MODULAR UNIT 5

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND PROTECTION

OVERVIEW

Environmental Education is a process which is very useful to human beings in order to manage
their environment well and instill the right behavior that serves as key to sustainable development.

This module discusses the current environmental pressures brought about by a rapidly increasing
Filipino population. As you realize the stressful effects of people’s environment, we hope that you will also
realize that environmental degradation has become a major social concern. Likewise, we hope that such
realization will help you to be more aware of our responsibilities in protecting and enhancing the Philippine
environment. And that with such new awareness, is the emergence of another Filipino youth who is
committed to take an active stewardship role in “saving the present for the future.”

INPUT NO.1: BASIC CONCEPTS AND LAWS GOVERNING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION refers to organized efforts to teach about how natural environments
function and particularly, how human beings can manage their behavior and ecosystems in order to live
sustainably. The term is often used to imply education within the school system, from primary to post-
secondary. However, it is sometimes used more broadly to include all efforts to educate the public and other
audiences, including print materials, websites, media campaigns, etc. Related disciplines include outdoor
education and experiential education.

Environmental Education is a learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness
about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the
challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take
responsible action (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978.

IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

All major natural resources in the country are in grave danger of irreparable damage.
A society cannot survive if its natural resources are rendered unfit for use by its people.
The only hope of salvaging this grave situation is by making the young aware that they need to proactively
begin to protect the environment they will inherit.
Science and Technology can help in a limited way but cannot deliver it.
It is a moral and ethical education for changing people’s attitude.
To protect children living in polluted regions, environmental education represents a relevant means of
prevention.
It is a need of the time to propose environmental education delivered with moral concepts.
It is conceived to sustain participation of the citizens especially the youth particularly in combating ill
effects of climate change.

RELATED LAWS IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

Republic Act No. 9512

An act to promote environmental awareness through environmental education and for

other purposes.

This Act is known as the “National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of
2008”,

Specifically, Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy states that:

 Consistent with the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, and in recognition of the
vital role of the youth in nation building and the role of education to foster patriotism and nationalism,
accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development, the state shall promote
national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental
conversation and ecological balance sustained national development.

Republic Act 9003: January 26, 2001

This is an act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the
necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties,
appropriating funds thereof, and for other purposes.

Republic Act No. 9275: March 22, 2004

An act providing for a comprehensive water quality management and for other purposes.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy- The State shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner
consistent with the protection, preservation, and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish, and marine
waters.

Republic Act 8749: June 23, 1999

“Philippines Clean Air Act of 1999” an act providing for a comprehensive air pollution control
policy and for other purposes.

Republic Act No. 9147

An act providing for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their
habitats, appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes.

Republic Act No. 9175

An act regulating the ownership, possession, sale, importation and use of chainsaws,
penalizing violations thereof and for other purposes.

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 33 SERIES OF 2009

Subject: Integration of Environmental Education in the Tertiary Education Curriculum

particularly the Civic Welfare and Training Service Component of the National Service Training
Program.

Definition of Terms

Biodegradable. Any material that can be broken down by naturally occurring organisms such as bacteria
and fungi in air water and soil

Composting. Biological degradation under controlled conditions.

Domestic Waste. Refuse from households, as distinguished from industrial waste, hospital waste, etc, which
maybe classified as a biodegradable or non-biodegradable.

Food Materials. Include certain kind of seeds, pulp, peelings, pickles, sweets or snacks.
Hazardous Waste. Special types of wastes containing the chemical biological and radio active elements
which are harmful to human health.

Incineration. The controlled process by which combustible materials and burned and changed into gases
and residues that contain little or no combustible materials.

Non-biodegradable. Any material that cannot be degraded or decomposed by naturally occurring organisms
such as bacteria and fungi in air, water and soil.

Putrescible. A substance that decomposes at certain temperature in contact with air and moisture; generally
containing nitrogen.

Recycling. The re-use, retrieval, recommission of element/matter for any and all purposes necessary to
healthful and productive living; the process by which waste materials are transformed into new products in
such a manner that the original products may lose their identity.

Solid waste. Include anything thrown away such as garbage, rubbish, trash, litter, junk and refuse of any
source.

INPUT NO.2: THE SEVEN ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES

This section highlights the basic environmental principles, varied types of ecosystems, current
environmental issues, anthropogenic activities that threaten the environment and the role of youth in
protecting our environment.

Nature knows best. This principle is the most basic and in fact encompasses all the others. Humans have to
understand nature and have to abide by the rule’s nature dictates. In essence, one must not go against the
natural processes if one would like to ensure a continuous and steady supply of resources.

All forms of life are important. Each organism plays a fundamental role in nature. Since such occupational
or functional position, otherwise known as niche, cannot be simultaneously occupied by more than one
specie, it is apparent that all living things must be considered as invaluable in the maintenance of
homeostasis in the ecosystem.

Everything is connected to everything else. This principle is best exemplified by the concept of the
ecosystem. In an ecosystem, all biotic and amniotic components interact with each other to ensure that the
system is perpetuated. Any outside interference may result in an imbalance and the deterioration of the
system.

Everything changes. It is said that the only permanent thing is change. As a general classification, change
may be linear, cyclical or random. As example of linear change is evolution of species, which has brought
about higher and more complex types of organisms. Cyclical change may be exemplified by seasons and the
rhythms in floral and faunal life stages that go with the seasons. An example of random change is the
eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, which brought great upheaval in many parts of Luzon and changes in the
topography of the land.

Everything must go somewhere. When a piece of paper is thrown away, it disappears, but it does not cease
to exist. It ends up elsewhere. Gases released in smokestacks may disperse but it will end up a component of
the atmosphere or brought down by rains. What a particular type of waste does to the earth’s repository
should be of concern to us. It may be a pollutant or a resource depending on certain factors.

Our is a finite earth. The earth’s resources can be classified as either renewable or non-renewable.
Renewable resources are those that can easily be replenished by natural cycles (e.g. water, air, plants, and
animals) while non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished through natural cycles (e.g.
ores of various metals, oi, coal).
Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation. Among all creatures, humans are the only ones
made in God’s image and have been given the right to have dominion over all His creations. Being the most
intelligent and gifted with reason, humans are capable of manipulating creation to their own advantage. Yet,
creation exists not to be ravaged or abused but to be taken care of. Humans cannot exist without nature.
They are co-natural with the environment they live in. If the environment, they live in is destroyed with it
will go Homo Sapiens.

SYNTHESIS

The world’s environmental condition has deteriorated due to excessive abuse by the people. Air
and water are polluted. Forests are denuded by legal and illegal logging activities causing so much soil
erosion that eventually results in the silting of rivers and oceans. Coral reefs are destroyed negatively
affecting the marine resources that supply a big proportion of the pullulation in their diet.

Over consumption of resources and over-population threaten the existence and survival of many
environmental products. Worse is the development aggression in many areas where natural resources have
not been maximally exploited.

Paying attention to environmental care has global implications. The environmental impact of a
nation’s action cannot be limited to its own country only. It affects other countries outside of its own
boundaries and beyond its territory.

The global concern of the environment is the attention given to educating the people on the
preservation and protection of the existing resources and prevent it from over exploitation.

Environmental care adheres to the principle of sustainable development where the interest of
future generations to develop should not be compromised by the desire of the present generation to develop
using the resources in the environment.

According to Eun-I9ung Na (2002), the concept of sustainable development has some inner
contradictions from the start, due to its global level challenges to balance economic growth with resource
sustainability and a healthy environment.

The World Council of Churches’ Study Document (2002) gave their own view not only on
sustainable development but the efforts at working toward the formation of sustainable communities.
INPUT NO.3: CLIMATE CHANGE

What is climate Change?

Climate Change is any change in climate over time whether due natural processes or a result of
human activity.

It is a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters
the composition of the global atmosphere and which is, in addition to natural climate variability, observed
over comparable time periods (United Nations Frameworks Convention on Climate Change).

HOW DOES IT OCCUR?

The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 4AR
2007) concludes that climate change is already occurring, and that further acceleration will result in a two
(2) degree increase in global temperature and of extreme weather conditions.

Climate Change is caused by the increasing volume of Greenhouse gates (GHG) in the
atmosphere. Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, warming the earth’s surface and
contributing to climate change (UNEP 1988). These gases are water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous
oxide, ozone, hydrofluorocarbon, perfluorocarbon, and sulfur hexafluoride. When these gases increase in
volume, more solar heat will be trapped resulting to a warmer atmospheric condition. This phenomenon is
known as the “greenhouse effect”. Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the earth’s
near-surface air and oceans that is associated with the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the
temperature.

Humans are responsible for the accelerated warming of the earth. Before the advent of humans,
climate changes were naturally caused. Many greenhouse gases occur naturally like methane, carbon
dioxide, nitrous oxide, ozone and even water vapor. Other greenhouse gases like hydrofluorocarbons (HFC),
perfluorocarbon (PFC), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) which absorb and hold greater heat are human-made.
These are produced through industrial processes. However, human activities also add to the increase of the
naturally occurring greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE OR GLOBAL WARMING?

The warming of the Earth’s atmosphere results in the melting of snow covers and glaciers, the rise of sea
level, shorter winters, early springs, hotter summers and delayed coming of autumns, altered forest
productivity and composition, habitat shifts of some animals, changes in the behavior patterns of flora and
fauna, spread of diseases, stronger and more frequent typhoons, more floods, severe droughts, stronger heat
waves and heavier rains and more.

These changes in the environment as a result of climate change have already made their impact on
human population in a global scale. Socio-economic problems and difficulties will be amplified
compounding the already heavy burden of the poor sectors.

The Philippines is ranked 4th in the Global Climate Risk Index. Being archipelagic, fifteen (15) of its
regions are vulnerable to sea level rise. A meter rise in sea level will affect 64 out of 81 provinces in the
Philippines; sea water would cover at least 703 of 1,610 towns and close to 700 million square meters of
land could displace at least 1.5 million Filipinos.
WHAT CAN BE DONE LOCALLY?

The following can be done:

Reduce the source of greenhouse gas emissions or their sink or capture (Mitigation). What activities in your
locality release carbon dioxide and similar greenhouse gases in the air? These activities must be curtailed. In
what concrete way can we help capture carbon dioxide in the air?

Moderate the harmful effects of climate change and exploit its beneficial opportunities (Adaptation). What
activities or projects are being done in your communities to lessen the harmful effects of global warming or
offset its potential damage? What opportunities associated with global warming did you take advantage of?

Support or join awareness raising of people in your locality/community about climate change. While it is a
very important and urgent concern to this generation, it is, however, a relatively new issue that needs to be
disseminated and linked to potential hazard and risks. It is important to discuss this subject in a dialect local
people can understand and learn.

Carry out concrete disaster prevention, mitigation and management activities (Capacity Building). If your
community is high risk to flooding, stormy conditions, earthquakes or landslide, training the local people in
damage/need assessment, shelter management, first aid, risk mapping, fire prevention, tree planting and
early warning among other things should be done.

Suggest or advocate the integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation into
organizational/institutional plans to mainstream this consciousness.

Lobby for and/ or support climate change responsive policies and ordinances (Policy Development).

Synergize efforts with other enlightened individual or group stakeholders. To reduce vulnerability to climate
change hazards and risks, Adaptation, Risk Reduction, Development Planning and Humanitarian Action
need to come together.

Develop a stable resource mobilization mechanism or system to ensure and facilitate the flow of financial
and technical support to local implementers. Without adequate and sustainable financial and technical
backing, plans will remain good in writing.

INPUT NO.4: ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Based on studies made by the National Solid Waste Management Commission Secretariat based at
the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), it is estimated that the per capita waste production daily is
0.5 kg. This means that for every person living in the metropolis, he or she generates half a kilo of waste a
day. With an estimated population of 10.5 million, total waste generated in Metro Manila alone could run up
to 5,250 metric tons per day; or 162,750 metric tons per month; 0r 1.95 million metric tons per year. That’s a
lot of waste to speak of.

Only about 73% of the 5,250 metric tons of waste generated daily collected by dump trucks hired by
our respective local government units. That assumes our LGU’s are faithful to their duties to us, taxpayers.
The remaining 27% of our daily waste, about 1,417.5 metric tons end up in canals, vacant spaces, street
corners, marketplace, rivers, and other places were, ironically.

That explains why WE need to act. As part of the problem, because we produce garbage ourselves,
we can also be part of the solution by reducing our contribution to the waste problem.

Because at the rate we are producing waste, we will soon find ourselves buried in our own trash. Or
shall we say, we will soon be having more of our human-made mountains of garbage amidst us?

The tragedy that has befallen the residents of Payatas dump site in Quezon City, when its mountain of
garbage slid down, burying in its course not a few garbage pickets, should strengthen our resolve to do
something about our wasteful lifestyles.
 Second, talks about landfill, as an alternative engineering solution to the garbage problem for so-
called residual waste, is fine. But where to site the landfill is another thing. For years, negotiations for
landfill for Metro Manila’s garbage had elicited not only long debates among our political leaders but also
emotional outbursts from prospective host communities.

Perhaps the most important reason why we must act now on the worsening solid waste problem is
their impact on human health. Health is a basic human right. We all deserve to live in a cleaner environment.
We all desire for a healthy family… a healthy neighborhood…a healthy nation. And the only way to satisfy
these desires is to do away with garbage that breeds flies, roaches, rodents and harmful bacteria that can
spread disease in our homes and in our communities. While there were already efforts in the past to address
the problem head-on, the passage of Republic Act (R.A) No. 9003, otherwise known as the “Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act of 2000”.

What is R.A. No. 9003? Improper solid waste disposal is probably the most important environmental
concern facing local governments (Laplante 2003). This is particularly true in the Philippines (World Bank
2001). In response to garbage crisis, the first bill that then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
signed into law in 2001 was republic Act no.9003 (RA 9003) or the Ecological Solid Waste Management
(ECOSWAM) Act which requires municipalities to dispose of waste in a sanitary and environmentally
friendly manner.

The Act created the National Solid Waste Management (SWM) Commission and prescribed the
establishment of an SWM board in each local government unit (LGU) and the formulation of ten-year local
ECOSWAM plans. The Act states that the LGU’s shall be primarily responsible for the implementation of
ECOSWAM services. It authorizes the local SWM Board to impose fees on the SWM services that the LGU
or any authorized organization provides and pool these fees into a solid waste management fund.

Republic Act No. 9003 provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic, comprehensive
and ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure protection of public health and the
environment.

The implementation rules and regulations of R.A No. 9003 are contained in DENR Administrative
Order No. 2001-34.

What are the salient features of R.A. No. 9003?

Creation of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), the National Ecology Center
(NEC) and the Solid Waste Management Board in every province, city and municipality in the country.

Formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework; 10-year solid management plans by local
government units consistent with the National Solid Waste Management Framework.

Mandatory segregation of solid waste to be conducted primarily at the source such as household,
institutional, industrial, commercial and agricultural sources.

Setting minimum requirements to ensure systematic collection and transport of waste and the proper
protection of the health of garbage collectors.

Establishment of reclamation programs and buy-back centers for recyclable and toxic materials.

Promotion of eco-labeling in local products and services.

Prohibition on non-environmentally acceptable products and packaging.

Establishment of Materials Recovery Facility in every barangay or cluster of barangays.

Prohibition against the use of open dumps.

Setting of guidelines/criteria for the establishment of controlled dumps and sanitary landfills.
Provision of rewards, incentives both fiscal and non-fiscal, financial assistance, grants and the like to
encourage LGUs and the public to undertake effective solid waste management.

Promotion of research on solid waste management and environmental education in the formal and non-
formal sectors.

How can we help solve the solid waste problem? There are many ways to do it. A highly recommended
formula is to adopt the 3Rs of Ecological Waste Management: REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE.

In addition to that, let us refrain from doing what have been prohibited under the law, to
include but are not limited to the following:

Littering, throwing, dumping of waste materials in public places like roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros, parks
and establishments.

Open burning of solid waste.

Allowing the collection of non-segregated or unsorted waste.

Squatting in open dumps and landfills.

Open dumping or burying of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials in flood-prone areas.

Unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for collection by authorized persons.

Mixing of source-separated recyclable material with other solid waste in any vehicle, box, container, or
receptacle used in solid waste collection or disposal.

Manufacture, distribution, or use of non-environmentally acceptable packaging materials.

Establishment or operation of open dumps; and

Importation of consumer products packaged in non-environmentally acceptable materials.

HAZARDOUS WASTES

These are solid wastes or a combination of solid waste which identify concentration, or physical,
chemical or infectious characteristics may do the following:

Cause or significantly contribute to the increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or

incapacitating reversible illness; and

Cause a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated,
stored or transported.

HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

A comprehensive and integrated management of toxic substances and hazardous wastes which
adheres to the waste management hierarchy of source reduction, recycling, treatment, and safe disposal for
the protection of personnel, environment and property.

FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

Ignitable-the substance causes or enhances fires.

Corrosive-the substance destroys tissues or metals.

Reactive-the substance reacts with others and may explode.

Toxic-the substance is a danger to health, water, food and air.

THE THREE MAIN GOALS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Protection of the environment

Improvement of Public Health

Conservation of Energy

INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (ISWM)

It is the selection of combination of techniques, technologies, and management programs to achieve

waste management objectives.

ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT

Zero Waste Management is an ecological method of handling waste that does not degrade the
environment nor pollute air, water, soil and facilitate their sanitary retrieval, reuse, or recycling. This is one
of the most friendly, economical tools of contributing ecological welfare for human beings and the
community.

Modern waste reduction consists of three (3) components namely:

Reuse. Means re-utilization of materials for purposes.

Reduce. The process of lessening the fresh raw materials that affect air, water and land pollution through
proper waste disposal.

Recycling. Involves processing used, unwanted materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste of
potentially useful materials.

It involves processing used, unwanted materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste.

of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce
air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from landfilling) by reducing the need for
“conventional” waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production.
Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the “Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle” waste hierarchy.

INPUT NO.5: AIR POLLUTION AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

This section discusses the nature, types, sources and effects of air pollution. It gives the general
status of air pollution in the country and summarizes the salient features of the Clean Air Act and suggests
ways by which to prevent pollution.

Accumulation in the atmosphere of gases from industrial solvents such as nitrous oxides and carbon
tetrachloride and carbon dioxide from burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have possible effects on
climate and human health.

Anthropogenic sources of air pollution have been increasing vehicles that ply the road of Metro
Manila are smoke belchers.

Among the different air pollutants, 6 “criteria” pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, lead,
sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulates determine air quality standards.

Ozone is the major ingredient in smog. In the stratosphere it occurs naturally and acts as a filtering
mechanism for the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun but in the lower atmosphere comprise what mainly
we see as grey smog suspended on air. Ozone is formed by a series of complex reactions involving nitrogen
oxides, volatile organic compounds, and sunlight. Smog or ground level ozone may cause lung
inflammation, decreased ability to breathe and susceptibility to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia,
bronchitis, fibrosis and premature lung aging. Children are susceptible to ozone exposure.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless, colorless gas produced during fossil fuel or biomass burning.
Carbon monoxide exposure can block oxygen to the brain and cause poor concentration, fatigue and death.
 Lead is one of the most toxic substances. Lead in gasoline remains by far the single largest source
of lead exposure in urban areas and poses the greatest threat to the public. A special hazard for young
children, several studies have shown that lead exposures can significantly reduce the IQ of school-aged
children. It has also been associated with aggressive behavior, delinquency, and attention diseases in boys
between 7-11 years of age.

Sulfur oxides are gases formed by combustion. Industries and electric power plants account for 88%
of sulfur dioxide emissions totaling 88, 458 tons in 1990, causing bronchitis and impairment of preliminary
functions. They are also active ingredients in the formation of acid rain.

Nitrogen oxides are gases produced from high temperature combustion in the air. It can cause
respiratory ailments like asthma and eye irritation. They are also an active ingredient in the formation of
smog.

Air pollution is the presence of substances in the air in amounts harmful to humans, other animals
and/ or plants. There are over100 identified air pollutants.

The main categories of pollutants are:

Particulates are very fine solids, collectively referred to as total suspended particulates. (TSP);

Carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen and sulfur; Volatile organic compounds (VOCs); and Ozone

These substances are associated mostly with fossil-fuel burning. Particulates are unburned
hydrocarbons and soot or carbon. They result from incomplete burning of fuels. So does carbon monoxide.
VOCs are benzene and other aromatics that are formed from the production of gasoline in order to improve
its performance as fuel for vehicles. Ozone is formed from the reaction of VOCs and nitrogen oxides (Nos).
Oxides of sulfur are released because sulfur is naturally found in petroleum and coal. Oxides of nitrogen are
released as the high temperature of combustion catalyzes the reaction between the nitrogen in the fuel and
air oxygen of the air.

SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION

Mobile Source. 3.9 million vehicles are registered in the whole country. Around 80% use gasoline and 30%
use diesel. Only a small percentage of Filipino own cars, 20% in Metro Manila. The rest take public
transportation.

Stationary Sources. Stationary sources that account for most of the air pollution are emissions from power
plants, cement plants and oil refineries.

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION FROM FOSSIL FUELS

Sulfur and nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and soot irritate the mucous membranes of the
respiratory system. If irritation is prolonged, it can lead to respiratory disease-persistent cough, emphysema,
asthma, and other allergies, and worst, cancer. Carbon monoxide is hazardous because it bonds strongly with
hemoglobin of the blood, replacing oxygen. As a result, the tissue and organs of the body are deprived of
vital gas, oxygen. Ozone causes a range of acute effects including eyes, nose and throat irritation. It also
impairs respiratory functions. Ozone is a highly oxidizing gas that causes damage to materials so do sulfuric
and nitric acid from sulfur and nitrogen oxide, respectively.

The Philippines is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on climate Change and has
ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Under the latter, all signatory countries are committed to exert all efforts to
lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The Protocol invokes a special commitment from developed countries
to reduce their emissions to 5% less than their 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The Protocol will go into
effect when it is ratified by 55 countries which should include developed countries responsible for 55% of
the emissions worldwide.

Another class of substances that must be regulated is what is collectively known as

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are unreactive for mattresses, Styrofoam, and insulation.
 A group of substances that are common in our everyday lives but are extremely toxic are known
as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These are either human-made products.

Radioactivity is the most lethal form of pollution because it can readily destroy cells and tissues.
No more nuclear radiation should be introduced into our environment in addition to that which naturally
occurs in the background environment.

Radioactive emissions come from nuclear power plants even in routine operations.

THE CLEAN AIR ACT

Principles which state the over-all mandate of the State

Recognition of the rights of citizens which the State shall guarantee.

The noteworthy features of the Air Quality Management Systems are the provisions regarding airsheds and
non-attainment areas.

The Act gives an initial list of hazardous air pollutants and guidelines for ambient air quality.

Prohibition and regulation of other substances.

Ozone-depleting substances. Consistent with the Montreal Protocol of which the Philippines is a signatory.
ODS shall be phased out.

Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases identified in Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework on Climate
Change.

Framework convention on Climate Change, the DENR shall prepare a plan to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.

Persistent Organic Pollutants. The DENR shall prepare an inventory of POPs in the Country and a program
for elimination of these substances.

Radioactive Substances. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, DENR and related agencies shall
regulate all projects that involve release of radioactive substances.

Pollution from Smoking. Smoking in any enclosed public space including public vehicles and private spaces
outside of one’s residence is strictly prohibited. This probation shall be implemented by the LGU.

Leaded Gasoline. The manufacture, importation, sale, disposal of leaded gasoline and engines and
components requiring leaded gasoline and engines and components requiring leaded gasoline is prohibited.