National Issues and Concern

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather over periods of time that range from
decades to millions of years. It can be a change in the average weather or a change in the distribution of
weather events around an average (for example, greater or fewer extreme weather events). Climate
change may be limited to a specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth.

WHAT MAKES THE CLIMATE CHANGE?

The Earth‘s climate is influenced by many factors, mainly by the amount of energy coming from the sun,
but also by factors such as the amount of greenhouse gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, and the
properties of the Earth‘s surface, which determine how much of this solar energy is retained or reflected
back to space.

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

A. NATURAL CAUSES
1. Continental drift - The continents that we are familiar with today were formed when the landmass
began gradually drifting apart, millions of years back. This drift also had an impact on the climate
because it changed the physical features of the landmass, their position and the position of water
bodies. The separation of the landmasses changed the flow of ocean currents and winds, which affected
the climate.

2. Volcanoes - When a volcano erupts, it throws out large volumes of sulfur dioxide, water vapor, dust,
and ash into the atmosphere. Although the volcanic activity may last only a few days, yet the large
volumes of gases and ash can influence climatic patterns for years. Millions of tons of sulfur dioxide gas
can reach the upper levels of the atmosphere (called the stratosphere) from a major eruption. The gases
and dust particles partially block the incoming rays of the sun, leading to cooling. Sulphur dioxide
combines with water to form tiny droplets of sulfuric acid. These droplets are so small that many of
them can stay aloft for several years. They are efficient reflectors of sunlight, and screen the ground
from some of the energy that it would ordinarily receive from the sun. Winds in the upper levels of the
atmosphere, called the stratosphere, carry the aerosols rapidly around the globe in either an easterly or
westerly direction. Movement of aerosols north and south is always much slower.

3. The earth's tilt - Changes in the tilt of the earth can affect the severity of the seasons - more tilt
means warmer summers and colder winters; less tilt means cooler summers and milder winters.

4. Ocean currents - The oceans are a major component of the climate system. They cover about 71% of
the Earth and absorb about twice as much of the sun's radiation as the atmosphere or the land surface.
Ocean currents move vast amounts of heat across the planet - roughly the same amount as the
atmosphere does. But the oceans are surrounded by land masses, so heat transport through the water is
through channels. Winds push horizontally against the sea surface and drive ocean current patterns.
Certain parts of the world are influenced by ocean currents more than others. Ocean currents have been
known to change direction or slow down. Much of the heat that escapes from the oceans is in the form
of water vapour, the most abundant greenhouse gas on Earth. Yet, water vapor also contributes to the
formation of clouds, which shade the surface and have a net cooling effect.

B. HUMAN CAUSES

Greenhouse Gases and their Sources

a. Carbon dioxide - the most important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Changes in land use pattern,
deforestation, land clearing, agriculture, and other activities have all led to a rise in the emission of
carbon dioxide.
b. Methane - about ¼ of all methane emissions are said to come from domesticated animals such as
dairy cows, goats, pigs, and horses. These animals produce methane during the cud-chewing process.
Methane is also released from rice or paddy fields that are flooded during the sowing and maturing
periods. When soil is covered with water it becomes anaerobic or lacking in oxygen. Under such
conditions, methane-producing bacteria and other organisms decompose organic matter in the soil to
form methane. Methane is also emitted from landfills and other waste dumps. If the waste is put into an
incinerator or burnt in the open, carbon dioxide is emitted. Methane is also emitted during the process
of oil drilling, coal mining and also from leaking gas pipelines (due to accidents and poor maintenance of
sites).
c. Nitrous oxide - a large amount of nitrous oxide emission has been attributed to fertilizer application.
This in turn depends on the type of fertilizer that is used, how and when it is used and the methods of
tilling that are followed.
d. Nitrogen - contributions are also made by leguminous plants, such as beans and pulses that add
nitrogen to the soil

HUMAN CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

All of us in our daily lives contribute our bit to this change in the climate. Give these points a good,
serious thought:
 Electricity is the main source of power in urban areas. All our gadgets run on electricity generated
mainly from thermal power plants. These thermal power plants are run on fossil fuels (mostly coal) and
are responsible for the emission of huge amounts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
 Cars, buses, and trucks are the principal ways by which goods and people are transported in most of
our cities. These are run mainly on petrol or diesel, both fossil fuels.
 We generate large quantities of waste in the form of plastics that remain in the environment for many
years and cause damage.
 We use a huge quantity of paper in our work at schools and in offices.
 Timber is used in large quantities for construction of houses, which means that large areas of forest
have to be cut down.

A growing population has meant more and more mouths to feed. Because the land area available for
agriculture is limited (and in fact, is actually shrinking as a result of ecological degradation!), high-
yielding varieties of crop are being grown to increase the agricultural output from a given area of land.
However, such high-yielding varieties of crops require large quantities of fertilizers; and more fertilizer
means more emissions of nitrous oxide, both from the field into which it is put and the fertilizer industry
that makes it. Pollution also results from the run-off of fertilizer into water bodies.

WHAT IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE HAVE ALREADY BEEN OBSERVED?

Regional climate change is already affecting many natural systems. For instance, it is increasingly being
observed that snow and ice are melting and frozen ground is thawing, hydrological and biological
systems are changing and in some cases being disrupted, migrations are starting earlier, and species'
geographic ranges are shifting towards the poles.

Despite remaining gaps in knowledge, it is likely that these effects are linked to human influence on
climate. At the regional level, however, responses to natural variability are difficult to separate from the
effects of climate change.

Some previously unanticipated impacts of regional climate change are just starting to become apparent.
For instance, melting glaciers can threaten mountain settlements and water resources, and damage
associated with coastal flooding are increasing.

HOW DO PEOPLE ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

 Humans need to adapt to the impacts of climate change, for instance through technological solutions
such as coastal defenses and changes in consumption habits.
 Vulnerability of human populations to climate change and its consequences can be affected by other
factors, such as pollution, conflicts, or epidemics such as AIDS. An emphasis on sustainable development
can help human societies reduce their vulnerability to climate change.
 Mitigation measures that aim to reduce greenhouse gases emissions can help avoid, reduce or delay
impacts, and should be implemented in order to ensure that adaptation capacity is not exceeded.

NSTP AND THE ENVIRONMENT

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 579: ENCOURAGING THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN
PHILIPPINES PROGRAMS THROUGH THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM (NSTP)

SEC. 1 The National Service Training Program (NSTP) shall endeavor to build a new quality of life that
will keep the nation young and beautiful. In order to ensure its realization, all students under NSTP,
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Literacy Training Services (LTS), and Civic Welfare Training
Service (CWTS), shall be involved in Green Philippines Activities which include among others:
a. Taking back our forests and replenishing fallen trees with new, protected forests;
b. Beautifying our barangays and cities;
c. Building more urban parks and recreation areas; d. Purifying our water; e. Cleaning up industrial sites;

SEC. 2 At least 36 hours per semester or 72 hours in case of one summer program shall be dedicated
for the implementation of the activities enumerated under Section 1 hereof.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9512: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

SEC. 2 Consistent with the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, and in recognition of
the vital role of the youth in nation building and the role of education to foster patriotism and
nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development, the state
shall promote national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the
importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance towards sustained national
development.

SEC. 3 Environmental education shall encompass environmental concepts and principles,

environmental laws, the state of international and local environment, local environmental best
practices, the threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human well-being, the
responsibility of the citizenry to the environment and the value of conservation, protection and
rehabilitation of natural resources and the environment in the context of sustainable development. It
shall cover both theoretical and practicum modules comprising activities, projects, programs including,
but not limited to, tree planting; waste minimization, segregation, recycling and composting; freshwater
and marine conservation; forest management and conservation; relevant livelihood opportunities and
economic benefits and other such programs and undertakings to aid the implementation of the different
environmental protection law.

SEC. 4 The CHED and the TESDA shall include environmental education and awareness programs and
activities in the National Service Training Program under Republic Act No. 9163, as part of the Civic
Welfare Training Service component required for all baccalaureate degree courses and vocational
courses with a curriculum of at least two (2) years.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

SEVEN (7) ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES

1. Everything is connected to everything else. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay magkakaugnay.) Human

interaction with nature oftentimes alters the ecosystems. The waste we improperly dispose of brings
about the deterioration of land and water quality. This may in turn reduce their capacity to provide life
for other organisms. Deforestation causes soil erosion and the earth deposited on the water bodies
covers the coral reefs resulting to fishery loss. Suspended particulates from vehicular and stationary
sources may cause lung problems among city residents. War causes destruction of wildlife and habitats.
There is a cause and effect chain, even when it is neither always visible nor observable.

2. All forms of life are important. (Ang lahat na may buhay ay mahalaga.) All living organisms were
created for a purpose in relation to humans, other species on earth and global ecosystem in general.
Thus, when a species becomes extinct, it is like removing a piece of a jigsaw puzzle from the web of life.
The variety of life forms, manifested by the different levels of biological diversity – community, species
and genes – contributes to the stability of the environment. Food webs, food chains and ecological
relationships link plants and animals together in the web of life. Even bacteria, insects, snakes and rats
have ecological functions even though humans perceive them as parasites or pests. The composition of
biological diversity naturally changes slowly but the rate of transition has become faster due to factors
such as habitat destruction. Deforestation may diminish forest species such as birds that are vulnerable
to modification of their home. Pollution of waters reduces the quantity of fishes, shells, algae and other
aquatic life. Over harvesting of natural products likewise contributes to the unsustainable use of food
and material resources. To maintain ecological balance, therefore, the conservation of genes, species
and ecosystems becomes essential to keep life together. Biodiversity conservation strategies commence
with the protection of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Land uses, such as protected areas,
ensure that the natural state of these habitats continue to exist in designated areas. Community-based
approaches in conservation maximize citizens’ participation in protected areas. Integrity of natural
ecosystems can likewise be guarded through the preservation of indigenous species.

3. Everything must go somewhere. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay may patutunguhan.) By-products of

consumption go back to the environment. Everything that we throw away – pieces of paper, left-over
food, peelings of fruits, plastic wrappers, used containers – have to go somewhere. Even plants and
animals have their own wastes – feces, urine, dead leaves and branches. It is the law of nature that the
by-products of metabolism return to the soil, acted upon first by worms, bacteria and fungi, and then
converted into minerals, to be again absorbed by plants and eaten by animals. In short, they enter into a
material cycle that is an integral part of the ecosystem. But what happens if what we throw is an
artificial product such as plastic? Then natural bacteria cannot recognize them and may not be capable
of breaking them apart. These non-biodegradable products must enter another material cycle – the one
that goes to the factory to be manufactured into a new product. Thus the retrieval, collection and
recycling of these materials become necessary so that they do not pollute land and water habitats.

4. Ours is a finite earth. (Ang kalikasan ay may hangganan.) Everything that we need is provided by
nature in abundance – food, water, energy, minerals and air. However, some resources that we depend
upon nowadays are extracted excessively but are slow to replace. These non-renewable resources
experience limits of supply. For instance, fossil fuels produced over thousands of years may be
exhausted in a hundred years. Some energy sources like water, and wood may be replaced easier but
have become inaccessible due to pollution and excessive extraction. Diminishing forest cover have
resulted from logging, ineffective reforestation and continued land conversion. However, food scarcity
and poverty may have resulted from failed distribution systems rather than inability of the land and
water bodies to yield food. It can be argued that increasing population decreases the amount of
resources available to each person. Carrying capacity, or the ability of the ecosystem to support a
number of people, may be influenced by limit of resources due to an increasing population. Competition
increases as the carrying capacity is reached. Per capita consumption must also be taken into account
because people in Northern countries generally consume more food, energy and resources than people
in the developing Southern countries. Carrying capacity may be addressed two ways: increase resources
and reduce population growth. Agricultural productivity for instance may be increased with better
availability of water and farm inputs. Pollution reduces the absorbing capacity of air and water. Pollution
likewise reduces the availability of land and water to produce food for human consumption. A river
classified a Class IV means that it becomes fit only for only for navigation and can no longer sustain life
forms. Likewise, oil spills from accidents or war destroy bays and rivers. Waterways that have become
cesspool of domestic wastes cannot contain fishes and shells or if they do might transmit toxins and
harmful bacteria to consumers.

5. Nature knows best. (Ang kalikasan ang mas nakakaalam.) Nature manifests certain processes that
enable it to maintain balance and remain in a state of equilibrium. The nutrient cycling of nitrogen,
carbon, sulfur and phosphorous in the air, water and land indicates that minerals are utilized within the
confines of the earth. The flow of energy from the sun enables light to be converted into sugar in plants
through photosynthesis, and later for consumer organisms to obtain energy from plant starch. Food
chains and food webs allow transfer of energy from producers and consumers and provide the means
for all living organisms to acquire nutrition. Population control also occurs naturally through predator –
prey relationships. The equilibrium in the ecosystem is maintained, thus if humans intervene,
unforeseen negative impacts known as ecological backlash, may arise. Floods are often times backlashes
of excessive felling of trees. The importation of golden kuhol, that became a pest, reminds us that
biological organisms may not acclimatize in a new environment or may cause harm to indigenous
species.

6. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation. (Ang kalikasan ay maganda at tayo ang
tagapangasiwa ng lahat na nilikha ng Diyos.) Different religions from Islam to Buddhism to Judeo-
Christian to indigenous people’s animism express the belief of caring for the earth, including all
creatures. Thus it is the goal of environmental education and biodiversity conservation education to
motivate target audiences towards developing an eco-spirituality that moves them into a more
meaningful relationship with nature and a greater participation in the biophysical economic processes
that make this world a better place to live in.

7. Everything changes. (Ang lahat ay nagbabago.) Changes in the biophysical world occur naturally. As
they say, there is nothing more permanent in this world than change. Consider the following examples.
Metamorphosis of caterpillars to butterflies illustrates morphological changes that occur in living forms.
The increase of vegetation on earth augmented the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere through time.
Seasons are cyclic changes that contribute to the diversity of flowers, fruits, vegetables and other crops
during the year. Random changes manifested by natural catastrophe such as typhoons destroy forests,
coral reefs and mangroves. Volcanic eruptions annihilate surface flora and submerge rivers. Human-
induced alteration such as climate change may cause more massive repercussions. Land use change –
from forests to agricultural land to human settlements – change the composition of vegetation and
animals. Human-induced changes can be managed so that the negative impacts are minimized and
positive changes accentuated. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) provides a tool for the projection,
planning and management of change brought about by industrialization and human settlement
expansion. Effluents can be managed through policy and pollution control techniques by both industry
and government to achieve clean air and water.

IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

R.A. 9003 – Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000

In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological
solid waste management program that shall ensure the protection of public health and environment.
The law ensures proper segregation, collection, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through
the formulation and adaptation of best eco-waste products.

R.A. 9275 – Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004

The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries
and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household activities). It provides for
comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.
R.A. 6969 – Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990
The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries
and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household activities). It provides for
comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

R.A. 8435 – Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997

It establishes that the Department of Agriculture, together with other appropriate agencies, should take
into account climate change, weather disturbances and annual productivity cycles in forecasting and
formulating appropriate agricultural and fisheries programs.

R.A. 8749 – Clean Air Act of 1999

This moves for an effective air quality management program that will mitigate the worsening problem of
air pollution in the country.

R.A. 9512 – National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008

This promotes national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the
importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance towards sustained national
development.

R.A. 9513 – Renewable Energy Act of 2008

It promotes the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE

A. House & Garden

1. Grow your own food. Planting things like garden vegetables and herbs will help you eat locally and
organic.
2. Redecorate with Eco-products. If you need to repaint your house, use latex paint rather than oil-
based. Latex paint releases significantly fewer harmful fumes while drying and smells a lot better - it's
healthier for you, too.
3. Buy energy-efficient appliances. These will require less energy to do their job, meaning lower bills and
less fossil fuels being burned. If you can't do this, use your existing appliances efficiently; make sure the
dishwasher and washing machine are full before running them to save energy and money. Hang-dry
your laundry rather than putting it in the dryer and put them outside on a clothesline on dry days. Hang-
drying will also make your clothes last much longer.
4. Reduce your electricity use. Unplug your cell phone charger, TV and other electronics from the wall
when you are not using them, because they use energy when plugged in and on standby. The process
can be made easier if you have everything plugged into a surge protector with its own switch. Turn off
lights and other energy-sucking devices when they aren‘t being used. Replace older light bulbs with
energy-saving fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs are a little more expensive, but much more
efficient - they use about a seventh of the power and last about 12 times longer. Replace fluorescent
light bulbs with Ultra Compact LEDs (UCLEDs). These use less energy and last longer than fluorescent
light bulbs. Additionally UCLEDs do not contain any dangerous mercury. Even though LED light bulbs are
currently more expensive, remember that your money is spent for a good cause: it will pay for the
development of cheaper and more effective generation of LEDs. If you're leaving your computer for a
while, put it on stand-by. You'll be able to restart it quickly, and it'll take less energy than shutting it
down and then restarting it.
5. Reduce the usage of refrigerants and air-conditioners.
6. Pack your refrigerator more tightly to reduce cooled air.

B. Water Conservation
1. Take short showers and share bathwater. Showers use much less water. The other choice is to fill a
bucket with water and take a can or a jug, and keep filling it with water from the bucket and pouring it
over your head - if you have some extra water save it for some other person to use. You can lather
yourself up with the water turned off in the middle of the shower.
2. Pollute less. When washing dishes, wash greasy pans last to keep the water clean.
3. Turn off taps properly. Especially when brushing your teeth - every little bit helps.
4. Fix dripping taps. The constant drip wastes water, energy and money, so repair them as soon as
possible. You can also save by installing an inexpensive "flow control" device in shower heads and
faucets.
5. Use appliances efficiently. Running the clothes washer with a full load and using cold water (30
degrees Celsius) whenever possible can lead to big energy savings. Use detergents that clean clothes
effectively in colder water.

C. Transportation
1. Use a bike. With gas prices so high, it will pay for itself. Ride it to work or school, for short distances,
to run errands, or to have fun. Everyone benefits when you ride a bike. You help conserve our limited oil
resources, you are not polluting, and you are exercising.
2. Walk short distances rather than drive. It may be convenient to drive, but let's face it, it probably
takes longer than walking would, and emits pollutants to boot.
3. Use public transportation or carpool for long trips. These options may take a little longer, but you can
read, listen to headphones, or talk to people instead of having to stare straight ahead for the length of
your commute.
4. Consolidate your trips. If you must drive to do grocery, shopping, etc., plan to do all weekly errands on
one day. You can get everything you need in one trip, saving you money and time. It's also more fuel
efficient to start a car if it's already warmed up.
5. Research biodiesel. This is a diesel made from a percentage of plant and animal fat (in some cases
reused fat). This is not suitable for all diesel engines.
6. Research energy efficient, electric, hybrid and diesel engines when buying a new car, motorbike or
scooter.

D. Shopping
1. Buy only post-consumer recycled paper products, including toilet paper and tissues. The paper
industry is the third greatest contributor to global warming emissions. Buying recycled is as important as
recycling - it’s called “closed loop" recycling.
2. Avoid using plastic bags from grocery stores. Bring canvas bags to carry your grocery items. Use
reuseable bags and boxes. If you need a plastic one, make sure you use it again and again!
E. Community
1. Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about global warming. What is it? How does global
warming work? Why is it happening? What are the causes? What are the critics saying?
2. E-mail relevant articles to your friends and family to get them up to speed about global warming.
3. Write to your local council to ask for environmentally minded services such as recycling collection.
4. Educate yourself, you family, your friends, and everyone you meet. Our culture is just waking up to
issues that have existed for years. The more people are aware of the issues the more likely they are to
make decisions that will be constructive!

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Research on environmental protection: nationwide initiative (good practices)

2. What program do you think can MSU initiate for sustainable environment protection?

-Adopted-