PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Sciences

GE-STS
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY
AND SOCIETY

Environmental
Awareness

Module 8
 Table of Contents

Content Page

Title Page …………………………………………….……1

Table of Contents …….…………………………………..2
Learning Outcomes …………………….……………..…3
Overview ……………………………………………..…...4
Initial Activity …….……………………………….…….…5
Introduction…………………….…………….…..……..…6
Most Toxic Places in the World …………………..….…7
Alternative Energy Sour……………………….……..…..8
Current Environmental Issues/Problems ….………..…9
Evaluation ………………………………….………….…10
Rubrics ………………………………….……………..…11
References ………………………………….……………12

Page #
 Learning Objectives

After going through in this module, you should be able to:

✓ LO1 Understand the concept of environmental awareness.

✓ LO2 Apply STS concepts in order to disseminate environmental awareness.

✓ LO3 Generalize concepts in Environmental Awareness.

Page #
 Overview
Notice It!

People have destroyed 80% of the

Last time, we tackled about Earth’s forest and 40% of the
climate change. It was also emphasized that Earth’s tropical rainforests.
it is now alarming, to tell you honestly;
however, many people are not paying Every day, 50 to 100 species of
attention to it. When will be the time that we plants and animals become extinct
should be aware of this phenomenon? When as their habitat is impacted by
it's too late? When will we care in our mother human activities.
nature?
Over 100 pesticide ingredients are
Today, we will move on to the suspected of causing birth
next topic, environmental awareness. This defects, cancer and gene
topic is still related to the previous topic, mutation.
Climate Change. Philippines lost its primary
covers almost entirely in almost all regions More than 27% of the world’s
and provinces except the province of coral reefs have been destroyed
Palawan according to Rhett Butler. Palawan by pollution and climate change.
is the country’s last frontier. That’s why, the
level of environmental awareness in Small changes can reduce the
Palawan is at the highest level. This is energy demands of a home, such
where the critically-endangered species of as LED lights, using average
fauna and flora are found. The Palaweños’ thermostats and changing to
concern to protect the remaining lust energy efficient appliances.
environment of the Philippines has been
beyond compare (Doria et al., 2018). Composting makes a significant
difference to lessening the burden 4
on landfills which emit significant
quantities of methane.

Source: www.kidsconnect.com

Page #
 Initial Activity

CONCEPTUALIZING YOUR IDEAS

To check you prior knowledge about the topic, kindly answer this initial
activity. Think of the most current environmental issue you have experienced in your
locality. Discuss the environmental issue that you have chosen by citing how STS
contributed as its causes and its effects on the society and environment.

Cause Cause
(Science) Cause
(Technology)
(Society)
Ex. It was Ex. The use of
researches that led Ex. Misuse,
machines in the
to the discovery of overuse and
factories make it
different kinds of improper waste
possible for the
plastics as disposal of
mass production of
packaging and households
plastics
containers

Environmental Issue

Ex. Plastic Pollution

5
Effects
(Environment)
Effects
Ex. Marine (Society)
creatures suffers;
plastics are seen Ex. People in urban
everywhere; areas suffer from
landfills were easily flooding, due to
filled with plastics in blockage of plastics
shorter period of in the water canals
time

Page #
 Discussion

8.1 INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, particularly typhoons,

floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis, lying as it does
astride the typhoon belt, in the active volcanic region known as “Pacific ring of fire”,
and in the geologically unstable region between the Pacific and Eurasian tectonic
plates (Library of Congress, 2006).

Base on the R.A. 9512 of 2008 or an act promoting environmental

awareness through environmental education and for other purposes, environmental
education should be integrated by the schools and different agencies of the
government in its school curricula at all levels, whether public or private, including in
barangay daycare, preschool, non-formal, technical vocational, professional level,
indigenous learning and out-of-school youth courses or programs. This shall include
environmental concepts and principles, understanding environmental laws, the state
of international and local environment, local environmental best practices, the
overcome concept to threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human
well-being, the responsibility of the citizenry to the environment in the context of
sustainable development (Philippine Official Gazette, 2008).

8.2 MOST TOXIC PLACES IN THE WORLD

Human lives have been made easier and more exciting through
Science and Technology but the evidence of waste points to him as the culprit. It
made all kinds of pollutants, which continues to paint an ugly picture of what it has
done and perhaps, will continue to do so because of his undisciplined manner of 6
treating his environment. Because of the acceptance and patronage of the products
of S & T, it was and still able to make a list of places which are detrimental to
humanity (Doria et al., 2018).

Arbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana, was the top on the list of most toxic
places on Earth. It is a giant “waste bin” that is the second-largest e-waste
processing area in West Africa. Ghana imports pre-owned electronics, which are then
stripped down of still usable parts, cleaned them and shipped back to the country of
origin. They either burned sheathed cables to recover copper, lead, etc. the burnt
plastics produced toxic smoke (Toronto Star Newspapers, 2013).

Page #
 Discussion

www.bloomberg.com
Figure 8.2 Giant waste bin in Arbogbloshie, Ghana

According to Toronto Star Newspapers (2013), below is the list of top

ten most toxic places on Earth:

1. Arbogbloshie, Ghana
2. Chernobyl, Ukraine
3. Citarum River, Indonesia
4. Dzershinsk, Russia
5. Hazaribagh, Bangladesh
7
6. Kabwe, Zambia
7. Kalimantan, Indonesia
8. Matanza Riachuelo, Argentina
9. Niger River Delta, Nigeria
10. Norilsk, Russia

Page #
 Discussion
8.3 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

All those things that do not consume fossil fuel are alternative energy
and these are widely available and environment friendly. It causes little or if not
almost no pollution. To reduce our dependence on traditional fossil fuels, there are
several alternative energy projects running in various countries. There are many
impressive choices that man can take into consideration such as solar tankless water
heater. The following are the renewable energy resources according to Shin (2018):

www.youmatter.world
Figure 8.3 Solar Energy

The first energy source in the world is solar. It was in use much earlier
before humans ever learn how to light a fire. Many organisms are dependent on solar
energy from plants, aquatic life and the animals. The solar is mostly used in
generating light and heat. This was widely used across the globe as an alternative
energy source. 8
www.wsp.com

Figure 8.4 Wind Mills in Ilocos Norte Page #

 Discussion

The second energy source that has been used very long time and for
centuries is the wind energy. It is free of charge and widely available. A single
windmill can power the crop irrigation, and family energy needs, water pumping and
electric lights. The province of Ilocos is widely known for this. And now, a part of
Rizal province has also few windmills.

www.parcolnews.com
Figure 8.5 Geothermal Energy in Bicol

Geothermal energy means energy drawn or harnessed from beneath

the earth. “Geo” means Earth and “thermal” means energy. It is completely clean and
renewable. It has been used since last several years. The Philippines is a volcano-
rich country where geothermal heat comes from. Heat is continuously produced from
there. The province of Albay in general and Tiwi tap geothermal energy to augment
the electricity consumption of the area.
9
www.nationalgeographic.org

Figure 8.6 Dam with Hydroelectric Energy

Page #
 Discussion

Hydroelectric power plants capture the kinetic energy of moving water

and give mechanical energy to turbines. The moving turbines then convert
mechanical energy into electrical energy through generators. Dams have been built
for this purpose. It is the largest producer of alternative energy in the world. However,
it could only be beneficial if there is enough water to run the turbines.

www.bioenergyconsult.com
Figure 8.7 Sources of Biomass Energy

The process of conversion of biological materials and wastes into

energy sources for heating, power generation and transportation is biomass energy.
These carbon-based substances or materials converted over a long period of time to
fossil fuels are not regarded as biomass. However, in their original state they are
regarded as biomass. This is because of the separation of the carbon they previously
contained from the carbon cycle 10
www.renews.biz

Figure 8.8 Ocean Energy

Page #
 Discussion
The waves produced by the ocean and tides that hit the sea shore has
enormous potential in them. If they harnessed with full capacity they can go a long
way in reducing world’s energy problems. Ocean energy can be tidal energy, wave
energy and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) via which ocean energy can be
harnessed.

Hydrogen has tremendous potential because it is the most abundant

and lighest element available on Earth and can be used to power up homes, vehicles
and even space rockets. But it is rarely alone, it is usually available with other
elements and have to be separated before it can be used. It takes a lot of energy to
separate hydrogen from other elements and therefore it proves to quite expensive to
extract it.

There are alternative energy resources which man can harness to

satisfy his power needs. However, we should seek other energy resources if ever we
found even just one alternative energy resources.

8.4 CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES/PROBLEMS

A. Plastic bags. Plastic bags are being banned worldwide and reusable bags are
encouraged to use because of the following reasons according to Green Tumble
(2019):
a) Plastic bags are made up of petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. They are
not biodegradable, instead they breakdown into microplastics that leach
toxicants that pollute the earth and enter our food supply.
b)These are very light weight, the wind carries them across the landscape,
clogging waterways, cluttering our oceans, damaging agricultural lands and
provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 11
www.brittanica.com

Figure 8.9 Too much plastic bags in the bodies of water

Page #
 Discussion

c) Animals mistake plastic bags for food, which leads to massive poisoning, choking,
entanglement and blocked intestines that causes to death.

www.eloisawild.com
Figure 8.10 Ducks eating plastics in the lake

B. Decline of Natural Resources and Biodiversity.

Philippines is suffering from degradation of the natural environment. It

has fifty major rivers now polluted due to abuse and neglect. Approximately two-
thirds of the country’s original mangroves have been lost (Ocampo, 2008).

a. Approximately two-thirds of the country’s original mangroves have been lost

12
www.smithsonianmag.com

Figure 8.11 Mangrove forest lost

Page #
 Discussion

b. Before, Philippines had close to 22 million ha of old growth forest. At the start of
2000, it had less than 600,000 ha of old-growth forest left.

www.livescience.com
Figure 8.12 Result of forest trees cutting

b. More than 400 plant and animal species found in the Philippines are currently
threatened with extinction

www.edgeofexistence.org; www.pangolinsg.org;

13
www.flicker.com

Figure 8.13 Philippine Animals species extinction

(Philippine eagle, Palawan pangolin, Philippine
tamaraw)

Page #
 Discussion

C. Marine Environment

Marine and coastal resources –including coral reefs, mangrove forests

and seagrasses- are also being degraded and depleted by the impact of climate
change, overexploitation and pollution. Meanwhile, demands on marine resources
are increasing as populations and incomes rise (Water Environment Partnership in
Asia, 2003).

www.babarageo.com
Figure 8.14 Pollution that affects the marine environment

D. Air Pollution

Some 54% of the Philippine population uses solid fuel (charcoal,

firewood) for cooking, affecting over 47 million people with indoor air pollution. Indoor
air pollution is one of the main drivers behind acute respiratory infections in children 14
and women (Asian Development Bank, 2018).
www.theconversation.com

Figure 8.15 Household emissions that contributes to air pollution

Page #
 Discussion

E. Water Contamination

Urban and rural water contamination and industrial and household

pollution, including fecal and chemical presence in water bodies, can affect human
health. Water pollution in the Philippines is largely caused by inadequately treated
domestic wastewater and sewage, agricultural wastewater and industrial wastewater.

www.nationalgeographic.org
Figure 8.16 Water pollution as a result of human activities

15

Page #
 Learning Check

Read the following questions carefully and answer each question briefly.

State the provision of the 1987 Philippine Constitution speaks of alternative energy
sources. Elaborate it by explaining how it will help in promoting environmental
awareness.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Describe the less familiar OTEC as alternative energy sources. Is it possible to have
OTEC here in the Philippines?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

16

Page #
 Evaluation

Propose an alternative energy resource that is possible in your locality. Consider the
raw materials needed, area for the structure and cost of establishing your proposed
alternative energy source. The following are the modes of information dissemination
that you may use:

Option 1. Print- publication of your article in a school newsletter

Option 2. Conference- presentation of your output in class meeting or conference
Option 3. Radio- broadcast your article in a local radio station
Option 4. Internet- Post in a related website your article

17

Page #
 Rubrics

Criteria 10 8-9 5-7 1-4

Focus and One simple, well- One simple, well- Several subjects It is not clear about
Details focused subject focused subject exists. exist. The main the subjects and main
exists. The key Key principles are concepts are concepts.
concepts are simple, but somewhat
straightforward and comprehensive apparent.
well supported by knowledge is not well
thorough and supported.
precise details.

Organizatio The whole essay is Most of the A few sections are There is no
n structured. The key components are not standardized. organization of the
topic is given and an structured. The The main subject is whole essay. No
outline of the paper introduction sets out mentioned in the simple introduction,
is provided. the main subject and introduction. There structure, or
Knowledge is offers a summary of is a conclusion conclusion is present.
important and the article. A included.
presented in a conclusion is included.
logical order.
Inference is strong.
Sentence All phrases are well The majority of Most phrases are Sentences sound
Structure, developed and phrases are well built well built, but they unnatural, are
Grammar, differ in structure and differ in form and have a structure repeated
Mechanics & and duration. In duration. In grammar, and/or duration distractingly, or are
Spelling grammar, mechanics, and / or that is identical. In hard to comprehend.
mechanics, and / or spelling, the author grammar, In grammar,
spelling, the author makes a few mistakes, mechanics, and/or mechanics, and/or
makes no mistakes. but they do not spelling, the spelling, the author
interfere with learning. author makes makes several errors
many errors that that interfere with
18
interfere with comprehension.
comprehension.
Instructor’s
Comments

Page #
 Reflection

Write your reflection on this Module, Environmental Awareness.

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________ 19
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Page #
 References

Asian Development Bank. (2018). Philippines energy sector assessment, strategy, and road
map. Retrieved from https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/463306/philippines-
energy-assessment-strategy-road-map on January 8, 2021.

Aulakh, R. (2013). The Top 10 most toxic places on Earth — and how they got that way.
Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013

Doria, et al. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Jimczyville Publications. #16 Concha
St., Bgry. Tinajeros, Malabon City.

Environmental Progressive News. Retrieved from www.warmheartworldwide.org on January

8, 2021.

Green Tumble. (2019). 10 Reasons Why Should We Ban Plastic Bags. Retrieved from
https://greentumble.com/10-reasons-why-plastic-bags-should-be-banned on January 8,
2021.

Library of Congress. (2006). Philippines June 2008 edition. Retrieved from

www.oc.gov/today/placesinthenews/archive/2008arch/20080624_philippines on January 8,
2021.

Ocampo, E. 2020. Country Report on Climate Change Policies, Green Jobs and Decent
Work in the Philippines. PSI-Asia Pacific Youth Network.

Ortega, J. B. and C. Klauth. 2017. Climate Landcape Analysis for Children in the Philippines.
UNICEF Philippines.

Philippine Official Gazette. (2008). REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9512. An act to promote
environmental awareness through environmental education and for other purposes.
Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2008/12/12/republic-act-no-9512/ on 20
January 8, 2021.

Shinn, L. (2018). Renewable Energy: The Clean Facts. Retrieved from

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/renewable-energy-clean-facts on January 8, 2021.

Water Environment Partnership in Asia. (2003). State of water environmental issues:

Philippines. Retrieved from http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/state/philippines/overview on
January 8, 2021.

Prepared by:

Jean Marie L. Diego, MSc

CS-BPS Faculty
Page #