MODULE 17 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

LESSON PROPER

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Environmental awareness is having an understanding of the environment, the

impacts of human behaviors on it, and the importance of its protection. Environmental
awareness is an integral part of the movement’s success. By spreading awareness to
others that the physical environment is fragile and indispensable, we can begin fixing the
issues that threaten it.

Environmental awareness is a movement that teaches the need for humans to

respect and protect their natural environment. Human waste production accumulates in
the environment and impacts the soil, wildlife, and water. With the Industrial Revolution,
scientific advances led to the production of greenhouse gases that warm the atmosphere
and cause a gradual increase in temperature, also termed the greenhouse effect.
Spreading environmental awareness can preserve our natural resources and reduce the
destruction of Earth.
As the environment becomes damaged and greenhouse gases accumulate, the
increasing temperatures on Earth can lead to progressive changes, such as:

• Glacial melting from rising temperatures

• Drought with water shortages and increased wildfires
• Rising sea levels with flooding
• Destruction of coral reefs
• Increasing allergies and asthma due to air pollutants

Environmentalism is an ideology that evokes the necessity and responsibility of

humans to respect, protect, and preserve the natural world from its anthropogenic
(caused by humans) afflictions.
Examples of Environmental Issues

Here are several examples of issues impacting the environment today:

1. Oil Drilling. This issue is one that causes a great deal of environmental

destruction. Our dependence on fossil fuel is a global addiction that affects every
aspect of the world. Oil spills and offshore drilling poison marine life, oil drilling (on
land) suffocates the Earth, and the combustion of fossil fuels add to the increased
atmospheric CO₂, which in turns causes the progression of global warming and
ocean acidification. This is a multifaceted issue and is a good cause to get involved
with because it covers such a broad spectrum of issues.
2. Deforestation. Millions of acres of forest are cut down for industrial benefit, such

as large scale farming, oil mining, and the production of paper

goods. Deforestation causes wildlife and biodiversity extinction because the loss
of habitat threatens many species’ existence. The International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has a Red List of environmentally threatened
species with up-to-date information.
3. Production of Plastic Goods. Currently our society creates a great deal of waste

and much of that waste consists of plastic. This waste ends up all over the globe
in both land and water. Not only is plastic waste an issue, but the production of
plastic is also dependent on fossil fuel combustion. According to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration (EIA), in 2010, 191 million barrels of liquid petroleum
gases (LPG) and natural gas liquids (NGL) were used in the U.S. alone to produce
plastic goods.

GO GREEN
The “Go Green” signs you see displayed around various stores and window fronts
are more than a catchy, mainstream term to be thrown around. “Go Green”, as well as
other environmental awareness campaigns, are intended to spur humanity into taking
proactive steps to protect the environment. In fact, it is the moral obligation of humans to
ensure the survival and sustainability of the planet for future generations. Without the aid
of human contribution towards this effort it is possible that humanity, as whole, will be
unable to survive on this planet for long. And because a majority of the damage down to
the environment is done through human choices, it is only through better, healthier
choices that the planet can see a shift in its well-being, and thus, the well-being of
humanity as well. Therefore, it is our responsibility to change our behavior and learn to
improve upon our actions towards the environment.

When people ''go green,'' they are practicing environmental awareness. The term
means being aware of the natural environment and making choices that benefit--rather
than hurt--the Earth we all live on. In recent years, environmental awareness has gained
increased attention. It is fair to say it has become a trend: from environmentally friendly
tiny homes to organic food, ecological awareness is a hot topic.

a. Homes

Environmentally friendly homes and building materials is a great place to start. In

recent years, advanced nations have become more aware of harmful building
materials, such as asbestos, lead-based paint, lead pipes, and others. People can
demonstrate environmental awareness by choosing to use building materials that
are natural and do not hurt the environment. Wood, stone, brick, copper, and other
materials are excellent choices.

b. Conserving Energy and Water

Going along with the home theme, conserving energy is another way to
demonstrate environmental awareness. One easy way to save energy is to turn off
lights when not in use. Some people even install solar panels and other types of
alternative energy sources. There is much potential for solar power to become
mainstream and efficient in the future.

Going along with energy conservation is water conservation. People should be

mindful to not waste water by leaving the faucet running while brushing teeth, etc.
Water is a valuable natural resource that we often take for granted. In many parts
 of the world, clean water is scarce. Being mindful of this is a massive step in
demonstrating environmental awareness.

c. Purchases, Recycling, and Activism

Some people choose to buy clothing and products that contain natural
fibres/materials rather than synthetic ones. Recycling is another massive part of
demonstrating environmental awareness. Still, others who are highly passionate
about this issue become activists. They might march in protests or organize
rallies/events. As we can see, environmental awareness takes many forms, and
each person must figure out what specific practices work for them.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

The significance of preserving our planet cannot be overstated, yet it prompts the
question of its true importance. A thorough examination of the detrimental effects of
environmental pollution reveals its severe implications not only for the Earth but also for
human health. Initially, it is crucial to note that the levels of greenhouse gases have been
on a consistent upward trajectory, having increased by over one-third since the onset of
the industrial revolution. This rise in greenhouse gas concentrations correlates with a rise
in global temperatures, leading to a host of adverse consequences.

• Melting glaciers and severe droughts that bring on more water shortages and
increase the risk of wildfires
• Rising sea levels that bring on coastal flooding, especially in Florida and the Gulf
of Mexico
• Increasing pests, heat waves, and heavy downpours in forests, farms, and cities
which can damage or destroy agriculture and fisheries.
• Growing rate at which coral reefs are destroyed and, thus, the rate at which plants
and animals become extinct.
 • Rising rates of allergies, asthma, and infectious diseases as a result of increased
pollen-producing ragweed, an increased level of air pollution, and favorable
conditions in which pathogens and mosquitos can grow.

Furthermore, without environmental awareness and proactive measures being taken

to preserve our planet, everyone is subject to breath in increasingly poor air quality which
translates to an increase in serious health concerns for humans.

How to Promote Environmental Awareness

While Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd every year, it is vital to the health of our
planet that we cultivate a deeper awareness of how to preserve our planet all other days
of the year, as well. Some ways in which you can promote environmental awareness and
include:
• Going paperless: Online services are extremely eco-friendly and can reduce the
amount of paper needed to print your bills and reminders. Therefore, opt for
paperless billing when you can.
• Educating your kids: One of the most effective ways to prevent future
destruction of the environment starts at home. Teach your kids the three R’s-
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and the importance of keeping the earth clean. Kids that
implement these practices from an early age will increase the chances of the planet
surviving in the future.
• Contributing to an environmental awareness cause: Putting some extra time
or money into a cause that promotes a greener environment will not only help the
planet but will also make you feel good about your contribution, too.
• Implementing green strategies: One of the best ways to help the survival of our
planet is to start buying more reusable items and recycling. Reducing your usage
of plastic water bottles greatly reduces the amount of carbon footprint you leave
on the planet. Because plastic water bottles take hundreds of years to decompose
in landfills, opting for a cleaner solution, such as buying aluminum or glass water
bottles instead, will help free up the landfills and promote healthier air quality.
 As mentioned, one of the best ways to reduce environmental pollution is to switch
from plastic water bottles to aluminum bottles instead. In particular, drinking rainwater in
reusable aluminum water bottles not only helps to save the planet but is also the most
sustainable, healthiest, and most delicious form of water on the earth today. Make the
switch to alkaline rainwater and feel good about your contribution to your health and
planets well-being today.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES

Human civilization has started realizing how much harm they have already caused
to the environment. When it comes to taking a stand against these environmental
problems, the focus shifts to the use of Renewable Energy. Have you ever wondered
what alternative energy sources are? And why are they supposed to help us sustain?
Alternative sources of energy are the ones that do not cause any undesirable
consequences to the environment, are renewable and are free.

Alternative energy sources can be implemented for houses, cars, factories and
any other facility you can imagine. Scientists worldwide are researching, developing and
discovering new Alternative Energy Sources so that the growing energy needs of the
human population can be met more quickly, safely and efficiently. Here is a list of
Alternative Energy Sources that will help us maintain the balance of nature without
causing it much harm compared to the conventional energy sources.”

Commonly Known Alternative Energy Sources

1. Hydroelectric Energy
The potential energy stored in the water held in dams is made to drive a water turbine
and generator, producing electric power. This form of energy generation is called
hydroelectric power. Out of all the alternative energy sources, this one has been most
commonly adopted in the current time.

Advantages of Hydroelectric Power Generation

a. The source of hydroelectric power generation, i.e., water, is free of cost.
b. Dams can provide virtually continuous electricity generation.
c. The water used for power generation can be put to use again.
d. There is no chemical process involved in the power production process; therefore, the
power generated is clean and does not harm the environment.

2. Solar Energy
This is the energy that the Earth receives from the Sun. This is one of the most promising
alternative energy sources, which will be available to humanity for centuries to come. The
only challenge remains to tap solar energy in the most efficient way. Solar power
generation is done using a series of photovoltaic cells where the solar rays are converted
into electricity. Apart from electricity production, solar energy is also being used for
heating water, cooking food etc.

Advantages of Solar Energy

1. The source of energy is absolutely ‘free’.

2. Solar power generated in the daytime can be stored to be made available in the
nighttime as well.
3. Solar power generators can generate power in rural and remote areas where there
is no reach of the conventional form of energy.
4. The generation of solar power is quiet and clean.
5. Solar energy is a renewable form of energy that will not deplete until thousands of
years.

3. Wind Energy
The wind power is harnessed to propel the blades of a wind turbine attached to an electric
generator to generate wind energy. Wind energy is an effective alternative energy source
in areas where the velocity of wind flow is high.

Advantages of Wind Energy

1. Wind energy is a clean form of energy.

 2. The source of power generation, i.e., the wind, is free of cost.
3. Wind energy is a renewable source of energy.

4. Biomass Energy
This is the energy developed from the wastes of various human and animal activities like
the by-products and wastes from the timber industry, agricultural yields, municipal solid
waste etc. Out of the many alternative sources of energy, this is the one that considers
the utilization of waste material to develop energy, thereby disposing of them profitably
and effectively.

Advantages of Biomass Energy

1. It is an environmentally friendly way of energy production in which biological mass

is recycled and re-used.
2. The biomass will keep generating and decomposing as part of the natural
biological cycle. Therefore, biomass energy is considered a renewable source of
energy.

New Alternative Energy Sources

To answer the question of which Alternative Energy Source has been brought to
picture newly, you should understand that developments are being carried on to find more
and more alternative energy sources as you are reading this. Apart from the commonly
known alternative energy sources, there have been recent advancements in discovering
new alternative energy sources to add to the list of alternative energy sources.

2. Geothermal Energy

This is the energy tapped from the heat inside the Earth. Hot rocks are residing in
the core of the earth heat water, emitting the Earth's surface with pressure and steam.
This pressurized steam can be used to run steam turbines to generate electricity.

Advantages of Geothermal Energy

a. Similar to other alternative energy sources, the geothermal energy source is free of
cost. b. With a proper power generation system in place, no harmful by-products are
produced.

2. Tidal Power
The surface of Earth is 71.11% covered by water bodies, especially oceans. The
tides in water rise and fall due to the gravity of Sun and moon. Since we know how the
position of the moon changes, we can predict the rise and fall of tides, this rise and fall of
waves can be utilized by setting up small dams and passing water through the turbines
to generate power.

Advantages of Tidal Energy

1. The source of power generation is free and renewable.

2. The power generated is clean and does not cause any pollution.

Challenges with Using Alternative Energy Sources

As promising as the use of alternative energy sources may sound, it is still under
research as to how to tap energy from these resources most efficiently and effectively.
Although small power generation systems can be put in place, power production from
these resources on a large scale is still a challenge, with hydroelectric power generation
being an exception.

Many countries are not yet ready to move from using conventional energy sources
to alternative energy sources. It involves a considerable amount to decommission the old
power generation infrastructure and establish a new infrastructure. Therefore, the shift is
ideal to be made in phases.

Why Use Alternative Energy Sources?

Alternative energy sources are available free of cost and do not tax the
environment for their usage. Power generation through alternative sources of energy is
clean and ‘green’. Suppose we shift to use power generated from these sources. In that
case, carbon dioxide emission from conventional energy sources will be significantly
reduced, and global warming will be solved in a few years. Also, the fast depleting
traditional energy sources can be preserved. Along with air pollution, conventional energy
resources also cause soil pollution and water pollution by releasing toxins to the land and
water. This can also be controlled reasonably.

The damage that we have caused to Earth after the industrial revolution is
enormous. We will have to take action immediately if we want to keep the planet
sustainable for our future generations. The biggest leap that mankind can take to prevent
further damage is to start using alternative energy sources.

References:

Environmental awareness. (n.d.). https://pachamama.org/environmental-awareness

HEART WATER. (2021, September 21). Heart Water - Environmental Awareness: Save
the Planet. Heart Water®. https://drinkheartwater.com/blog/environmental-
awareness