7

Learning
Material

Evaluating Environmental
Problems

Causes, Effects, Risks and Impacts

Causes, Effects, Risks and Impacts

 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙
Overview

In the past lessons, you were able to be introduced to the different environmental problems that
we are facing today. Now, to further deepen your knowledge and understanding of how these problems
came about and how they will impact our environment as well as the human well-being, we will
evaluate the different environmental problems in terms of their causes, effects, risks and impacts.

For this learning material, we will give emphasis on the steps of how to assess an environmental
problem by analyzing its root cause and the risks associated with the problem in order to provide and
come up with a feasible solution or resolution.

Learning Outcomes

The main objective of this learning material is to evaluate local environmental problems
associated with human interactions, their causes, and associated risks. Specifically, after completing the
study of this material, you should be able to propose an evaluation of a local environmental problem by
designing a plan of the general steps in analyzing problems using root cause analysis.

Initial activity – accessing prior knowledge

Before, we start evaluating environmental problems through their causes, effects, risks and
impacts, let us first have a review of what you have learned in the previous learning material. Based on
past discussions, enumerate five (5) different environmental problems that you could remember and rate
each problem from 1 to 5 according to the severity and extent of destruction the problem may bring, 1
being the highest and 5 as the least, then provide a brief explanation. Use the table provided below.

Environmental Severity
Explanation
problem rating

Climate change is the most severe environmental problem facing

humanity today. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere, which trap heat and warm the planet. Climate
Climate change is already having a devastating impact on the planet,
5
change including more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and
melting glaciers. If we do not take action to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, the
consequences of climate change will be catastrophic.

1
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙

Air pollution is another major environmental problem. It is caused by

the release of pollutants into the air from cars, factories, and other
sources. Air pollution can cause a variety of health problems,
Air pollution 4
including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. It can also
damage the environment, including plants and animals.

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies with harmful

substances. It can be caused by sewage, industrial waste, and
Water pollution
3 agricultural runoff. Water pollution can make water unsafe to drink,
swim in, or use for other purposes. It can also damage aquatic
ecosystems.

Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as

agriculture, logging, or development. Forests play an important role
Deforestation 2 in the environment, including regulating the climate, providing
habitat for wildlife, and filtering water. Deforestation can lead to soil
erosion, flooding, and a loss of biodiversity.

Biodiversity loss is the decline in the variety of life on Earth. It is

caused by a number of factors, including habitat loss, pollution, and
Biodiversity overexploitation. Biodiversity loss is a serious environmental
1
loss problem because it can disrupt ecosystems and make them less
resilient to change. It can also lead to a loss of
important resources, such as food and medicine.

Causes, Effects, Risks and Impacts of Environmental Problems

The list of issues and problems concerning our environment goes on. Environmental issues are
extremely complex and they vary in intensity, forms, features, and other characteristics. Environmental
issues are defined as problems within the different systems of the Earth such as the biosphere,
lithosphere, atmosphere and the hydrosphere. Some of these may have been developed naturally while
others emerged as a result of human interference or misuse of the different resources. If these issues and
problems will not be properly addressed, they may result to long term ecological effects that can
demolish whole environments.

2
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙

In the past activities and lessons, we were able to examine

some specific environmental problems and to assess the different
factors that have contributed to the problems. We were also able to
evaluate the possible effects of the problems on our environment,
specifically on the different systems of the Earth, as well as its Source: Thwink.org
impact to mankind. The failure to properly address the root cause
of such problems has led to most of the environmental problems
being unresolved and even worsening. However, if you look deeper
to figure out what is specifically causing the problem, the
underlying issues will be resolved.

One of the most effective way in addressing environmental problem is through the Root Cause
Analysis (RCA) as well as risks and consequences assessment. Root cause analysis is a process used to
identify the primary source of a problem. Root cause analysis may involve different wide range of
approaches, techniques, and tools that can be used to uncover causes of problems. In this process you
will identify causes and preventive actions. For example, if a chemical spill occurs, you would attempt
to identify the root cause of the spill occurring so that you could address the cause and therefore prevent
a spill from occurring in the future.

Root Cause Analysis is a commonly used technique that aids in answering the question “why
does a certain problem occurred in the first place?”. This method seeks to identify the origin of a
problem using specific set of steps using the appropriate tools in order to find the primary cause of the
problem. It is assumed that the systems and events are interrelated, thus through this analysis, an action
in one area triggers an action in another, and another, and so on. By tracing back these actions, you can
discover where the problem started and how it grew into the environmental issues we are now facing.

RCA helps in problem solving by determining WHAT happened, WHY it

happened and HOW to prevent it from happening again.

Assessing the causes of problems involves the investigating the patterns of negative effects, finding
hidden problems, and formulating specific events that contributed to the problem.

3
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙

The Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process:
Think of uprooting a grass in
your backyard. If you keep on
cutting the leaves for some
time, you will see that your lawn
will be clear, but after a day or
two, new grasses have already
sprouted. In order to eliminate
the grasses, you must pull out the
whole grass together with the
roots, thus getting rid of the
weeds totally.
Root Cause
Analysis (RCA):
An Analogy
Step One: Define the Problem
What do you see happening?
What are the specific symptoms?
Step Two: Collect Data
What proof do you have that the problem exists? How
long has the problem existed?
What is the impact of the problem?

You need to analyze a situation fully before you can move on to

look at factors that contributed to the problem.

Step Three: Identify Possible Causal Factors

What sequence of events leads to the problem? What

conditions allow the problem to occur?
What other problems surround the occurrence of the main problem?

During this step, identify as many causal factors as possible. In order to identify the possible
causal factors, some of the techniques that could be employ are: (1) ask many "Why’s?" until you get
to the root of the problem, (2) Drill down by breaking the problem into small, detailed parts, and (3)
creating a cause and effect diagram or a chart of all the possible causal factors to see where the issue or
problem have begun.

Step Four: Identify the Root Cause(s)

Why does the causal factor exist?

What is the real reason the problem occurred?

Use the same tools you used to identify the causal factors in the third step to look at the roots of
each factor. These tools are designed to encourage you to dig deeper at each level of cause and effect.

Step Five: Recommend and Implement Solutions

What can you do to prevent the problem from happening again? How will
the solution be implemented?
Who will be responsible for it?
What are the risks of implementing the solution?

4
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙
In this step, the cause-and-effect process must be analyzed. This will be useful in planning the whole
solution and to predict possible effects of the process. This way, potential failures can be predicted and
avoided.

The above steps are the general method that could be observed and be conducted in order to
evaluate local environmental problems associated with human interactions, their causes, and associated
risks. For further readings and studies, you may visit these following references for the different
application of RCA and the different techniques and methods than can be used in analyses:

ABC of root cause analysis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgBeC2j99LA)

Root Cause analysis for beginners (Rooney, J. J., & Heuvel, L. N. V. (2004). Root cause
analysis for beginners. Quality progress, 37(7), 45-56.)

Evaluation

Using your understanding on evaluating environmental problems, choose one

issue/problem that is existing in your community or barangay. Then, by applying the steps of
RCA, formulate a comprehensive analysis of that environmental problem.
You may also use other methods that is discussed in the additional resources mentioned
above. Use a separate sheet for this activity.

References

1. Chiras, D. D. (2009). Environmental science. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

2. Harich, J., Bangerter, P., & Durlacher, S. (2012, July). Solving the sustainability problem with
root cause analysis. In Proceedings of the Ecosystem Services Partnership Conference,
Portland, OR, USA (p. 25).
3. Robitaille, D. (2004). Root cause analysis: Basic tools and techniques. Paton
Professional.
4. Rooney, J. J., & Heuvel, L. N. V. (2004). Root cause analysis for beginners. Quality
progress, 37(7), 45-56.
5. Root Cause Analysis. Thwink.org. Accessed on
Thwink.orghttp://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/RootCauseAnalysis.htm

5
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙

Environmental Problem: Water Pollution in Puerto Princesa, Philippines Root

Cause Analysis (RCA)

Step 1: Define the Problem

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies with harmful substances, such as sewage,
industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. Water pollution can cause a variety of health problems,
including diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever. It can also damage the environment, including harming
aquatic ecosystems.

What do you see happening?

 People are getting sick from drinking contaminated water.

 Aquatic life is dying in polluted water bodies.
 The smell of sewage is unbearable in some areas.

What are the specific symptoms?

 People are experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
 Fish and other aquatic animals are dying in large numbers.
 The water in some rivers and streams is brown and murky.

Step 2: Collect Data

 The City Environmental Management Office (CEMO) has reported that the water quality in
several rivers and streams in Puerto Princesa is below the national standards.
 The CEMO has also reported that there are a number of illegal sewage and industrial waste
discharges into the city's water bodies.
 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water pollution is the leading cause of
death among children under the age of five in the Philippines.

How long has the problem existed?

 Water pollution has been a problem in Puerto Princesa for many years.
 The problem has become worse in recent years due to population growth and rapid
urbanization.

6
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙
What is the impact of the problem?

 Water pollution is a major threat to public health and the environment.

 Water pollution can also have a negative impact on the tourism industry, which is a major
source of income for Puerto Princesa.

Step 3: Identify Possible Causal Factors

 Illegal sewage and industrial waste discharges

 Lack of adequate wastewater treatment facilities
 Agricultural runoff
 Deforestation

To identify the possible causal factors, we can ask ourselves the following questions:

 What sequence of events leads to the problem?

Sewage and industrial waste are discharged into water bodies without proper treatment. This contaminates
the water with harmful substances. People drink the contaminated water and get sick. Aquatic life is also
harmed by the pollution.

 What conditions allow the problem to occur?

There are no strict regulations or enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal sewage and industrial
waste discharges. There is also a lack of adequate wastewater treatment facilities.

 What other problems surround the occurrence of the main problem?

Deforestation contributes to water pollution by increasing soil erosion and runoff. Agricultural runoff also
contributes to water pollution by carrying fertilizers and pesticides into water bodies.

Step 4: Identify the Root Cause(s)

The root cause of water pollution in Puerto Princesa is the lack of an effective wastewater management
system. This includes a lack of strict regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and adequate wastewater
treatment facilities.

Step 5: Recommend and Implement Solutions

The following solutions to water pollution in Puerto Princesa are recommended:

7
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙
 Develop and implement stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal
sewage and industrial waste discharges.
 Invest in adequate wastewater treatment facilities.
 Reduce deforestation and agricultural runoff through sustainable land management
practices.

How will the solutions be implemented?

The local government can play a leading role in implementing these solutions. The government can develop
and implement stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms, invest in wastewater treatment facilities,
and promote sustainable land management practices.

Who will be responsible for it?

The local government will be responsible for implementing the solutions. However, the private sector
and the community can also play a role. For example, businesses can install their own wastewater
treatment facilities, and farmers can adopt sustainable land management practices.

What are the risks of implementing the solution?

The main risk of implementing the solutions is the cost. It will be expensive to develop and implement
stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms, invest in wastewater treatment facilities, and
promote sustainable land management practices. However, the long-term benefits of addressing water
pollution outweigh the costs.

Conclusion

Water pollution is a serious environmental problem in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. The root cause of
water pollution is the lack of an effective wastewater management system. This includes a lack of strict
regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and adequate wastewater treatment facilities.

The following solutions to water pollution in Puerto Princesa are recommended:

 Develop and implement stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal
sewage and industrial waste discharges.
 Invest in adequate wastewater treatment facilities.
 Reduce deforestation and agricultural runoff through sustainable land management
practices.

8
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙
The local government, the private sector, and the community can all play a role in implementing these
solutions.

9
 Evaluating Environmental Problems
∙∙
∙
Scoring Rubric for the Student’s Evaluation of Learning Material 7
EVALUATING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

Category 1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25

(UNACCEPTABL (NEEDS (AVERAGE (VERY (EXCELLEN
E) IMPROVEMEN ) GOOD) T)
T)
Definition of Student does not Student fails to Student Student Student states
the Problem identify the define the problem adequately adequatel the problem
problem adequately define the y and clearly and
problem but clearly identifies
missed some defines the underlying
points problem issues

Process of Only 30% of the Only 50% of 85% of the 90% of the All of the Steps
Analysis Steps in RCA were the Steps in Steps in Steps in in RCA were
applied in problem RCA were RCA were RCA were applied in
analysis applied in applied in applied in problem
problem problem problem analysis
analysis analysis analysis
Identification No causal factors Very few causal Only some Most of All of the
of Causal and root cause of factors and root of the causal the causal causal factors
Factors and the problems was cause of the factors and factors and and root cause
Root Cause identified problems were root cause root cause of the
identified of the of the problems
problems problems were
were were identified
identified identified

Presentation Output Very few parts of Only some Majority of The output
/ Organization presentation was the output were of the parts the parts of was presented
not organized at presented in an of the the output in a very
all organized output was was organized
manner presented in presented in manner
an an
organized organized
manner manner

10