GLO 100 Introduction to Global Studies: Policy Analysis Papers

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  THE MEXICAN UNDERWORLD: An Exposé in Human Trafficking

  Maria F. Barragan Trevino

  Human trafficking is a continuously growing issue around the world. Mexico is a known hotspot for this due to its geographic location between South and Central America and the United States. This not only incentivizes trafficking across borders but attracts thousands of immigrants to Mexico. This group is one of the most susceptible to human trafficking, meaning there are millions of immigrants being trafficked throughout Mexico. This policy paper outlines the main factors that aggravate the prevalence of this crime, such as migration, gender violence, organized crime, and corruption. Furthermore, it evaluates two protocols and a program instituted by the government to tackle this issue. After their analysis, certain recommendations are made to improve the existing protocols and target the issue. The concluding remarks center around the prevalence of human trafficking as a direct result of the increasing corruption levels in the country.

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  From Hide to Handbag: A Holistic Review of the Leather Industry and Its Environmental Impact

  Ava M. Cafasso

  Leather is a universally versatile material used in various products in the global market. Today, leather, specifically from the commercial cow, is still desired by manufacturers for its durability, accessibility, and quality. However, there are adverse environmental and ethical consequences of leather products using chrome tanning, in particular, that consumers do not recognize. This paper analyzes, evaluates, and contextualizes the current methods of leather production and the environmental issues associated with the trade. Furthermore, it discusses some sustainable efforts made regarding material choice and alternative production methods. With a holistic review of leather production and its implications, this paper examines the EU Strategy for Sustainable Circular Economy and Textiles, Chain of Custody - Transparency in Leather Manufacturing Pilot Program, and the Sustainable Development Goals in the Leather Industry EU. These policies aim to foster a more environmentally aware and sustainable leather trade. This paper will determine their effectiveness, feasibility, and potential drawbacks, then recommend reform options reflecting the current policies.

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  iWaste: Analyzing Apple's Sustainable Technology Production

  Ashley L. Lefebvre

  Electronic waste is a global issue that has not received the attention it deserves; there is an enormous amount of e-waste from the rapid industrialization of many countries throughout the world. Apple is the largest technology company in the world, with the highest revenue and the largest number of products manufactured. Therefore, it is important to see what they are doing to mitigate their efforts to the electronic waste crisis that is expected to increase in the next seven years. Three policy options are examined in this paper to evaluate and determine how well Apple is following the goals within their 2022 Environmental Progress Report.

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  More than Masks and Mandates: The Student Mental Health Crises through COVID-19

  Aidan D. Valcich

  This paper addresses the impact of global events on student mental health. This paper focuses on student anxiety in the United States of America and specifically the COVID-19 pandemic. It reviews three different policy options, addresses the pros and cons of each, offers recommendations for those policies as well as recommendations for new policies. The policies addressed are student absence policies, President Biden’s Mental Health Strategy, and the Mental Health Matters Act.

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  Protecting Childhood: Examining European Policies on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

  Malin E. Wahl

  Children account for more than one-fourth of all people in forced commercial sexual exploitation and for one-third of all discovered trafficked individuals, rising to fifty percent in low-income countries. Moreover, child sex trafficking has only increased over the years, with many European countries predominantly recognized as destination and transit countries for commercial sexual exploitation. This paper examines and evaluates the current methods of reducing and preventing sex trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children in Europe. Next, it holistically analyzes and reviews the issue globally, determining each strategy’s overall efficacy, practicality, and potential downsides. These strategies call for greater international cooperation, mobilization of resources, and strengthening and implementing effective laws and policies. As a result, the following recommendations are made: integrating children’s voices in policy-making, creating a multi-stakeholder response, and focusing on demand reduction for child sexual abuse material.

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  The Grave Barrier Reef

  Savannah J. Szamborski

  The Great Barrier Reef, located off the Northern East coast of Australia, has been experiencing significant levels of coral bleaching since 1998 when it experienced its first major bleaching. When water temperatures rise due to climate change, corals lose their bright colors and turn white. Once a coral is bleached, it becomes more vulnerable to other factors, increasing its chance of mortality. Greenhouse gas emissions have been seen to be one of the major factors that lead to climate change. The Australian and Queensland governments have put many different acts and policies into place to protect the Great Barrier Reef from dying at such a fast rate, and to try and decrease the greenhouse gas emissions that are released into the atmosphere.