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Republic of the Philippines

APAYAO STATE COLLEGE
San Isidro, Luna, Apayao, Philippines 3813
asc.edu.ph,www.facebook.com/asceduofficial.

APAYAO STATE COLLEGE VISION, MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Vision

“Empowering lives and communities through stewardship for cultural sensitivity and
biodiversity”

Mission

Apayao State College is committed to provide empowering and holistic development of

citizens by providing quality and innovative instruction, strong research, responsive
community engagement and entrepreneurship in order to prime the development of Apayao
Province, the Cordillera Administrative Region.
ASC GOALS ASC OBJECTIVES

 Transformative and empowering education  To elevate quality access and relevance for
 Increase capacity and performance in research instruction
and innovation.  To strengthen research and development and
 Create a significant and highly visible extension capability, outcomes and impact
development impact in the region.  Strengthen partnership and institutional
 Generate additional resources for strategic linkages to increase the regional impact of
investment programs and initiatives ASC extension program.
 Transparent, responsive, unifying and  Increase productivity and income of ASC
empowering governance.  Enhance governance and organization and
management system, processes and
environment.
GOALS OF GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM
In general education the holistic development of the person takes place in
overlapping realms:
 Individual where the student is enabled to develop her/ his identity as a
person, conscious of his/her talents, rights and responsibilities towards
the self and others;
 Filipino society and nation, where the individual is aware and proud of
her/his collective identity, and able to contribute meaningfully to the
development of Filipino society at local and national levels;
 Global community where the Filipino student recognizes and respects
the fundamental humanity of all, respects and appreciates diversity and
cares about the problems that affect the world.
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 Republic of the Philippines
APAYAO STATE COLLEGE
San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

2ND SEMESTER (2020-2021)

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

Contents
1. The Good Life
2. When Technology and Humanity Cross
3. Information Society
4. Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
5. Climate Change

Objectives
1. Explain the concept of the good life as posited by Aristotle;
2. Define the good life in their own words; and
3. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life to come up with
innovative and creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by ethical
standards.
4. Evaluate contemporary human experience to strengthen the human person
functioning in the society;
5. Discuss the importance of human rights in the face of changing social
conditions and technological development; and
6. Identify laws or policies in the country that protect the well-being of the
person in technological advancement and ethical dilemmas.
7. Determine the human and social impacts of the developments in the
information age;
8. Discuss the evolution of technology from the ancient times up to the
present; and
9. Illustrate how social media have affected their lives.

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 CHAPTER 6
THE GOOD LIFE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to :
1. Explain the concept of the good life as posited by Aristotle;
2. Define the good life in their own words; and
3. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life to come up with innovative and
creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by ethical standards.

Readings
Everyone is in pursuit of the good life. We do certain things because we want to
achieve a life which will make us happy and content. By studying and working hard, we try
to attain this goal not only for ourselves but also for our love ones and the rest of humanity.
People’s definition of the good life may vary and differ in the particulars. In general,
however, we recognize universal truths that cut across our differences.
NICOMACHEAN ETHICS AND MODERN CONCEPTS
Aristotle, an important ancient Greek philosopher whose work spans natural
philosophy to logic and political theory, attempted to explain what the good is. His
definition may be useful in our pursuit of the truth. In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle stated:
All human activities aim at some good. Every art and human injury, and similarly every
action and pursuit, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason has been rightly
declared as that at which all things aim (Nicomachean Ethics 2:2).
Everyone is moving towards the good. Thus, completing one’s studies, training for a
sport, or taking a rest is a good. The good is expressed and manifested in many various ways
for different persons and circumstances. The good life, however, is more than these
countless expressions of what is good. It is characterized by happiness that springs from
living and doing well.
… both the many and the cultivated call it happiness, and suppose that living well and doing
well are the same as being happy (Nicomachean Ethics 1:4).
The ancient Greeks called this concept of “living well and doing well” as eudaimonia. The
word came from the Greek word eu meaning “good” and daimon meaning “spirit”. Taken
together, it generally refers to the good life, which is marked by happiness and excellence. It
is a flourishing life filled with meaningful endeavors that empower the human person to be
the best version of himself/herself. If one is a student, then he/she acts to be the best version
of a student by studying well and fulfilling the demands of school. If one is an athlete, then
he/she strives to be the best version of an athlete by training hard as well as joining and
winning in sports competitions.
Furthermore, according to Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate end of human action. It is that
which people pursue for its own sake. Financial stability for one’s family, the power
achieved from winning the elections, or the harmony and peace as a reward for taking care
of the environment- all these and more are pursued for the sake of happiness.
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Now such a thing as happiness above all else, is held to be; for this we choose always for
itself and never for the sake of something else, but honor, pleasure, reason, and every virtue
we choose indeed for themselves, but we choose them also for the sake of happiness, judging
that by means of them we shall be happy. Happiness, on the other hand, no one chooses for
anything other than itself (Nicomachean Ethics 2:7)
Happiness defines a good life. This happiness, however, is not the kind that comes
from sensate pleasures. It is that which comes from living a life of virtue, a life of excellence,
manifested from the personal to the global scale
It is the activities that express virtue that control happiness, and the contrary activities that
control its contrary (Nicomachean Ethics 1:10).
For example, making sure that one avoids sugary and processed foods to keep healthy
is an activity that expresses virtue. The resulting health adds to one’s well-being and
happiness. Another example is taking care of the environment through proper waste
management which results in a clean environment and adds to people’s well-being and
happiness. These virtuous actions require discipline and practice. On the other hand,
activities contrary to virtue are those which do not result in happiness. The lack of discipline
in eating healthful food eventually makes one sick. The lack of concern for the environment
destroys the Earth we live in. Thus, disregard for virtuous actions, especially for the sake of
convenience and gratification does not contribute to happiness. The good life is marked by
happiness brought about the virtuous human actions and decisions that affect the individual
self and the greater community. It is characterized by a life of flourishing of oneself and of
others. The good life does not happen in a bubble were only one person is flourishing; others
have to be in it, too.
Virtue plays a significant role in the living and attainment of the good life. It is the
constant practice of the good no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. Virtue is the
excellence of character that empowers one to do and be good. Such virtue is cultivated with
habit and discipline as it is not a one-time deed, but a constant series of actions. Everyone
has the capacity within himself/herself to be good, but he/she also has to be disciplined to
make a habit of exercising the good.
Virtue, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral, intellectual virtue in the main owes
its birth and growth to teaching (for which reason it requires experience and time), while
moral virtue comes about as a result of habit (Nicomachean Ethics 2:1)
The onward progress of science and technology is also the movement towards the
good life. Science and technology are one of the highest expressions of human faculties.
They allow us to thrive and flourish in life if we so desire it. Science and technology may
also corrupt a person, but grounding oneself in virtue will help him/her steer clear of danger.

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 EXERCISES
Name of Student:_________________________ Subject Teacher:_____________
Course & Section:________________________ Date Submitted:______________
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. In your opinion, what constitutes a good life?
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2. What does Aristotle say about the good life? Does it still stand in the contemporary world?
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3. How is the progress of science and technology a movement towards the good life?
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ACTIVITY

View the short documentary film titled” That Sugar Film”. Discuss how production
and consumption of sugar affects your journey towards the good life.

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 CHAPTER 7
WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to :
1. Evaluate contemporary human experience to strengthen the human person
functioning in the society;
2. Discuss the importance of human rights in the face of changing social conditions
and technological development; and
3. Identify laws or policies in the country that protect the well-being of the person in
technological advancement and ethical dilemmas.

Readings
The good life entails living in a just and progressive society whose citizens have the
freedom to flourish. The human person has the autonomy to make choices which may
enable the flourishing of his/ her self and society. The Unite Nations General Assembly
proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR) on December 10, 1948
as the global standard of fundamental human rights for universal recognition and protection.
The UDHR begins, “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and
inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice
and peace in the world”(UDHR Preamble). As implied, everyone has absolute moral worth
by virtue of being human. Human dignity is an ultimate core value of our existence. When
we fully recognize and appreciate this truth in ourselves and in all the persons around us,
regardless of their status in life, then we paved the way for a just and progressive society. It
is in this kind of society that we are able to become fully human-more free, more rational,
and more loving. Human beings become more free when we are empowered to make
choices for our flourishing. We become more rational when we are able to value and apply
the principles of logic and science in our lives. We become more loving when we ensure
that human dignity lies at the foundation of our endeavors, whether scientific or not. It
entails knowing one’s fundamental human rights that must always be protected in the face of
changing conditions.
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The UDHR explicates the fundamental human rights in 30 articles. It outlines
inalienable human rights that are vital and necessary in the pursuit of the good life. These
are the freedoms everyone is entitled to and guaranteed by virtue of being human. The first
article states the essential principle of being human in a just, free, and rational society.
Everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights. The common experience, however,
does not always manifest such truth. More often than not, those who have more to offer are
given special treatment. The good life, nevertheless, as a life of justice, demands not just
equal treatment of human beings but also preferential treatment to those who have less or
are disadvantaged. The first seven articles of the UDHR encapsulate the spirit of this so-
called “ milestone document in the history of human rights”. They are as follows:

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ARTICLE 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed
with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
ARTICLE 2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration, without
distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be
made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or
territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or
under any other limitation of sovereignty.
ARTICLE 3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
ARTICLE 4
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade be prohibited
in all their forms.
ARTICLE 5
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.
ARTICLE 6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
ARTICLE 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal
protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination and
violation of this declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
The Universal Declaration on Human Rights has a long, bloody history. Crafted in 1948,
after World War II, the UDHR now serves as a common understanding what each person
fundamental rights are. These rights apply to everyone, everywhere. It is imperative that we
all know and live these rights to prevent injustice and oppression.
HUMAN VS. ROBOTS
The rise of the machines accompanying the progress in science and technology may
render human useless. Manual labor is gradually being replaced by machinery. Computers
become more and more sophisticated. Robots, usually designed like human beings, are
created to form complex, repetitive or dangerous tasks. With the development of artificial
intelligence (AI), robots may also eventually act and decide like humans. In the possibility
that machines adapt the nature of humans, there is a need to reflect on the ethical problems
posed by such development.
Though the Philippines has not yet reached the point of producing robots on a commercial
scale for household use, it still behooves as to ponder the ramifications of replacing persons
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with machinery. Much as the BBC News has reported that experts in South Korea are
crafting ethical guidelines to prevent humans from exploiting robots and vice versa
(Evans,2007), and that roboticists in Europe are lobbying for government legislation, such
reality is generally unheard of in the Philippines. To Filipinos, artificial intelligence seems
like the stuff of science fiction movies. Be that as it may, its use in the country is truly
gaining ground, especially in the business process outsourcing (BPO), industry. Technology
enables the growth of the BPO industry but it seems that is also technology that will kill the
industry as we know it. Investors and business people find as a sure return of investment the
use of business analytics provided by artificial intelligence. Business analytics is a means by
which consumer and industry data are used to come up with better decision-making. With
the help of AI, decisions now arise from sophisticated statistical analyses made from
massive data. As of August 2017, it is estimated that a million Filipino BPO workers may be
affected and lose their jobs with the adoption of artificial intelligence (Santos, 2017).
Unemployment is only one of the many ethical considerations in the widespread use of AI.
What does this mean for human beings who can be replaced by machines? Is the value of
the person inversely proportional to that of a machine exhibiting artificial intelligence? How
do we guard against mistakes committed by machines? These points are but a sample of the
questions that should be resolved when faced with technology that may become a threat to
human dignity and security. In the future, when machines and robots become more human-
like, with all the attendant feelings and thoughts, people may also have to consider the
ethical treatment for AI.
It is also interesting to note that as machines and robots approach having a human-like
nature, humans may also have the tendency to become machine-like. Since many of the
things people need, from conveniences to information, are available with just the touch and
swipe of the fingertips, humans begin to function more like automatons. The internet has
become an instant go-to tool for answers to questions. More often than not, people accept
what the search engine, like Google, spews out in byte sizes and forget how to process, read,
think, further, or put things in context. As the internet gets more intelligent, we are in danger
of becoming less so. In the article, “Is Google making us stupid?” Nicolas Carr (2008)
asserted that “as we come to rely on computers to mediate our understanding of the world, it
is our own intelligence that flattens into artificial intelligence”.
The development of society along with science and technology gives rise to more and more
complex issues. What is vital is that, at the very least, we are able to protect and exercise
human rights for everyone in our pursuit of the good life. It is important that amid these
developments, human beings become more free, more rational, and more loving in our
practice of science and technology.
As we examine contemporary issues in science and technology- information, genetically
modified organisms, nanotechnology, and climate change-new keep in mind that the
building of a just and progressive society entails the constant practice of the good. It may be
exhibited in exceptional scientific methodologies, personal virtue, social responsibility, and
global concern.

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WHY THE FUTURE DOES NOT NEED US
Chief scientist and corporate executive officer of Sun Microsystems, Bill Joy, wrote
in 2000 a controversial essay, “Why the future does not need us”. In his work, he contended
that our most powerful 21st –century technologies- genetics, nanotech, and robotics (GNR)-
are threatening to make humans an endangered species. This possible extinction of the
species may largely come about due to the unreflective and unquestioning acceptance of
new technologies by humans. Joy also asserted that:
Accustomed to living with almost routine scientific breakthroughs, we have yet to
come to terms with the fact that the most compelling21st-century technologies- robotics,
genetic engineering and nanotechnology- posed a different threat than the technologies that
have come before. Specifically, robots, engineered organisms, and nanobots share a
dangerous amplifying factor: They can self-replicate. A bomb is blown up only once-but one
bot can become many, and quickly get out of control.
Each of these technologies also offers untold promise: the vision of near immortality
drives us forward; genetic engineering may soon provide treatments, if not outright cures,
for most diseases; and nanotechnology and nanomedicine can address yet more ills.
Together they could significantly extend our average life span and improve the quality of
our lives. Yet, with each of these technologies, a sequence of small, individually sensible
advances leads to an accumulation for great power and, concomitantly, great danger (Joy,
2000).
Humans should have learned the lesson in the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 that killed over a hundred thousand people. Brilliant
physicists, led by J.Robert Oppenheimer, brought into existence a deadly nuclear weapon. A
definite testament to the success of science and technology, the atomic bomb was also a fatal
reminder of its destructive power. Now with GNR, we are called to be circumspect and
questioning of technology. Again, as Heidegger (1977) propounded, it is in questioning that
we build a way. GNR today is accessible to small groups and individuals and does not
require funding and facilities as huge as those needed by the nuclear weapons of mass
destruction. This makes GNR more prone to accidents and abuses. It is scary to imagine that
such accidents and abuses may self-replicate and spin out of control, especially when placed
in the hands of extremist group and individuals.
Science and technology may be the highest expression of human rationality. People
are able to shape or destroy the world with it. Theoretical physicist and mathematician
Freeman Dyson, in the documentary The Day After Trinity (1981), shared his thoughts and
sentiments as a scientist taking part in the development of nuclear power:
I have felt it myself. The glitter of nuclear weapons. It is irresistible if you come to
them as a scientist. To feel it’s there in your hands, to release this energy that fuels the stars,
to let it do your bidding. To perform these miracles, to lift a million tons of rock into the sky.
It is something that gives people an illusion of illimitable power, and it is, in some ways,
responsible for all our troubles- this, that you might call technical arrogance, that
overcomes people when they see what they can do with their minds.

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 Human nature may be corrupted when the powers of our mind, our rationality, and
our science and technology become manifest. If we are not able to rein in the vanity and
arrogance that such powers unleash, then we are on the way to destroying the world.
“The wasteland grows; woe unto him who harbors the wasteland within”
- Friedrich Nietzsche

EXERCISES
Name of Student:_________________________ Subject Teacher:______________
Course & Section:________________________ Date Submitted:_______________

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How does science and technology affect contemporary life and vice versa?
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2. How do we protect our human rights in the face of technological advancements and
ethical dilemmas?
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3. Do you believe that Google makes people stupid? Cite at least three examples to support
your assertion.
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4. Read the entirety of Joy’s article. Why doesn’t the future need us?
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ACTIVITY
Search for national policies or laws that address the ethical and moral concerns in the
technological era.

CHAPTER 8
INFORMATION SOCIETY

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. Determine the human and social impacts of the developments in the information
age;
2. Discuss the evolution of technology from the ancient times up to the present; and
3. Illustrate how social media have affected their lives.

Readings
Humans are surrounded on all sides by technology claiming to supply information:
television, smart phones and internet devices, among others. However, do they all provide
information or just noise? More voices are trying to get our attention but how can we be sure
that they share knowledge and the truth?
To answer this basic question, a short historical backgrounder might prove useful.
Before the printed word, the written word was prevalent. Yet, the intent to carry information
has always been present.
INFORMATION
A word is a combination of sounds that represent something. It is this significance
which makes words distinct from just any kind of vocal utterance. Words are made up of
sounds and yet they transmit something more significant. They transmit a message. The
words are “informed” because they carry “information” (Chaisson, 2006; Ben-Naim,2015).
Words are informed with meaning given by the speaker and intended for the listener. Simply
put, they communicate meaning.

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THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE
In the human quest for understanding the natural world, the ability to name and
classify objects found in nature was seen as a first step in knowing. Thus, the scientific
search for truth early on recognized the usefulness of language and the ability it gave to
make sense of nature. For the ancient Greeks, language is an object worthy of admiration.
Words have power.
This kind of knowing sprang from the Greek fascination and wonder at the power of
words and language. How is it possible that one’s idea can simultaneously exist in his/her
mind and in another’s? How is it possible that human beings can communicate through
words and thus form a community? Does the power of the communicated word come from
the speaker, who is the thinker and the source, or from the listener, who is the recipient of
the communication? However you answer these points, it is clear that thinking in terms of a
common system being generated by the speaker and received by the listener is useful in the
pursuit of knowledge. Science, from the Latin word scire (meaning to know), is one kind of
knowledge the Greeks wanted to understand.
The idea of comprehending words as more than just combinations of sounds led the
Greeks to seek out the principles of everyday language. When talking to other people, for
example, a meaningful message is created using ordinary sounds. Its meaning is also not
diminished by multiplication- the speaker can use the same words over and over again to
talk to ten, a hundred, or even a thousand people separately or at the same time.
Nevertheless, the same message will be received by everyone. Words, therefore, can
function across space and time without reducing their meaning.
The first philosophers, as they trashed about groping for and seeking a unifying
principle in nature, sometimes hit upon things such as fire or water. But they believed that
something was common in all of these. The many seemingly different things in the natural
world must have a unifying factor. There was an inside to be “understood”. They sought for
this metaphusis, literally meaning “after nature”(De Chardin, 1965).
Plato’s principle of “One and the Many” refers to the underlying unity among diverse
beings in the natural world. For Plato, there is a common intrinsic nature shared by different
objects, which determines their real sense. Biologists devised a way to illustrate this
principle using a system differentiating between genus and species. Many species belong in
one genus.
In the 21st century, we are aware more than ever that there is rich diversity in nature,
which technology has allowed us to discover (BANWA Science, 2008).
MATHEMATICS AS THE LANGUAGE OF NATURE
Technology in the modern world is the fruit of science. Because the scientific method
helped people discover how nature behaves, they were able to control nature with
technology. A more accurate statement is: Since people have discovered the laws and
language of nature, they can develop technology that uses these laws and language for their
benefit. This language is, of course, mathematics, the great contribution of Isaac Newton.
Nature can be understood because it speaks in the language of mathematics and the human

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brain, to a certain extent, can comprehend this language (Wigner, 1960). Unfortunately, this
fact is not always appreciated.
TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD
The ability to think and conceptually comprehend nature and the principles it follows
eventually leads to science. Even in ancient times, Western thinkers harnessed the forces of
nature after understanding them better. Lost in antiquity is the first sailing vessel that
worked through the power of the wind. Similarly, it was never recorded when the early
people realized that fire has its own power and energy. Not all early inventions are lost in
time, however. Hero of Alexandria, for instance, would invent a primitive steam engine in
the first century (Davies, 1990)
THE PRINTING PRESS AND BEYOND
The power of the eidos, or idea, would be witnessed in the succeeding centuries of
development in the West. The ancient fascination with language gave rise to the
preservation of the words of earlier people at the same time when the West weakened itself
due to internecine warfare and conflicts. Throughout this dark period, the importance of the
word- the power to be informed as a human being- let to the transmission of ideas through
hand-copying. From this manual action would arise technology that would transform
cultures-the printing press. The development of the printing press, which may be regarded as
the beginning of a true revolution, could be dated to the 15th century. Through this
technology, the ancient Greek idea that knowledge should be shared and communicated
among humans would actually be done on a scale unimagined by its thinkers. Using the
printing press, people on different sides of the world could share their thoughts and ideas
with each other, forming communities of thinkers across space and time (Connell,1958).
The world has never looked back. The technological invention allowed words and
scientific ideas to establish a view of nature anchored in scholarly works and studies. For
instance, new discoveries about the phenomenon of electricity were eagerly absorbed by
fellow scientists who then utilized the science to create other technological products. The
radio was built upon the wave nature of electricity and magnetism, and from there,
television followed.
In the age of information, the transmission of ideas has undergone changes. Meaning
and depth are no longer conveyed strictly by rhetoric but rather by its electronic replacement,
the digital signal or digit. Such a digital world is a direct offspring of the progressing world
of technology built upon the many advances in science (Toffler, 1984).
THE WORLD WIDE WEB
A more modern example of technology feeding upon itself is the 20th century tour de
force: the World Wide Web through the internet. Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented it as a way
of addressing data processing and information sharing needs among scientists for the
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). CERN’s atom smasher produces a
huge amount of scientific data every second. It thus required better data analyzers to work
on the gathered information in coordination with each other. While the telegraph and
telephone had allowed the transmission of information to transcend physical boundaries,

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processing a veritable ocean and mountain of scientific data generated by the atom smasher
needed a new medium.
`With the ease of sharing information at present, its reliability becomes compromised.
Anyone with a connection to other people can produce contents which are showing half-
truths or even lies, giving rise to disinformation. Social media also encourages building a
community of like-minded people. The creation of these groups often reinforces biases and
beliefs based only on the content that they allow within the community, forgoing the
variation and clash of ideas provided in real life. Worse, these communities can be tapped
by people in power who may take advantage of these mechanisms- controlling public
opinion and harassing those who present opposing views- for their own advantage.
Meanwhile, the easy access to personal information makes one susceptible to online
predation, identity theft, and scamming, among others. Thus, it pays to be vigilant in
utilizing these modern devices at all times.
The technology applied when a sailor rigs up a piece of cloth to catch the wind is the
same one that produces modern machines and devices, albeit less complex. Nevertheless,
human beings have always found a way to address their needs and discover new frontiers
with scientific thinking. Considering the many benefits we get from these technologies, we
must also be responsible in utilizing them to avoid harming others and ourselves.

EXERCISES
Name of Student:_________________________ Subject Teacher:______________
Course & Section:________________________ Date Submitted:_______________

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Which developments in the information age brought significant changes in the way you
live your life today? Site examples.
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2. How did the transmission of information evolve from the ancient times up to the present?
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__________________________________________________________________________
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3. How did the printing press change the course of history?
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4. Social media also poses certain risks especially in the dissemination of false information.
As a student, how will you use social media to ensure that you do not propagate inaccurate
and unreliable information?
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CHAPTER 9
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Biodiversity and Ecosystem

It is defined as the vast variety of life forms in the entire earth. It encompasses all
kinds of life forms, from the single-celled organisms to the largest multi- celled organisms.
Its definition is in the structural and functional perspective and not as individual.

Biodiversity is the source of the essential goods and ecological services that constitute
the source of life for all and it has direct consumptive value in food, agriculture, medicine,
and in industry. (Villaggio Globale, 2009). Understanding biodiversity within the concept of
ecosystem needs a through study on the relationship of the biotic, the living organisms and
the abiotic, the nonliving organisms.

Interdisciplinary approach is needed to study the ecosystem. Biodiversity plays a major

role in this natural dynamic.
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 Therefore, we, as human inhabitants of the ecosystem, must preserve and conserve the
biodiversity of all creatures. In simple terms, it is true that people will always depend on
biodiversity on the wholeness of our being and in our everyday lives. Somehow, there are
ways and processes in the ecosystem that are not apparent nor appreciated by us, human
beings. Think about the need to drink clean and fresh water, the need to eat healthy
vegetables and food, or the need of man to transport which makes him rely on fuel. All of
these are human needs that are answered and provided by our almighty God.
Thus, if we fail to keep the process of taking care of the ecosystem, it is us who are
actually putting our lives at risk. Significant decline in biodiversity has direct human impact
when ecosystem in its insufficiency can no longer provide the physical as well as social
need of human beings.
Indirectly, changes in the ecosystem affect livelihood, income, and on occasion, may
even cause political conflict. (WHO, n.d.).
Changes in Biodiversity
Alteration in any system could bring varied effects. A change in biodiversity could
have erratic effects not only in wildlife or marine life but also in human beings. We can
clearly infer that when our ecosystem is not well taken care of, biodiversity encounters
changes that may impact human health on such different levels,
Threats toBiodiversity
Major threats identified by United Nation’s Environment Programme
 Habitat loss and destruction
 Alteration in ecosystem composition.
 Over-exploitation
 Pollution and contamination
 Global climate change

Consequences of Biodiversity Loss

Even with the improvement of technology and science at present, we still have a lot
to learn about biodiversity, more so about the consequences of biodiversity loss. However,
the basic concept about biodiversity loss was from Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel
Wallace.
The particular species making up an ecosystem determine its productivity, affect
nutrient cycles and soil contents, and influence environmental conditions such as water,
cycles, weather patterns, climate and other non-biotic aspects.
The loss of biodiversity has many consequences that we understand and many that we
do not. As stated by Tilman, “The Earth will retain its most striking feature, its biodiversity,
only if humans have the prescience to do so. This will occur, it seems, only if we realize the
extent to which we use biodiversity (Rainforest Conservation Fund, 2017)”

Nutritional Impact of Biodiversity

According to the World Health Organization, biodiversity is a vital element of a

human being’s nutrition because of its influence to
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food production. Biodiversity is a major factor that contributes to sustainable food
production for human beings. A society or a population must have access to a sufficient
variety of nutritious food as it is a determinant of their health as human beings .Nutrition
and biodiversity are linked at many levels; the ecosystem, with food production as an
ecosystem service. Nutritional composition between foods and among
varieties/cultivars/breeds of the same food can differ dramatically, affecting micronutrient
availability in the diet Intensified and enhanced food production through irrigation, use of
fertilizer, plant protection (pesticides), or the introduction of crop varieties and cropping
patterns affect biodiversity and thus impact global nutritional status and human health.

Health, Biology, and Biodiversity

Almost all living organisms are dependent to their environment to live and reproduce.
Basic needs of living organisms such as air, water,food, and habitat are provided by its
environment. The evolution of human beings was due to the improved access to these basic
needs.Advances in agriculture, sanitation, water treatment, and hygiene have had a far
greater impact on human health than medical. Environmental hazards increase the risk of
cancer, heart disease, asthma, and many other illnesses. These hazards can be physical, such
as pollution, toxic chemicals, and food contaminants, or they can be social, such as
dangerous work, poor housing conditions, urban sprawl, and poverty. Unsafe drinking water
and poor sanitation and hygiene can lead to infectious diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera.

The interrelation between human health and biological diversity considerable and
complex. With the current biodiversity loss at unprecedented rates, the delicate balance
between human health and biological diversity is at risk.

Environment-Related Illnesses
Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its environment include
Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma,
diabetes, obesity, occupational injuries, dysentery, arthritis, malaria, and depression.

According to experts, climate change could also have a serious impact on human
health and could deteriorate farming systems and reduce nutrients in some foods.
Relationships between human health and the environment raise many ethical, social, and
legal dilemmas by forcing people to choose among competing values. Many of the issues at
the intersection of health and the environment have to do with managing benefits and risks.

For example pesticides play an important role in increasing crop yields, but they can
also pose hazards to human health and the environment. Alternatives to pesticide uses could
significantly reduce agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and increased food
prices which would, in turn increase starvation in some parts of the world.

When drafting and implementing environmental health regulations, it is important to

consider vulnerable sub populations. A vulnerable sub population is a group with an
increased susceptibility to the adverse effects of an environmental risk factor, due to their
age, genetics, health status, or some other condition.

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 If an environmental regulation is designed to protect average members of the
population, it may fail to adequately protect vulnerable subpopulations. However, almost
everyone in the population has an above-average susceptibility to at least one environmental
risk factor.

Various public health strategies pit the rights of individuals against the good society,
such as mandatory treatment, vaccination, or diagnostic testing; isolation and quarantine;
and decease surveillance. Human right issues also come up with research on environmental
health that evolves human subjects.

For research to be ethical, human subjects must give consent, and great care must be
taken to ensure that they understand that they can opt out of the research project. Since late
1990’s some pesticide companies have tested their products on human subjects to gather
data to submit to the government for regulatory purposes.

Some commentators charge that these experiments are unethical because they place
people at unacceptably high risk without a clear benefit to society. Others have argued that
the experiments, if properly designed and implemented, could produce important benefits to
society by providing useful knowledge about the effects of pesticides that can lead to strong
regulations.

EXERCISES
Name of Student:_________________________ Subject Teacher:______________
Course & Section:________________________ Date Submitted:_______________

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What role does the environment play in addressing the needs of society?
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2. How can people maintain and protect the rich biodiversity in nature?
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 CHAPTER 10
CLIMATE CHANGE
Six Things You Should Know
1. There is weather and then there is climate…

 Weather is short term changes in atmospheric variables such as temperature and

rainfall.
Can change rapidly
So, weather is what is happening outside right now.

 Climate is long term state of atmospheric variables like rainfall and temperature.
So, climate occurs over seasons or longer.

2. Human activity is changing our climate!

Things that can cause the climate to change are:

A. Natural Variations B. Volcanic Eruption

C. Human Activity

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The atmosphere acts like the glass of a greenhouse.

 Sun’s rays hit the atmosphere and

some are reflected.
 Some pass through and reach the
earth and the earth warms.
 Greenhouse Gases trap heat from
the earth .
 The Greenhouse Effect makes
earth warm enough to live on!

Greenhouse gases are increasing!

CO2 to Atmosphere Methane to Atmosphere Other gases to

atmosphere
Human Activity Human Activity
Human Activity
Combustion: Landfills Ozone from car
Burning of coal and Agriculture (rice) exhausts
fossil fuels Livestock CFC’s from
Deforestation aerosols

The problem is that levels of all greenhouse gases are increasing due to an increase in
certain human activities in last century.
Emphasize that burning of coal and fossil fuels is an important contributing activity to
climate change.
More heat is therefore being trapped due to the increased concentrations of
greenhouse gases, and the earth is warming.
3. We have already seen changes in our climate.
The earth has warmed.
The earth’s average temperature has increased by
0.74°C over the past century.
The earth’s average temperature has increased by
0.74°C over the past century.

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Almost everywhere over the globe has seen temperature increases – land, ocean and
atmosphere.
Some of the warmest years have been in the last 2 decades.
Diurnal temperature range (i.e. difference between daily maximum and minimum
temperatures) is also decreasing
This is what we call Global Warming.
Rainfall patterns have changed
The world has seen changes in amount, intensity,
frequency and type of precipitation.
Rainfall strongly characterized by variability –
year to year variations.
The warming temperatures cause other changes
including changes in rainfall.
Trends vary widely by region and over time.
Areas shaded red in the diagram have shown
decreases in rainfall and areas shaded red have
shown increases in rainfall.
Global Sea Levels have risen
During 20th century average increase was 4.8 to 8.8 inches per century (1.2-2.2 mm/year)
Due to: the expansion of ocean water
melting of mountain glaciers and small ice
caps
Warmer temperatures are also contributing to sea
level rise.
There is new evidence to show that the rate of sea
level rise may be at a greater rate than originally
anticipated or measured.

More extreme weather

Tropical storm and hurricane frequencies vary considerably from year to year.
However, evidence suggests substantial increases in intensity and duration since the 1970s.
Hurricanes are not the only extreme measure of climate we have seen changes in.
Since 1950, the number of heat waves has increased and widespread increases have occurred
in the numbers of warm nights. The extent of regions affected by droughts has increased.
Generally, numbers of heavy daily precipitation events that lead to flooding have increased,
but not everywhere.
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In the extra tropics, variations in tracks and intensity of storms reflect variations in major
features of the atmospheric circulation.

Jamaica has seen changes too!

Jamaican temperatures for 1992-2008 have increased at a rate of ~ 0.1 degree/decade.
Rainfall has become more variable in recent years – more droughts and floods.
Jamaica is showing some of the same trends as the globe.
Temperatures are increasing as measured at the two airports.
Rainfall has become much more variable – interchanging of drought and flood conditions.
Sea levels are believed to be rising at the global rate.

4. Changes will continue into the future

Caribbean temperatures will continue to
increase to 2099
Computer models suggest the Caribbean
will warm by 1 to 5oC by the end of the
century.
We use climate models and scenarios or story
lines of future global development to simulate
future climates.
Projected warming is true irrespective of which
model used or which storyline chosen.
Warming in the Caribbean is consistent with
projections for other parts of globe.
Warming far exceeds historical variability

The Caribbean and Jamaica will be

drier by 2099.
Drying will be between 25% and 30% in
the mean for the Caribbean.
Drying will be most severe between May
and November.
The models also show that Jamaica will be
in the mean drier by the end of the century.
This does nor mean there will be no rain.
May-November is the traditional rainy
season. Drying exceeds historical
variability.

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Sea level rise
Caribbean sea level rise may be higher
than in other regions because of its
closeness to the equator.
Hurricanes
Storms will likely be more intense, with
higher rainfall rates and increased
maximum winds.
Projections are for anywhere up to 2m in
sea level rise.
One study suggests “The question is not
if the Caribbean will face SLR of 1m or
2m under either a 2.0°C or 2.5°C global
warming scenario, but rather when”
Sea level rise will cause beach loss, coastal erosion, and loss of coasal ecosystems and
infrastructure.
No consensus yet on number of future storms.
Sea level rise + more intense storms likely lead to greater storm surge.

5. Climate change is affecting our lives

Climate change will impact all sectors and so impact everybody.

Reported cases of dengue are related to both temperature and rainfall, with warming of early
months of the year bringing earlier onset of reported dengue cases and epidemics e.g.
Jamaica 1998
One study suggests that a 2 degree rise in temperature will lead to a fourfold increase in
dengue cases.
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Other health impacts will result directly (e.g. heat stroke from warmer temperatures) or
indirectly (e.g. malnutrition from food scarcity due to lower agricultural yields) from climate
change.
Farmers in St. Elizabeth have noticed a shortening of the early growing season and
increasing prevalence of droughts during those months
Decreased rainfall will affect agricultural yields.

5. We must change how we live

There is need to adopt mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at
their source or enhance their removal from the atmosphere. These should include using
renewable energy and planting more trees.

The Caribbean and Jamaica are not major emitters of greenhouse gases. However this does
not negate the need to mitigate. Renewable energy has several advantages including
producing cheaper energy.

ADAPTATION
We must adjust to the changing climate to reduce the negative effects of climate
change or exploit the positive ones. Adaptation measures may include technological,
behavioral, managerial or policy.
We have committed ourselves as a world to climate change based on the amount of
greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. We therefore have to adapt to changes already
happening or projected to happen. Adaptation must include no-regrets options.

Examples of adaptation options within sectors.

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GLENGOFFE - a good example.
Community risks:
A. Landslides and flooding from heavy precipitation
B. Extreme droughts on crop production
Community response:
A. Contour farming
B. Re-forestation
C. Fruit trees production
D. Dry farming techniques
E. Drip irrigation

EXERCISES
Name of Student:_________________________ Subject Teacher:______________
Course & Section:________________________ Date Submitted:_______________

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How does climate change affect biodiversity?

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2. If climate change denial persists, what could possibly happen to the earth and humanity
after 20, 50, and 100 years considering the current trends?
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3. Why does the average temperature of the atmosphere rise? What might have caused the
unprecedented increase in its level?
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References:
Campbell, J. D., M. A. Taylor, T. S. Stephenson, R. A. Watson, F. S. Whyte (2012). Future
climate of the Caribbean from a regional climate model. Int. J. Climatol.
DOI:10.1002/joc.2200.
IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). 2007. Climate Change 2007: The
physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change .Cambridge University Press, Port Chester,
New York
Taylor, M.A., A. Centella, J. Charlery, I. Borrajero, A. Bezanilla, J.D. Campbell, R. Rivero,
T.S. Stephenson, F.S. Whyte, and R. Watson. (2007). Glimpses of the future : A briefing from
the PRECIS Caribbean climate change project. Belmopan, Belize: Caribbean Community
Climate Change Centre.
Peterson TC, Taylor MA, Demeritte R, Duncombe DL, Burton S, Thompson F, Porter A,
Mercedes M, Villegas E, Fils RS, Klein Tank A, Martis A, Warner R, Joyette A, Mills W,
Alexander L, Gleason B. 2002. Recent changes in climate extremes in the Caribbean region.
Journal of Geophysical Research 107(D21): 4601, DOI: 10.1029/2002JD002251.

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