issue. Therefore, this study explores Utahns’ support for alternative solutions to address the drying of the Great Salt Lake such as rights of nature and multispecies justice approaches. Rights of nature is an earth-based social movement and legal strategy recognizing nature as an entity deserving of rights, while multispecies justice is a holistic framework examining how harmful structures in society contribute impact humans, animals, and all other types of species. If applied to the Great Salt Lake, these approaches could pave the way to grant the lake its own water rights to ensure water does get to the like while also taking into consideration what is helpful for humans and all other species that depend on the lake. Using logistic regression analysis, this study utilizes data from a statewide survey conducted by researchers at Utah State University called the Utah People and Environment Poll, which was designed to track Utahns’ views on environmental issues of importance in the state. Key findings include that nearly 29% of Utahns strongly support a rights of nature approach and over 37% strongly support a multispecies justice approach as solutions to save the Great Salt Lake. These results will help inform Utah policymakers, stakeholders, nonprofit and other advocacy groups to foster collaborative strategies best for promoting a viable and just management of the Great Salt Lake.

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