SCIENCE 9

Name:___________________________________ Ms. LORIELYN P. VILLANUEVA

Grade and Section:________________________ Science Teacher
Week 6

Environmental Issues and Concerns

What’s In
In the previous lesson, you have learned that in an ecosystem, the biotic and abiotic factors are interdependent with one
another. Therefore, if one factor is removed, the whole system will be affected. In an ecosystem, there are various forms
of limiting factors – which can either be biotic and abiotic, that limit the growth, distribution, or abundance of
organisms.

What is the relationship between the limiting factor and carrying capacity? Carrying capacity as you have known is the
maximum population size of organisms that the environment can support. The environment’s carrying capacity will
depend on the presence of limiting factors.

You have also discovered the concepts of biodiversity and its importance to us. Biodiversity, also known as biological
diversity, refers to the variety of living organisms present on Earth which includes the diverse species of plants, animals,
and microorganisms. These different life forms maintain ecological balance. Without biodiversity, ecological processes
such as photosynthesis, respiration, energy flows, environmental cycles, reproduction, and decomposition will never
occur.

Biodiversity also provides us with unlimited resources. Because we depend too much on it, we have already forgotten
our role in conserving it. The sad part is, biodiversity is continuously threatened over the years due to the many factors
related to human activities. Can you think of human activities that contribute to the loss of biodiversity? In what way
does humans disrupt the ecological balance? Find out the answers to these questions as you go through the next lesson
of this module.

What’s New
Over the past years, our environment keeps on changing. Many landscapes were converted into buildings, expressways,
parks, and subdivisions. Along the beaches, you can see lots of resorts, restaurants, cafes, and other commercial
establishments. Every day, our natural resources are continuously utilized for food, shelter, clothing, electricity, and fuel
to support our needs. We keep on searching for comfortable living without thinking we are already destroying the
environment.

What Is It

Environmental Issues and Concerns

Many human activities disturb the balance in the ecosystem. Examples of these are pollution, deforestation, wildlife
depletion, and destruction of coastal resources. All of these result in ecological imbalance. Ecological imbalance happens
when there is a disturbance which is either natural or man-made disturbance that disrupts the balance of an ecosystem.

Pollution

What can you say about the picture below? What do you think
is its effect on the ecosystem?

Pollution is one of the most evident environmental issues we

are currently facing. Pollution is the addition of contaminants
or harmful substances into a natural environment. These
contaminants are considered pollutants and can damage the
quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink.
The major types of pollution are air and water pollution. Air
pollution happens when solid, liquid, and gas particles are
dispersed into the air. Both man-made and natural activities
contribute to air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels, exhaust from the vehicles and factories, burning of plastics, and
agricultural activities are some of the man-made activities which contribute to air pollution. Wildfires and volcanic ashes
are also sources of air pollutants.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted by coal plants, factories, electric power generators, and vehicles
contribute to acid rain. These substances react with water molecules, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere
which produces acid. Acid rain cannot harm humans directly, but it is more harmful to plants and other animals.
Nutrients and minerals that are needed by the plants to grow are removed through the acid rain. It can cause the
weakening or death of trees. Aluminum is released from the soil because of acid rain. When raining, this aluminum will
soon reach rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans which are harmful to aquatic plants and animals.

Because of the increasing number of people, the disposal of wastes becomes a problem. When wastes are not disposed
of properly, these will reach the grasslands, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Domestic and industrial wastes such as
oils, chemicals, plastics, and agricultural wastes are the main causes of water pollution. Polluted water is no longer safe
for drinking and swimming. On the other hand, when there is an increase of organic nutrients brought about by the
chemicals and garbage thrown into the bodies of water, this stimulates the growth of algae and in turn, lessens the
available oxygen for other aquatic animals. When oxygen is no longer available,
aquatic organisms will die. Water quality and clarity will also be affected. This
process is called eutrophication.

Deforestation
Deforestation happens when forests are cleared to make the land available for
other purposes. The problem is, trees are continually cut down, including the
young ones, without replacing it. The loss of habitat of other living organisms,
increased levels of greenhouse gases, soil erosion, and flooding are some of
the effects of deforestation.
In the Philippines, a practice known as the kaingin system is used by farmers
for farming. In this method, the forest is set on fire to clear the area for cultivation. If the burning is uncontrolled, this
will lead to forest fires.

Wildlife depletion

One of our natural resources is the wildlife. Wildlife plays an important role in ecological balance. Among the
famous Philippine wildlife is the monkey-eating eagle, which is now considered critically endangered. Hunting and
trapping, taking animals for profit, killing them, and destroying their habitats through deforestation are ways on how
human beings harm or destroy wildlife species.

Destruction of coastal resources

Aside from pollution, overharvesting, the use of explosives

and chemicals, and the conversion of coastal areas into
resorts and residential areas greatly affect marine
organisms and their habitats. Overharvesting or
overfishing happens when people collect, capture, or
harvest marine organisms such as coral reefs, fish, sea
turtles, and others in a large quantity. On the other hand,
dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, and muro-ami fishing as
the known illegal fishing methods used in the Philippines
kill plenty of marine animals and destroy coral reefs.

These activities are very harmful and can reduce the

number of marine organisms. When the population of
marine organisms is reduced, the food web in a marine
ecosystem is greatly affected.

Coastal areas are one of the tourist attractions in the country. Because we are rich with beautiful beaches, many
tourists would like to stay and enjoy their vacation with us. Because of its aesthetic and economic value, coastal areas
are then converted into resorts, residences, and business establishments. The increasing number of infrastructures also
increases the chances of contributing pollution to large bodies of water that destroys the natural ecosystems of marine
species.

How about you? Can you think of other environmental problems that disrupt the ecological balance? How are you going
to take part in solving these problems? Find out by doing the activities 2, 3 and 4.
What’s More

Activity 1. For better or for worse?

Objective:
At the end of the activity, you are expected to:
1. Explain the importance of environmental conservation.

Procedure:
1. Read and analyze the situation below.

Madasigon City is a well-known “Abaca Capital” of the country. The Abaca products of the city are famous for its
export quality. Over the years, the economic status of the city continues to grow. Because of the work and business
opportunities that the city can provide, lots of people from inside and outside the city, including their families decided to
live and stay here.

Since the population is increasing, there are plans to build subdivisions, shopping malls, hotels, schools, roads,
and other infrastructures on the large hectares of hills and forests.
2. Based on the given situation, answer the following questions briefly and concisely:

a. Think of yourself as a City Mayor. Should you allow the construction of the infrastructures on the large hectares
of hills and forests? Why?
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b. As the City Mayor, list down all the alternatives that you can give based on your answer in question number 1.
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c. Out of all the alternatives that you have listed in number 2, choose one and explain why you think this is the
most appropriate.
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d. How are you going to put your chosen alternative into action?
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What I have Learn

Provide at least one (1) solution for each of the following environmental problem.

Environmental Problem Solution

Air Pollution
Eutrophication
Wildlife Depletion
Deforestation
Destruction of Coastal Resources

Guide Questions:

Q1. Why is ecological imbalance should everyone’s concern?

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Q2. How can you help maintain ecological balance?

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Q3. If you were given a chance to make a law on environmental protection, what would it be? What will be its main
features? What would be the sanction/s for those who will violate your law?
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Check your Understanding

A. Why is it important to protect and conserve biodiversity?

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B. Tell whether the following items that follow are either natural or man-made cause of extinction.
1. Meteor hitting Earth
2. Volcanic eruptions
3. Habitat destruction
4. Exploitation
5. Climate change

C. How have human activities contributed to climate change and to species extinction?
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Apply your Understanding

Create a pamphlet that can teach people of the impact humans have on the environment. Include information
on sustainable development and importance of biodiversity and the threats it is facing. Make the pamphlet creative and
interesting for the readers by using pictures (you can use old magazine, brochure or catalogue) and texts.
Below are the examples of pamphlet.