Republic of the Philippines

ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo I website: isufst.edu.ph
Edmer D. Bernardo, PhD I email: edbernardo13@gmail.com

GEC 1102 The Contemporary World

Lecture 5 Environmental Challenges

The contemporary world is facing a number of serious environmental challenges, including:

Climate change: Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a
place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may cause
weather patterns to be less predictable. A region might experience lower or higher than average
temperatures. Climate change may cause more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, floods,
and droughts.

Pollution: Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment. Pollution can
come from a variety of sources, including factories, cars, and agriculture. Pollution can contaminate the air,
water, and soil, and can have a negative impact on human health and the environment.

Biodiversity loss: Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. Biodiversity is important because it helps to
maintain ecosystems and provides us with essential resources such as food, water, and medicine. Biodiversity
is under threat from a number of factors, including habitat loss, climate change, and overfishing.

Natural resource depletion: Natural resources are materials or substances that occur naturally and are used by
humans. Natural resources include water, air, minerals, and fossil fuels. Natural resources are being depleted
at an unsustainable rate, which could lead to shortages in the future.
These are just a few of the environmental challenges that the contemporary world is facing. These challenges
are complex and interconnected, and there is no easy solution. However, it is important to be aware of these
challenges and to take steps to address them.

Here are some things that we can all do to help address environmental challenges:

Reduce our carbon footprint by using less energy and driving less.
Recycle and compost to reduce waste.
Support sustainable businesses and products.
Get involved in environmental advocacy and activism.

By taking these steps, we can help to protect our environment for future generations.

Climate Change and Its Global Consequences

Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate
change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may cause weather
patterns to be less predictable. A region might experience lower or higher than average temperatures. Climate
change may cause more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, floods, and droughts.

Climate change is caused by a number of factors, including the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and
agriculture. These activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and warm the
planet.

The global consequences of climate change are far-reaching and severe. Some of the most significant
consequences include:

Rising sea levels: As the planet warms, glaciers and ice sheets melt, causing sea levels to rise. This is already
having a devastating impact on coastal communities around the world, and is projected to displace millions of
people in the coming decades.
 Republic of the Philippines
ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo I website: isufst.edu.ph
Edmer D. Bernardo, PhD I email: edbernardo13@gmail.com

More extreme weather events: Climate change is making extreme weather events, such as heatwaves,
droughts, floods, and storms, more frequent and severe. These events can cause widespread damage to
infrastructure and crops, and can lead to deaths and injuries.
Changes in agricultural yields: Climate change is also impacting agricultural yields, making it more difficult to
grow food in some parts of the world. This could lead to food shortages and price increases, and could have a
significant impact on global food security.
Impacts on human health: Climate change is also having a negative impact on human health. Heatwaves can
lead to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Air pollution can cause respiratory problems and heart
disease. Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, are also spreading to new areas as the
climate changes.
Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. It is essential that we take action now to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Here are some things that we can all do to help address climate change:

Reduce our carbon footprint by using less energy and driving less.
Switch to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
Eat less meat and more plant-based foods.
Support sustainable businesses and products.
Get involved in climate advocacy and activism.

Environmental sustainability and resource management

Environmental sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs. It is about managing our natural resources in a way that
ensures they are available for future use, while also protecting the environment.

Resource management is the process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the use of resources to
achieve a specific goal. It involves identifying the resources that are needed, determining how those resources
will be used, and monitoring the use of those resources to ensure that they are being used efficiently and
effectively.

Environmental sustainability and resource management are closely linked. In order to achieve environmental
sustainability, we need to manage our resources in a sustainable way. This means using resources efficiently,
reducing waste, and choosing renewable resources whenever possible.

Here are some examples of sustainable resource management practices:

Water conservation: This involves using water efficiently and reducing water waste. Some examples of water
conservation practices include using water-efficient appliances, fixing leaky faucets, and watering lawns less
often.

Energy efficiency: This involves using energy efficiently and reducing energy waste. Some examples of energy
efficiency practices include turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when you're not
using them, and weatherizing your home.
Recycling and composting: This involves recycling materials that can be reused and composting food scraps
and other organic materials. Recycling and composting help to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Sustainable forestry: This involves managing forests in a way that ensures they are available for future use.
Sustainable forestry practices include harvesting trees at a sustainable rate and replanting trees after they
have been harvested.
 Republic of the Philippines
ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo I website: isufst.edu.ph
Edmer D. Bernardo, PhD I email: edbernardo13@gmail.com

Sustainable agriculture: This involves farming in a way that protects the environment and conserves resources.
Sustainable agriculture practices include using less fertilizer and pesticides, planting cover crops, and rotating
crops.

By adopting sustainable resource management practices, we can help to protect the environment and ensure
that future generations have access to the resources they need.

Here are some things that we can all do to help promote environmental sustainability and resource
management:

Reduce our consumption of resources. This means using less water, energy, and other resources in our daily
lives.
Choose sustainable products and services. This means buying products that are made from recycled materials
and that are produced in a sustainable way.
Support businesses that are committed to sustainability. This means doing business with companies that are
working to reduce their environmental impact.
Get involved in environmental activism. This means speaking out about environmental issues and supporting
policies that promote sustainability.

The Philippines' environmental challenges and responses

The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to environmental challenges. This is due to
a combination of factors, including its geographic location, its rapidly growing population, and its reliance on
natural resources.

Some of the key environmental challenges facing the Philippines include:

Climate change: The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level
rise, more extreme weather events, and changes in agricultural yields.

Pollution: The Philippines is facing a number of pollution problems, including air pollution, water pollution, and
waste pollution.

Deforestation: The Philippines is experiencing high rates of deforestation, which is contributing to soil erosion,
flooding, and loss of biodiversity.

Natural resource depletion: The Philippines is depleting its natural resources at an unsustainable rate,
including its water resources, forests, and mineral resources.

The Philippine government is taking a number of steps to address these environmental challenges. For
example, the government has developed a National Climate Change Action Plan and a National Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan. The government is also investing in renewable energy sources and sustainable
agriculture practices.

However, more needs to be done to address the Philippines' environmental challenges. Public awareness of
environmental issues is still relatively low, and there is a need for more investment in environmental
protection.

Here are some things that the Philippine government and the Filipino people can do to address environmental
challenges:

Invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency. This will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air
pollution.
 Republic of the Philippines
ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo I website: isufst.edu.ph
Edmer D. Bernardo, PhD I email: edbernardo13@gmail.com

Promote sustainable agriculture practices. This will help to reduce water pollution and soil erosion.
Protect forests and other natural ecosystems. This will help to conserve biodiversity and reduce the risk of
natural disasters.
Reduce waste and pollution. This can be done through recycling, composting, and other waste management
practices.
Educate the public about environmental issues. This will help to increase awareness of the importance of
environmental protection and encourage people to take action to protect the environment.

Here are some facts and trivia about the most significant natural disasters in the Philippines in the last 10
years:

Typhoon Haiyan (2013): Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda, was the strongest typhoon to make
landfall in the Philippines on record. It caused widespread damage and loss of life, with over 6,000 people
killed and over 4 million people displaced.

Bohol earthquake (2013): The Bohol earthquake was a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the island of
Bohol in the Philippines on October 15, 2013. It caused widespread damage and loss of life, with over 200
people killed and over 10,000 people injured.

Typhoon Odette (2021): Typhoon Odette, also known as Typhoon Rai, was a powerful typhoon that hit the
Philippines in December 2021. It caused widespread damage and loss of life, with over 400 people killed and
over 1 million people displaced.
Here are some trivia about these natural disasters:

Typhoon Haiyan was the strongest typhoon ever recorded in the Philippines, with sustained winds of up to 315
kilometers per hour (195 miles per hour).
The Bohol earthquake was the strongest earthquake to hit the Philippines since the 1990 Luzon earthquake.
Typhoon Odette was the first typhoon to make landfall in the Philippines in December since Typhoon Yolanda
in 2013.

These natural disasters have had a devastating impact on the Philippines, both in terms of human life and
economic losses. However, the Filipino people have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. They
have come together to help each other rebuild and recover.

It is important to note that these are just a few of the many significant natural disasters that have hit the
Philippines in the last 10 years. Other notable disasters include the 2017 Marawi siege, the 2018 Taal Volcano
eruption, and the 2022 Abra earthquake.

The Philippines is a country that is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. It is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire,
which is a region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Philippines is also located in the
typhoon belt, which is a region that is regularly hit by typhoons.

The Philippine government and the Filipino people are working to reduce the risks posed by natural disasters.
However, more needs to be done to build a more resilient Philippines.

The Philippines has a number of laws and policies in place to promote climate action and environmental
protection. Some of the most important laws and policies include:

The Climate Change Act of 2009 (Republic Act 9729): This law establishes the Climate Change Commission
(CCC) and provides the framework for the Philippines' climate change response. The CCC is responsible for
developing and implementing the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP).
 Republic of the Philippines
ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo I website: isufst.edu.ph
Edmer D. Bernardo, PhD I email: edbernardo13@gmail.com

The Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act 8749): This law aims to protect and improve the air quality in the
Philippines. It sets standards for air pollutants and requires polluters to control their emissions.

The Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act 9275): This law aims to protect and improve the water quality in the
Philippines. It sets standards for water pollutants and requires polluters to control their discharges.

The National Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act 9003): This law aims to reduce waste
generation and promote waste recycling and composting. It requires local governments to develop and
implement solid waste management plans.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP): This plan provides a framework for the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the Philippines.

In addition to these laws and policies, the Philippines has also ratified a number of international environmental
agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto
Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty that was
adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The UNFCCC aims to "stabilize greenhouse gas
concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with
the climate system."

The UNFCCC is a framework agreement that sets out the basic principles for international cooperation on
climate change. It does not contain specific emission targets for individual countries, but it does require all
countries to take steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that was adopted in 1997 as an amendment to the UNFCCC. The
Kyoto Protocol sets specific emission targets for industrialized countries for the first commitment period,
2008-2012. The targets are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 5.2% below 1990 levels.

The Kyoto Protocol was a significant step forward in international climate action, but it has been criticized for
its limited scope and its lack of participation by major emitters such as the United States and China.

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted in 2015 at the COP21 climate summit in Paris,
France. The Paris Agreement aims to "limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-
industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius."

The Paris Agreement is a more ambitious agreement than the Kyoto Protocol. It requires all countries to set
and communicate their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for reducing their greenhouse gas
emissions. The NDCs are to be updated every five years, with the goal of increasing ambition over time.

The Paris Agreement also includes a number of other important provisions, such as a global stocktake to assess
progress towards the goals of the agreement, a finance mechanism to support developing countries in
implementing their NDCs, and a transparency framework to ensure that countries are meeting their
commitments.

The UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement are the three main international agreements on
climate change. They provide the framework for international cooperation on climate action and set the goals
for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Paris Agreement is the most recent and ambitious of the three agreements. It is the only agreement that
requires all countries to take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement is also the
only agreement that includes a global stocktake, a finance mechanism, and a transparency framework.
 Republic of the Philippines
ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo I website: isufst.edu.ph
Edmer D. Bernardo, PhD I email: edbernardo13@gmail.com

The UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement are all important agreements in the fight against
climate change. They provide the framework for international cooperation and set the goals for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.

The Philippine government is taking a number of steps to implement these laws and policies. For example, the
government is investing in renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and
protecting forests and other natural ecosystems.

However, more needs to be done to address the Philippines' climate change and environmental challenges.
Public awareness of environmental issues is still relatively low, and there is a need for more investment in
environmental protection.