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ly/2DTXM2R

UNIT 7
Unit Outcomes:
ENVIRONMENTAL
ISSUES AND At the end of this unit, the learners must have:
RESPONSES 1. examined environmental issues prevalent
in our society;
2. proposed or developed solution to combat
environmental issues;
3. appreciated the importance of
environmental preservation of for global
sustainability.

Introduction

As globalization and industrialization made the world borderless and

homogeneous, it also brought hazard to the environment in many ways that it
became a global concern. Homogeneous that products are travelled across
land and seas using fuel to run ships, train, plane, and other vehicles to reach
worldwide markets. Then, the increasing consumption of products resulted to used
of chemical (GMOs) to meet the growing demand of the market. Thus, these
rose to degradation, pollution, acidity and toxicity of land and water resources and
many other environmental issues.

With it, this module will let you find out the pressing environmental issues
as globalization is taking over the world. Also, presented here are the responses of
the government and non-governmental organization to combat the environmental
dilemma. Further, you are expected to create an initiative to protect and save our
mother earth for future sustainability. Sound heavy right? But together we can
save our earth from devastation.

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Lesson 1: Global Environmental Issues

Lesson Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, learners must have:
1. articulated the global environmental issues brought by rapid globalization;
2. created your environmental advocacy campaign.

Fun Quiz!

Identify environmental pollutants prevalent in our community. Use the table

below to express your ideas.

School Home Market/plaza

Environmental
pollutants

With these environmental pollutants, what environmental issues it may

create? In the next topic we will discuss the global environmental issues prevailing
in this contemporary global period.

Introduction

Human activities or actions toward meeting their demands and needs

across the world has affected the environment in a negative way. According to
Saul, the amplified levels of innovation and technological advancements powered
by the rapid pace of globalization in the 21st century, has caused a stir within
environmental virtue (2005).

Due to globalization and increased transnational trade, environmental

problems have become inevitable at any part of the world because of the active
integration among countries. According to O Neill, economic globalisation has
further accelerated and reconstructed the process of environmental deterioration

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(2009). In addition, statistics show that, per year, an estimated 55 billion tons of
minerals, metals, fossil energy and bio mass are extracted from the earth due to
industrialism, and overall, we use 50 per cent more natural resources than the
planet can supply (Worldcounts, 2014).

Global Environmental Crisis

The environment or the ecosystem is considered as the life support of the

planet earth, however due to rapid urbanization and globalization, it has highly
damaged the earth. Subsequently, the world is being confronted with complex
environmental problems that need to be addressed. global environmental problems
are classified into:

• Greenhouse effect, Global Warming and Climate Change

• Biodiversity loss
• Transboundary pollution
• Depletion of Ozone layer

Greenhouse effect, Global Warming

According to a report put forward by the

European Environmental Agency (EEA), there
have been a significant increase in the global and
European annual mean air temperatures. There is
strong evidence that greenhouse gases emissions,
mainly carbon dioxide (CO2) is provoking the earth’s
surface temperatures to rise (Global Warming), and
the result of this increase in temperatures lead to
the global environmental issue of climate change.
That is, impact of the rising temperatures and its
side effects such as melting glaciers and destructive
rainstorms pose a long-term threat with drastic
changes in climate and average temperature and
https://www.google.com/search?q=global+
warming&rlz=1C1RUCY_
precipitation. (Kennedy & Lindsey, 2015).
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Biodiversity Loss

According to O’Neill, the issue of Climate Change is expected to be the

principal cause of biodiversity loss and other problems such as desertification and
transformation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems (2009). Furthermore, within the
same 40year period, there has been a doubled growth in human population, a 76%
loss of freshwater wildlife and a 39% loss of terrestrial wildlife and marine wildlife.

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 The issue of biodiversity loss develops
from factors such as extensive clearing and
burning of woodland, the haphazard use of
pesticides, overharvesting of animals and
plants, harmful farming and fishing practices,
urbanisation and so on. Emerging research
suggests that the increased proportion of
extinction will further accelerate and the
loss of species and the disruption of the
ecosystem will have a damaging effect on
https://www.google.com/ human health (Anand, 2013).
search?q=loss+of+biodiversity&tbm=isch&ved=

Transboundary Air Pollution

Globalization, free trade and the

interconnectivity among nations with regard
to the geographical borderless nature of
countries has meant that there are shared
substantive growth among many economies.
However, as economic growth is shared, so
are environmental hazards.

There are various examples of

https://www.google.com/ transboundary environmental issues
search?q=transboundary+air+pollution&tbm
including long range transboundary air
pollution such as acid rain, pollution of water bodies and worldwide trade in
hazardous wastes (O’Neill, 2009). Transboundary air pollution is air pollution
generated in one country and affecting other countries. It contributes to summer
smog and acidification, soil and water eutrophication and the dispersion of
dangerous elements (EEA, 1998). The principal sources of transboundary air
pollution consist of industrialization, energy use and transportation including both
local transportation and international shipping . The 1986 Chernobyl disaster which
took place in Ukraine when a nuclear reactor exploded, and radioactive gases were
released into the atmosphere is a vivid example of transboundary air pollution that
led to devastating effects in Ukraine and neighbouring countries (World-Nuclear,
2016).

Depletion of Ozone Layer

According to Clapp and Dauvergne, various scientists in 1974 made a

unique discovery that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which is also considered
as a greenhouse gas, were drifting into the atmosphere and causing a gradual

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 depletion of the ozone layer. A depletion of the isothermal
layer which protects humans against the adverse effects
of the ultraviolet sun rays. Scientists found out that an
exhausted ozone layer could cause devastating effects
such skin cancer conditions and cataract, reduce the
disease immunity in humans and weaken the productivity of
plants (2011). There are several other global environmental
problems that we are faced with in the 21st century such as
desertification (caused by over cultivation, overgrazing, and
deforestation and so on), overpopulation, waste disposal,
https://www.google.com/search?q=
transboundary+air+pollution&tbm ocean acidification, genetic engineering among others.

Summary

It’s a fact that globalization has its downside Greenhouse effect, Global
Warming and Climate Change, Biodiversity loss, Transboundary pollution, and
Depletion of Ozone layer are major environmental issues.

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 Name: Score:
Curriculum and Section:
Subject:
Unit No.: Date:

Let’s Do This!

With the environmental issues mentioned in the module, kindly examine

them using the template below.

Environmental
Cause/s Effect/s
Issues

I. This will be done with the use of social media. Create you advocacy
through picturing yourself doing initiatives addressing environmental
issues. Post on facebook with #ImOneForEnvironmentalSustainability.

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II. Observe the local area close to you. What environmental issues can you
identify? List as many as you can.
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Lesson 2: Global Policy Response and Sustainable Development

Lesson Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, the learners must have:
1. discussed some global policy response against environmental issues;
2. examine the challenges encountered towards environmental response
and sustainable development.

Fun Quiz!

Describe the photo below briefly, tell what you can do about it as person,
leader and entrepreneur.

https://www.google.com/search?q=global%20environmental%20problems%20pdf&tbm

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Environmental Decisions

Environmental problems are mainly caused by human actions. The role of

humans is, therefore, vital because it is their attitude that has shaped the present-
day environment. Clearly it is only through a transformation in attitude that people
can take initiatives in influencing the conditions of the environment. Decisions
affecting the environment may be made by an individual, a family, a society,
consumers, industries or the government.

Decisions affecting the environment may be made by an individual, a

family, a society, consumers, industries or the government. In the 20th century,
technologically advanced societies regarded a steadily improving standard of living
for their people based upon economic growth and industrial development as their
main goal. Environmental considerations had a low priority.

The illustration below describes the effective environmental decision making

which involves consideration of innumerable issues. Such as ecological, economic,
social and technical aspects. Also various alternatives in policies, actions and
practices to contemplate for taking a decision.

Thus, numerous global collective actions are taken due to the undeniable ill
effects of human actions towards the ecosystem and among the lives of the human
race. In this part of the module we will discuss some of the global policies about
environmental issues responses.

http://27.122.21.154/TISER/documents/pastep/ssd-nce-1-3-environmental-issues- student.pdf

Figure 2

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Global Environmental Policies

In this part, discussed are global environmental issues responses.

The United Nation as the leading international organization in response to global
environmental issues even finds it challenging to address (Linner&Selin, 2013). To
highlight the global need to response for global environment problems it hosted the
conference on “Human environment” (Stockholm conference) on June 5-16, 1972
(UN, 2018).

Another response was the strategic plan known as “Agenda 21” at the
United Nation conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) at Rio de
Janeiro in June 1992. Agenda 21 addresses various themes within the concept
of sustainable development. Agenda 21 covers subjects such as the protection
of the atmosphere, combating deforestation, poverty eradication, toxic chemicals
and waste management, sustainable agriculture and development. Albeit the
responsibility of governments for the implementation of Agenda 21, international
cooperation is needed to assist and complement.

In June 2012 a forty years of summit on global action plan of sustainable

development was organized to ensure continued commitment for environmental
issues. The United Nation Conference on Sustainable Development at Rio de
Janeiro focused on a green economy in the context of sustainable development
and poverty eradication and secondly, the institutional framework for sustainable
development (as cited in Linnér & Selin, 2013:971).

While in Vienna in 1985, The Convention for the Protection of the Ozone
Layer was considered a milestonein international collective action towards global
environmental problems. This Vienna convention is considered to have set a
significant benchmark as it was the first-time government concurred in principle to
deal with a global environment issue before its impact or effects (Anand, 2013).
Moreover, Montreal Protocol convention on substances which exhaust the ozone
layer has achieved great results as it has led to the elimination of the manufacturing
of harmful ozone depleting substances.

Similarly, The Kyoto Protocol is another remarkable global agreement

related to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that commits
to participate, involved and abide the globally binding emission reduction targets.
Adopted in Kyoto, Japan on the 11th of December, 1997 and enacted on the 16th
of February, 2005. It pursued to institute three primary objectives: conservation
of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and
equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources

On 1 January, 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of

the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development were adopted by world leaders
in September 2015 at a historic UN Summit officially came into force. Over the
next fifteen years, with these new Goals that universally apply to all, countries will

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mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate
change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Figure 3. Graphical representation of data acquired from the International

Agreement Database. The graph illustrates the development in the ratification of
numerous environmental treaties, protocols and agreements from the period of
1850 to 2016.

Challenges Towards Global Environmental Response

The critical need for cooperation among actors (national government,

institutions, non-governmental organizations) of global environmental issues is
significantly important to succeed in the implementation of various frameworks
and agreements.

The challenge of accountability according to Bowen et al (2017) exist as

problems despite of the global cooperation by all the actors. Najam and Halle (2010)
cited that involved should be evaluated based on a measurable implementation of
obligation and objectives not only based on their statements of goodwill. Thus, to
Bowen et al (2017) accountability requires the consideration of four distinct forms:

• The normative behavior for actors,

• The connection between actors “ held to account” and actors who “hold to
account”

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 • The evaluation of the behavior of those held to account and how those “held
to account” are responsible for their actions along with how sanctions are
advocated.

Accountability is therefore one reason why global environmental problems

is difficult to address through political actions.

The challenge of diversity is another concern, the variety of political actors

involved in the efforts to combat environmental issues is a huge test that need to
be harmonized. As noted by Bowen et al (2017) conflicting interest and behavior of
actors either promote or hinder a change in global policy towards the goals.

Lastly, the challenge of compromise. In the implementation of Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs) according to Bowen et al, it is inevitable that tension
will arise into which will recognize the need for trade-offs or compromise. Achieving
the goals of SDGs for example is serious challenge because multiple goals or
targets are interrelated with each other that the realization of one goal may depend
on the other, that is meeting one target may mean the compromise another goal.

Summary

To respond on global environmental issues, the action must begin with as

“think global, act local.” People need to develop an understanding of the global
context within their actions towards the environment. With this global response and
collaboration led by various organizations were conducted. Several conferences
and agreements were involved by hug number of participants. However challenges
were confronted in the implementation such as actors’ accountability, diversity and
comprise they need to address.

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 Name: Score:
Curriculum and Section:
Subject:
Unit No.: Date:

Let’s Do This!

Study the article below and explain how the Sepik River ecosystem might
become unbalanced.

Weeds Threaten Mighty Sepik

AUCKLAND: One of the world’s few great river systems

to remain in a near pristine state, Papua New Guinea’s Sepik
River, is under threat from introduced weeds, according to a new
report.

“The Sepik River: A Natural History” was published last week

by the South Pacific program of the World Wide Fund (WWF) for
Nature. The report calls the Sepik, with more than 1,500 lakes
and dozens of major tributaries and landforms, one of the world’s
most significant river systems. Its catchment extends for more
than 77,700 square kilometres and is navigable for about 500km
from its mouth on the northern coast. Biologically, it is among
the most diverse and least described ecosystems on earth.
“There are no large mining projects, no industrial plants and no
large timber extraction projects operating within the region and,
compared to other areas of New Guinea, much of the area has
a low rate of population growth,” it said. “The Sepik has yet to
suffer the blows that accompany rapid development.” However,
water weeds, mostly from South America, are one of its biggest
threats. Salvinia molesta, a weed capable of doubling its size
every two days, was introduced by a missionary who threw the
contents of a fish tank into the river.

By August 1977, 32 square kilometres of the river were

covered with Salvinia. By 1979 it had spread to 79 square
kilometres. A beetle introduced to combat the pest had
spectacular results but it did not completely eradicate it and
the WWF said the weed will now always be a component of the

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 river. Water hyacinth, a beautiful blue flowering plant from South
America notorious for its ability to clog up waterways, is now
under control, thanks to a weevil. But a species known as the
“Giant Sensitive Plant” is encroaching near the Sepik and poses
a major threat as there are no known means of control. “Weeds
pose some of the most serious threats to the environment and
human inhabitants in the Sepik catchment. Several species that
are already in PNG have the potential to invade large areas of
the Sepik flood plains where their effect would be catastrophic,”
the report said. The National August 16, 1999.

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I. In your own way how can you help reduce environmental problems
caused by rapid globalization?
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II. Select an environmental issue, (for example excess logging,) and examine the
role of governments, individuals and businesses in contributing to the problem.

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