PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Sciences

GE-STS
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY
AND SOCIETY

Environmental
Awareness

Module 8
 Table of Contents

Content Page

Title Page …………………………………………….……1

Table of Contents …….…………………………………..2
Learning Outcomes …………………….……………..…3
Overview ……………………………………………..…...4
Initial Activity …….……………………………….…….…5
Introduction…………………….…………….…..……..…6
Most Toxic Places in the World …………………..….…7
Alternative Energy Sour……………………….……..…..8
Current Environmental Issues/Problems ….………..…9
Evaluation ………………………………….………….…10
Rubrics ………………………………….……………..…11
References ………………………………….……………12

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 Learning Objectives

After going through in this module, you should be able to:

✔ LO1 Understand the concept of environmental awareness.

✔ LO2 Apply STS concepts in order to disseminate environmental awareness.

✔ LO3 Generalize concepts in Environmental Awareness.

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 Overview
Last time, we tackled about climate
change. It was also emphasized that it is
now alarming, to tell you honestly;
however, many people are not paying
attention to it. When will be the time that we
should be aware of this phenomenon? When
it's too late? When will we care in our mother
nature?
Today, we will move on to the next
topic, environmental awareness. This topic
is still related to the previous topic, Climate
Change. Philippines lost its primary covers
almost entirely in almost all regions and
provinces except the province of Palawan
according to Rhett Butler. Palawan is the
country’s last frontier. That’s why, the level
of environmental awareness in Palawan is at
the highest level. This is where the
critically-endangered species of fauna and
flora are found. The Palaweños’ concern to
protect the remaining lust environment of the
Philippines has been beyond compare
(Doria et al., 2018).
Notice It!
People have destroyed 80% of the
Earth’s forest and 40% of the
Earth’s tropical rainforests.
Every day, 50 to 100 species of
plants and animals become extinct
as their habitat is impacted by
human activities.
Over 100 pesticide ingredients are
suspected of causing birth
defects, cancer and gene
mutation.
More than 27% of the world’s
coral reefs have been destroyed
by pollution and climate change.
Small changes can reduce the
energy demands of a home, such
as LED lights, using average
thermostats and changing to
energy efficient appliances.
Composting makes a significant
difference to lessening the burden
4
on landfills which emit significant
quantities of methane.
Source: www.kidsconnect.com
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 Initial Activity

CONCEPTUALIZING YOUR IDEAS

To check you prior knowledge about the topic, kindly answer this initial activity.
Think of the most current environmental issue you have experienced in your locality.
Discuss the environmental issue that you have chosen by citing how STS contributed
as its causes and its effects on the society and environment.

Cause Cause
(Science) Cause
(Technology)
(Society)
Ex. It was Ex. The use of
researches that led Ex. Misuse,
machines in the
to the discovery of overuse and
factories make it
different kinds of improper waste
possible for the
plastics as disposal of
mass production of
packaging and households
plastics
containers

Environmental Issue

Ex. Plastic Pollution

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Effects
(Environment)
Effects
Ex. Marine (Society)
creatures suffers;
plastics are seen Ex. People in urban
everywhere; areas suffer from
landfills were easily flooding, due to
filled with plastics in blockage of plastics
shorter period of in the water canals
time

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 Discussion

8.1 INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, particularly typhoons, floods,

landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis, lying as it does astride the
typhoon belt, in the active volcanic region known as “Pacific ring of fire”, and in the
geologically unstable region between the Pacific and Eurasian tectonic plates
(Library of Congress, 2006).

Base on the R.A. 9512 of 2008 or an act promoting environmental awareness

through environmental education and for other purposes, environmental education
should be integrated by the schools and different agencies of the government in its
school curricula at all levels, whether public or private, including in barangay daycare,
preschool, non-formal, technical vocational, professional level, indigenous learning
and out-of-school youth courses or programs. This shall include environmental
concepts and principles, understanding environmental laws, the state of international
and local environment, local environmental best practices, the overcome concept to
threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human well-being, the
responsibility of the citizenry to the environment in the context of sustainable
development (Philippine Official Gazette, 2008).

8.2 MOST TOXIC PLACES IN THE WORLD

Human lives have been made easier and more exciting through Science and
Technology but the evidence of waste points to him as the culprit. It made all kinds of
pollutants, which continues to paint an ugly picture of what it has done and perhaps,
will continue to do so because of his undisciplined manner of treating his
environment. Because of the acceptance and patronage of the products of S & T, it 6

was and still able to make a list of places which are detrimental to humanity (Doria et
al., 2018).

Arbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana, was the top on the list of most toxic places on
Earth. It is a giant “waste bin” that is the second-largest e-waste processing area in
West Africa. Ghana imports pre-owned electronics, which are then stripped down of
still usable parts, cleaned them and shipped back to the country of origin. They either
burned sheathed cables to recover copper, lead, etc. the burnt plastics produced
toxic smoke (Toronto Star Newspapers, 2013).

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 Discussion

www.bloomberg.com
Figure 8.2 Giant waste bin in Arbogbloshie, Ghana

According to Toronto Star Newspapers (2013), below is the list of top ten most
toxic places on Earth:

1. Arbogbloshie, Ghana
2. Chernobyl, Ukraine
3. Citarum River, Indonesia
4. Dzershinsk, Russia
5. Hazaribagh, Bangladesh
6. Kabwe, Zambia 7
7. Kalimantan, Indonesia
8. Matanza Riachuelo, Argentina
9. Niger River Delta, Nigeria
10. Norilsk, Russia

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 Discussion
8.3 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

All those things that do not consume fossil fuel are alternative energy and
these are widely available and environment friendly. It causes little or if not almost no
pollution. To reduce our dependence on traditional fossil fuels, there are several
alternative energy projects running in various countries. There are many impressive
choices that man can take into consideration such as solar tankless water heater.
The following are the renewable energy resources according to Shin (2018):

www.youmatter.world
Figure 8.3 Solar Energy

The first energy source in the world is solar. It was in use much earlier before
humans ever learn how to light a fire. Many organisms are dependent on solar
energy from plants, aquatic life and the animals. The solar is mostly used in
generating light and heat. This was widely used across the globe as an alternative
energy source.
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www.wsp.com

Figure 8.4 Wind Mills in Ilocos Norte Page #

 Discussion

The second energy source that has been used very long time and for
centuries is the wind energy. It is free of charge and widely available. A single
windmill can power the crop irrigation, and family energy needs, water pumping and
electric lights. The province of Ilocos is widely known for this. And now, a part of
Rizal province has also few windmills.

www.parcolnews.com
Figure 8.5 Geothermal Energy in Bicol

Geothermal energy means energy drawn or harnessed from beneath the

earth. “Geo” means Earth and “thermal” means energy. It is completely clean and
renewable. It has been used since last several years. The Philippines is a
volcano-rich country where geothermal heat comes from. Heat is continuously
produced from there. The province of Albay in general and Tiwi tap geothermal
energy to augment the electricity consumption of the area.
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www.nationalgeographic.org

Figure 8.6 Dam with Hydroelectric Energy

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 Discussion

Hydroelectric power plants capture the kinetic energy of moving water and
give mechanical energy to turbines. The moving turbines then convert mechanical
energy into electrical energy through generators. Dams have been built for this
purpose. It is the largest producer of alternative energy in the world. However, it
could only be beneficial if there is enough water to run the turbines.

www.bioenergyconsult.com
Figure 8.7 Sources of Biomass Energy

The process of conversion of biological materials and wastes into energy

sources for heating, power generation and transportation is biomass energy. These
carbon-based substances or materials converted over a long period of time to fossil
fuels are not regarded as biomass. However, in their original state they are regarded
as biomass. This is because of the separation of the carbon they previously
contained from the carbon cycle 10
www.renews.biz

Figure 8.8 Ocean Energy

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 Discussion
The waves produced by the ocean and tides that hit the sea shore has
enormous potential in them. If they harnessed with full capacity they can go a long
way in reducing world’s energy problems. Ocean energy can be tidal energy, wave
energy and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) via which ocean energy can
be harnessed.

Hydrogen has tremendous potential because it is the most abundant and

lighest element available on Earth and can be used to power up homes, vehicles and
even space rockets. But it is rarely alone, it is usually available with other elements
and have to be separated before it can be used. It takes a lot of energy to separate
hydrogen from other elements and therefore it proves to quite expensive to extract it.

There are alternative energy resources which man can harness to satisfy his
power needs. However, we should seek other energy resources if ever we found
even just one alternative energy resources.

8.4 CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES/PROBLEMS

A. Plastic bags. Plastic bags are being banned worldwide and reusable bags are
encouraged to use because of the following reasons according to Green Tumble
(2019):
a) Plastic bags are made up of petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. They are
not biodegradable, instead they breakdown into microplastics that leach
toxicants that pollute the earth and enter our food supply.
b)These are very light weight, the wind carries them across the landscape,
clogging waterways, cluttering our oceans, damaging agricultural lands and
provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
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www.brittanica.com

Figure 8.9 Too much plastic bags in the bodies of water

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 Discussion

c) Animals mistake plastic bags for food, which leads to massive poisoning, choking,
entanglement and blocked intestines that causes to death.

www.eloisawild.com
Figure 8.10 Ducks eating plastics in the lake

B. Decline of Natural Resources and Biodiversity.

Philippines is suffering from degradation of the natural environment. It has fifty

major rivers now polluted due to abuse and neglect. Approximately two-thirds of the
country’s original mangroves have been lost (Ocampo, 2008).

a. Approximately two-thirds of the country’s original mangroves have been lost

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www.smithsonianmag.com

Figure 8.11 Mangrove forest lost

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 Discussion

b. Before, Philippines had close to 22 million ha of old growth forest. At the start of
2000, it had less than 600,000 ha of old-growth forest left.

www.livescience.com
Figure 8.12 Result of forest trees cutting

c. More than 400 plant and animal species found in the Philippines are currently
threatened with extinction

www.edgeofexistence.org; www.pangolinsg.org;

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www.flicker.com

Figure 8.13 Philippine Animals species extinction

(Philippine eagle, Palawan pangolin, Philippine tamaraw)

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 Discussion

C. Marine Environment

Marine and coastal resources –including coral reefs, mangrove forests and
seagrasses- are also being degraded and depleted by the impact of climate change,
overexploitation and pollution. Meanwhile, demands on marine resources are
increasing as populations and incomes rise (Water Environment Partnership in Asia,
2003).

www.babarageo.com
Figure 8.14 Pollution that affects the marine environment

D. Air Pollution

Some 54% of the Philippine population uses solid fuel (charcoal, firewood) for
cooking, affecting over 47 million people with indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution
is one of the main drivers behind acute respiratory infections in children and women 14
(Asian Development Bank, 2018).
www.theconversation.com

Figure 8.15 Household emissions that contributes to air pollution

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 Discussion

E. Water Contamination

Urban and rural water contamination and industrial and household pollution,
including fecal and chemical presence in water bodies, can affect human health.
Water pollution in the Philippines is largely caused by inadequately treated domestic
wastewater and sewage, agricultural wastewater and industrial wastewater.

www.nationalgeographic.org
Figure 8.16 Water pollution as a result of human activities

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 Learning Check

Read the following questions carefully and answer each question briefly.

State the provision of the 1987 Philippine Constitution speaks of alternative energy
sources. Elaborate it by explaining how it will help in promoting environmental
awareness.
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Describe the less familiar OTEC as alternative energy sources. Is it possible to have
OTEC here in the Philippines?
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 Evaluation

Propose an alternative energy resource that is possible in your locality. Consider the
raw materials needed, area for the structure and cost of establishing your proposed
alternative energy source. The following are the modes of information dissemination
that you may use:

Option 1. Print- publication of your article in a school newsletter (you may submit the
output to me instead)

Option 2. Conference- presentation of your output in class meeting or conference (we

will schedule another session for your presentation)

Option 3. Radio- broadcast your article in a local radio station (you may create a
podcast instead)

Option 4. Internet- Post in a related website your article (you may submit the output
to me instead)

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 Rubrics

Criteria 10 8-9 5-7 1-4

Focus and One simple, One simple, well-focused Several subjects exist. It is not clear about the
Details well-focused subject subject exists. Key The main concepts are subjects and main
exists. The key principles are simple, but somewhat apparent. concepts.
concepts are comprehensive knowledge
straightforward and is not well supported.
well supported by
thorough and precise
details.
Organization The whole essay is Most of the components A few sections are not There is no organization
structured. The key are structured. The standardized. The of the whole essay. No
topic is given and an introduction sets out the main subject is simple introduction,
outline of the paper is main subject and offers a mentioned in the structure, or conclusion is
provided. Knowledge is summary of the article. A introduction. There is present.
important and presented conclusion is included. a conclusion included.
in a logical order.
Inference is strong.

Sentence All phrases are well The majority of phrases are Most phrases are well Sentences sound
Structure, developed and differ in well built and differ in built, but they have a unnatural, are repeated
Grammar, structure and duration. form and duration. In structure and/or distractingly, or are hard
Mechanics & In grammar, mechanics, grammar, mechanics, and / duration that is to comprehend. In
Spelling and / or spelling, the or spelling, the author identical. In grammar, grammar, mechanics,
author makes no makes a few mistakes, but mechanics, and/or and/or spelling, the
mistakes. they do not interfere with spelling, the author author makes several
learning. makes many errors errors that interfere with
that interfere with comprehension.
comprehension.

Instructor’s
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Comments

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 Reflection

Write your reflection on this Module, Environmental Awareness.

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 References

Asian Development Bank. (2018). Philippines energy sector assessment, strategy, and road
map. Retrieved from
https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/463306/philippines-energy-assessment-stra
tegy-road-map on January 8, 2021.

Aulakh, R. (2013). The Top 10 most toxic places on Earth — and how they got that way.
Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013

Doria, et al. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Jimczyville Publications. #16 Concha
St., Bgry. Tinajeros, Malabon City.

Environmental Progressive News. Retrieved from www.warmheartworldwide.org on January

8, 2021.

Green Tumble. (2019). 10 Reasons Why Should We Ban Plastic Bags. Retrieved from
https://greentumble.com/10-reasons-why-plastic-bags-should-be-banned on January 8, 2021.

Library of Congress. (2006). Philippines June 2008 edition. Retrieved from

www.oc.gov/today/placesinthenews/archive/2008arch/20080624_philippines on January 8,
2021.

Ocampo, E. 2020. Country Report on Climate Change Policies, Green Jobs and Decent
Work in the Philippines. PSI-Asia Pacific Youth Network.

Ortega, J. B. and C. Klauth. 2017. Climate Landcape Analysis for Children in the Philippines.
UNICEF Philippines.

Philippine Official Gazette. (2008). REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9512. An act to promote
environmental awareness through environmental education and for other purposes. 20
Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2008/12/12/republic-act-no-9512/ on
January 8, 2021.

Shinn, L. (2018). Renewable Energy: The Clean Facts. Retrieved from

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/renewable-energy-clean-facts on January 8, 2021.

Water Environment Partnership in Asia. (2003). State of water environmental issues:

Philippines. Retrieved from http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/state/philippines/overview on
January 8, 2021.

Prepared by:

Jean Marie L. Diego, MSc

CS-BPS Faculty Page #