CALABANGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

San Isidro, Calabanga, Camarines Sur

A/Y 2020-2021

MODULE 4: Environmental Protection

INTRODUCTION

Environment is the basis of our survival and the earth’s existence. We are dependent in
the environment. The air we breathe, the soil we live on, the trees which give us oxygen along
with other flora and fauna on the earth all constitute the environment. It would have been
impossible to survive on the earth if we don’t have such a supportive environment. However, in
this so called modern era, our biggest problem is how to save our damaged environment as
well as make it cleaner and greener like before.

“Save Environment” is a mantra that has developed to represents several acts aimed at
preserving the sanctity of our environment. Our environment suffers from several risk factors.
Some of them stem from human interference while others are natural occurrences.

Whether caused by humans or not, what is clear is that we must take action. Doing
nothing might lead to severe consequences for our environment. These conscious acts aim
reduce the greenhouse emissions thereby creating a safer environment.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Illustrate the impacts of human activities in the environment.
2. Appreciate and understand the concepts and applications of environmental
management.
INSTRUCTION:
Look at the picture below. What can you say in this picture? Write a
paragraph about it.

INSTRUCTION:
Now, generate a paragraph using the words in the given word cloud below.
 Let’s understand about climate change and environmental protection.

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 spe cies' 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.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE

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. 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 re- useable 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 col lection.

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!
 Now, let’s have a deeper understanding of environmental
protection.

7 Environmental Principles of Nature (Explanation)

The key to understanding the environmental problems that we encounter today is to

learn about our ecosystem. This section highlights the basic environmental principles, varied
types of ecosystem, current environmental issues, anthropogenic activities that threat the
environment and the role of youth in protecting our environment.
 Nature knows best.

This principle is the most basic and in fact encompasses all the others. Humans have to
understand nature and have to abide by the rules nature dictates. In essence, one must not go
against the natural processes if one would like to ensure a continuous and steady supply of
resources.
One natural process that needs serious attention is nutrient cycling. In nature, nutrients pass
from the environment to the organisms and back to the environment. Any disruption in the
cycle can bring about imbalance.

For example, burning of farm wastes instead of allowing them to decompose naturally disrupts
the cycle. In burning, most of the organic compounds are lost. The combustion products bring
greater havoc as in the case of carbon dioxide build-up, which results in the warming-up of the
earth, or the so-called "greenhouse" effect.
Nature has also its built-in mechanisms to maintain balance of homeostasis - the availability of
nutrients, conduciveness of the environment for growth and reproduction, and the feeding
relationships that exist between and among organisms which serve as population controls. For
example, the rat population is controlled by the presence and number of its predators, e.g.,
snakes.
The use of chemical pesticides and fertilizer disrupts check and balance in the ecosystem.
Pesticides can either kill vital organisms directly or induce genetic changes that result in
resistant pests or organisms. Chemical fertilizers increase the acidity of the soil through time
making a number of nutrients unavailable and thus, unfit for the survival of plants and other
organisms.
History and our experiences are full of examples to prove the validity of this principle. In fact,
this principle only surfaced when many of the detrimental effects of technology were
recognized and coined thereon as "ecological backlash."

All forms of life are important

Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature. Since such occupational or functional
position, otherwise known as niche, cannot be simultaneously occupied by more than one
specie, it is apparent that all living things must be considered as invaluable in the maintenance
of homeostasis in the ecosystem.
It is easy to appreciate the beautiful butterflies, especially knowing their important role in
pollination. The giant beasts – the elephants, the whales, the alligators – are objects of awe and
the products they yield – ivory, oil, leather, respectively – are highly prized. But when it comes
to unlovely, wriggly, and troublesome creatures, this principle is unusually overlooked.
For instance, it has been customary for many to step on any wriggling creature (e.g.
earthworms) without even considering why God made them in the first place. People also react
adversely to the presence of snakes. At home, spiders are looked at with disdain. Awareness of
the snakes' role in limiting the rat population and of the spiders' role in checking the population
of mosquitoes and flies may, however, change this attitude.
 Everything is connected to everything else

This principle is best exemplified by the concept of the ecosystem. In an ecosystem, all
biotic and amniotic components interact with each other to ensure that the system is
perpetuated. Any outside interference may result in an imbalance and the deterioration of the
system.
In a lake ecosystem, the organisms are linked to one another through their feeding habit/level
and are also dependent on other physico-chemical factors in the lake (e.g. amount of nutrients,
amounts and types of gases, temperature, PH, etc.). At the same time, the physico-chemical
factors in the lake are influenced by the terrestrial environment that surrounds it. The fertilizers
that reach the lake cause a faster growth of phytoplankton, which may lead to algae bloom, red
tide, or other such phenomena.
This principle may be discussed in local, regional, or global perspective. Deforestation in the
mountains may affect the lowlands through floods, drought, and erosion. Whatever happens to
one country may affect other countries. An example of this is the Chernobyl accident, which
affected a lot of countries through the transfer of radioactive substances by natural agents
such as wind and water, as well as human activities like the export of contaminated food.

Everything changes

It is said that the only permanent thing is change. As a general classification, change
may be linear, cyclical or random. As example of linear change is evolution of species, which
has brought about higher and more complex types of organisms. Cyclical change may be
exemplified by seasons and the rhythms in floral and faunal life stages that go with the
seasons. An example of random change is the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, which brought about
great upheaval in many parts of Luzon and changes in the topography of the land.
The environment is constantly changing. Organisms also evolve through time. However, man’s
technology has affected these natural changes often to a problematic extent. Although
mutation is a natural change, pesticides have induced insect mutations, which are not matched
by natural checks and balances.
Humans should rethink their relationship with the environment. Changes that they think may
be beneficial to the environment often turn out to be disastrous. Environmental technologies
should be given priority if man would want more positive changes in the environment.

Everything must go somewhere

When a piece of paper is thrown away, it disappears from sight but it does not cease to
exist. It ends up elsewhere. Gases released in smokestacks may disperse but it will end up a
component of the atmosphere or brought down by rains. What a particular type of waste does
to the earth's repository should be of concern to us. It may be a pollutant or a resource
depending on certain factors.
Since wastes are not lost to oblivion, and even goes back to one's own backyard in some other
forms, it is important that one becomes aware of the different types of wastes – whether they
are hazardous or not. Classification of wastes facilitates their proper disposal and minimizes, if
not prevents, the entry of toxic wastes in vital ecosystems and ensures reconversion into useful
forms.

Ours is a finite earth

The earth’s resources can be classified as either renewable or non-renewable.

Renewable resources are those that can easily be replenished by natural cycles (e.g. water, air,
plants, and animals) while non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished
through natural cycles (e.g. ores of various metals, oil, coal). Although renewable resources can
be replenished, it is important to note that these are renewable only as long as they are not
overused nor destroyed from such factors such as pollution. To ensure that these resources will
be continually replenished, it is essential to know how much of a resource can be consumed at
a given time to balance the rate of exploitation with the rate of replenishment.
Just how long would the earth be able to sustain demands on its resources? This is a question
that needs serious reflection. Unless the factors of population growth, lifestyles, and polluting
technologies are checked, the collapse of the earth might be inevitable.
Awareness of the earth's limited resources leads to a conscious effort to change one's
consumerist attitude as well as to develop processes and technology that would bring about
effective recycling of a great number of resources.

Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God's creation

Among all creatures, humans are the only ones made in God's image and have
been given the right to have dominion over all His creations. Being the most intelligent
and gifted with reason, humans are capable of manipulating creation to their own
advantage. Yet, creation exists not to be ravaged or abused but to be taken care of.
Humans cannot exist without nature. They are co-natural with the environment they live
in. If the environment they live in is destroyed, with it will go Homo Sapiens.

This principle is inherent in all religious and tribal beliefs. Teachings of

Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam enjoin everyone to respect all life and the order of
nature. Words of Chief Seattle, Macli-ing Dulag, and Chito Mendez point to our duty to
discern the true worth of modern systems and techniques to reject those that degrade,
and promote those that elevate the human condition .

MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

REPUBLIC ACT 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.

REPUBLIC ACT 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999

The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National Air Quality
guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout the Philippines, while minimizing the
possible associated impacts to the economy.

REPUBLIC ACT 6969 TOXIC SUBSTANCES, HAZARDOUS AND NUCLEAR WASTE

CONTROL ACT OF 1990

The law aims to regulate restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing,
sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures the present
unreasonable risk to human health. It likewise prohibits the entry, even in transit, of hazardous
and nuclear wastes and their disposal into the Philippine territorial limits for whatever purpose;
and to provide advancement and facilitate research and studies on toxic chemicals.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)

STATEMENT OF 1978

The Environment Impact Assessment System was formally established in 1978 with the
enactment of Presidential Decree no. 1586 to facilitate the attainment and maintenance of
rational and orderly balance between socio-economic development and environmental
protection. EIA is a planning and management tool that will help government, decision makers,
the proponents and the affected community address the negative consequences or risks on the
environment. The process assures implementation of environment-friendly projects.

Now, let’s have an evaluation, if you really understand the module about
environmental protection.

I. Make a poster of human activities that affects our environment.

II. Cite some environmental laws and programs implemented in your

community. (Attach photos if applicable)

III. As a student, how can you help protect our environment? Make an essay.
REFERENCES:

http://cuadernoilocano.blogspot.com/2011/10/cuaderno-ilocano-kdpy-7-principles-of.html

http://ecac.emb.gov.ph/?page_id=43