Evaluating Local Environmental Problems

and Issues including Climate Change

MODULE 5

GE-ES Environmental Science

 GE-ES Environmental Science


Chapter 5
Evaluating Local Environmental Problems and Issues including Climate Change

Making Connections
The world is experiencing various contemporary environmental problems and issues
that affect the socio-economic, socio-cultural, and biophysical environment. Some
environmental problems and issues In the Philippines particularly in the province of Palawan
are deterioration of forests, coastal erosion, degradation of terrestrial and aquatic habitat,
rapid land-use change, local climate change impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and upland
and coastal communities, etc. These contemporary environmental problems and issues may
lead to unavoidable effects and risks such as food insecurity, decline fish and crop production,
disasters, health issues, poverty, and many others. Thus, evaluation of local environmental
problems is needed including their causes, effects, outcomes, and associated risks.

Overview
In this module, you will learn about contemporary local environmental problems and issues
in the Philippines. Also, you will learn how to evaluate local environmental problems and
issues in your local area.

Learning Outcomes
After completing the study of this module, you should be able to:
1. Learners who can evaluate local environmental problems associated with human
interactions, their causes, and associated risks.

Initial Activity
Table 5.1 presented the list of some contemporary environmental problems and issues.

Table 5.1. Local Environmental Problems and Issues

Coastal Erosion Local Climate change

Deforestation Improper Land Use Change

Pollution Over-extraction of natural resources

Habitat Degradation Disaster

1
 GE-ES Environmental Science


Instruction : Look for the given local environmental problems and issues presented in Table
5.1, select two problems based on your interest or existing in your community and provide
three primary causes (upper boxes) and three primary effects (lower boxes) of the selected
environmental problems and issues.

Problem 1:

Problem:

Problem 2:

Problem:

2
 GE-ES Environmental Science


Lesson Proper
What is Pollution?
Environmental problems and issues are categorized into three main types which include:
pollution, over-extraction of natural resources and wicked problems. As defined by National
Geographic (2020), pollution is the introduction of toxic or harmful materials into the physical
environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such
as volcanic ash, sediments, etc.

The types of pollution are water, air, land, noise, thermal, and light pollution. Human-induced
activities like industrialization, wastes generation and disposal, burning materials like fossil
fuels are major causes of pollution. Noise, thermal and light pollution are the contemporary
types of pollution due to urbanization and industrialization and usually experiencing by
metropolitan or dense cities in the country like Metro Manila. Noise pollution refers to the
excessive level of noise in the local area caused by transportations and machines from
industrial zones.

Light Pollution refers to the presence of too much lights available in the area, especially during
early and late nights. Air pollution refers to the contamination of air quality due to the emission
of toxic and harmful gaseous wastes from agricultural and industrial areas. Land pollution is
the contamination of soil quality which resulted from excessive run-off, deposition of wastes
and toxic substances from farming and industrial activities.

Thermal pollution refers to the sudden increase or decrease of temperature in water bodies
like lakes, rivers and oceans due to the disposal of wastes waster from factories and power
plants. Water pollution refers to the contamination of water caused by the dumping of
chemical and toxic wastes from residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial areas. In
Coron Bay, Palawan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources conducted an
assessment of water quality and found out that the water is polluted due to a high
concentration of total coliform with 25, 269 most probable number (Formuso, 2018).

Also, the result of water quality assessment in El Nido, Palawan particularly in Bacuit Bay
stated that the water is polluted due to disposal of wastes from the tourism establishments

3
 GE-ES Environmental Science


which led to the issuance of cease-and-desist orders to some tourism establishments

(Mayuga, 2019). The impacts of pollution are health issues, fish kills, morphological changes
of plants and animals, reproduction incapacity and many others.

Source: National Geographic, 2020

Exploitation of Natural Resource

Another type of environmental problem is the over-extraction of natural resources. The
increase in the human population and economic development activities drives the increase
in resource utilization. The current world population reached 7.8 billion in 2020 in which 7.59
billion in 2018 with a rapid increase compared to 7.34 billion in 2015 (Worldometers, 2020).
As a result, the consumption of natural resources rapidly increasing. For instance, the energy
demand grew by 2.9% in 2018 which is the fastest growth since 2010 (BP Statistical Review,
2019).

Based on the results of the 2015 Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES) of the
Philippines Statistics Authority (2015), the Philippines ’ expenditures summed up to 4.88
trillion in 2015, higher by 18.36 percent compared with 2012 record at 4.12 trillion. Similarly,
food expenditures per person rose to P20,144 in 2015. This was 11.37 percent more than
the 2012 estimates. This shows that the increase in the population drives the increase of
natural resources utilization that may lead to exploitation once exceeded to carrying capacity.

4
 GE-ES Environmental Science


Each natural resource has its carrying capacity- the ability to support a given quantity in a
population without causing degradation.

Source: Pinterest, 2019

Wicked Problem: Climate Change in the Philippines (Palawan)

Climate change is one of the contemporary severe environmental problems that we are facing
in which it affects not only the biophysical environment but also our economy, culture, health,
security, and others. It is a change in the state of climate over time, whether caused by natural
variability or anthropogenic activities. This phenomenon is caused by the continuous
emission of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere from different anthropogenic activities
such as agricultural production, mining operations, power plants, factories, and other
industrial activities.

Based on the 2019 Global Gas Emission Data of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
the CO2 emission has increased by about 90% since 1970 from fossil fuel combustion and
industrial processes, which contributes 78% of the total greenhouse emission. The emitted
gasses served as a trap to the outgoing longwave radiation that drives to change the earth's
surface temperature and other atmospheric processes. The new findings on the study of
Fahey and others (2017), says that aside from changes in the emission of greenhouse
gasses, small airborne particles like aerosols produced from small-scale human activities is
now a significant driver of climate change. In the Philippines, the total greenhouse gas
emissions based on the USAID current report were 157.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide

5
 GE-ES Environmental Science


equivalent to 0.33% global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). 54% of GHG in the country
came from the energy sector followed by agriculture (33%), industrial processes (8%), wastes
and land-use change (7%), and forestry sectors (1%). This phenomenon has ecological,
social, and economic impacts not only in the Philippines but also in the entire world that needs
immediate attention and actions by all stakeholders.

The Philippines is significantly experiencing impacts of climate change such as sea-level rise,
storm surge, destruction of habitat, extinction of flora and fauna species, life cycle changes,
changes in surface water availability, and changes in aquatic and terrestrial productivity.
Based on the current report of PAG-ASA, the annual mean temperature in all areas in the
country, the increases have been from 0.57ºC and are expected to increase by 0.9 ºC to 1.1
ºC in 2020 and 1.8ºC to 2.2 ºC in 2050.

The World Meteorological Organization 2019 report shows that year 2019 is likely the second
warmest in instrumental records. Also, the country experiences average of 20 tropical
cyclones formed per year and extreme rainfall of higher than 300mm rainfall that damages
peoples’ lives and properties as well as wildlife.

Source: The Guardian, 2019

6
 GE-ES Environmental Science


The Luzon areas in the country experienced a decline in the production of rice, corn, and
other agricultural products, a decline in water supply for agricultural and domestic use,
typhoons, volcanic eruption, changes in biodiversity, and habitat. Central Luzon is known as
the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines” and ranked high to very high on risk based on the Risk to
Typhoons and risk to Projected Rainfall Change maps of the Manila Observatory. There are
over 3,000 farmers in Central Luzon who experiences damages of crops due to extreme
weather and decline of water supply for irrigation.

Also, in the case of Isabela province, corn production was declined from the past years due
to extreme weather conditions, an increase of annual temperature, and changes in rainfall
patterns based on the study of Alcaide et al. (2019). Also, the Taal volcanic eruption affected
at least 151,386 families and caused disturbances of wildlife and their habitat like Tawilis
(Sardinella tawilis). These phenomena affect the realization of the long-term goals of our
nation for the general welfare of the people.

The Palawan experience impacts of climate change such as extreme weather, storms, floods,
destruction of habitats like mangroves, pest and diseases, disturbances of flora and fauna
species, changes in water availability, and changes in aquatic and terrestrial productivity and
others.

The small islands in the province of Palawan are affected by the typhoon. Like in the case of
Calauit Island, after the hit of Typhoon Yolanda last November 8, 2013, the island was
profoundly devastated that caused damage to the coastal community, mangrove area, and
coastal biodiversity based on the study of the Malabrigo and others (2016). It has
approximately 500-ha of mangrove forests in Ilultuk Bay. There are 60% of the mangrove
forests in Cluster 1 of Sitio Calauit, Bgy. Buluang was profoundly devastated by Typhoon
Yolanda, and 5% were felled, and the majority was defoliated. The recorded for total damage
is Excoecaria agallocha with a diameter breast height of 12 cm. Rhizophora apiculata has
the highest percentage of defoliated trees with 53.13%, and most of the trees have a diameter
class of 3cm.

The livelihood farming activity of Palaw’ans in Bunog, Rizal, Palawan, is highly affected by
climate change. The study of Roa and others (2015) shows that climate change has notable
effects on the crop harvest of tribe members, especially rice. The tribe members observed

7
 GE-ES Environmental Science


several changes in the past years, like the 90% decrease in the harvest and rapid increase
of pest occurrence in their farmland, kaingin.

The food security of the tribe for the whole year is at risk due to the decline of crop harvest.
However, the tribe has traditional knowledge on the adaption of climate change impacts like
“Pagpapausok” or the burning of the roots as their adaptation measures to lessen pest and
diseases. Also, to have an alternative source of income, they engaged in handicrafts like the
making of baskets that they can sell to the local market.

Evaluation of Local Environmental Problems and Issues

In the previous lesson, you have learned about the causes and impacts of some contemporary
environmental issues and concerns such as pollution, exploitation of natural resources and
climate change. Then, you are now ready to evaluate these environmental problems and
issues.

In this lesson, you will learn on how to evaluate local environmental problems and issues in
your community.

The simplest evaluation of environmental problems and issues composed of three major
steps:
1. Identification of causes of environmental problems and issues
2. Identification of impacts
3. Assessing the level of significance of the identified impacts.

You have learned in the previous lesson the causes and impacts of some major
environmental problems that are common to different places in Palawan such as, pollution,
resource exploitation and climate change.

The simplest way of assessing the environmental problems and issues is using a Leopold’s
matrix. This matrix is a qualitative method of assessing the local environmental problems and
issues using a scoring matrix for magnitude, frequency and duration. Magnitude refers to
the perception of the evaluator on the possible level impact to the affected communities if
low, medium or high. Frequency refers to the perception of the evaluator on how the impact
occurrence frequent if less frequent (annually), frequent (monthly) and more frequent
(weekly). Duration refers to the perception of the evaluator on how long the impact lasts once
occurred, if long-term (more than 1 year), medium-term (more than a month and up to 1 year)
and short-term (up to one month).

To evaluate each local environmental problems and issues, rating of 1, 2, and 3 for frequency,
magnitude and duration need to be provided (see the scoring matrix below).

8
 GE-ES Environmental Science


Table 5.2 Scoring Matrix

Rating Frequency Magnitude Duration

1 Least Frequent Low Short Term

2 Frequent Medium Medium Term

3 More Frequent High Long Term

After you provided rating for each local environmental problem impact in terms of frequency,
magnitude and duration, get the sum of scores. The level of significance of local
environmental problem will be low (sum of scores: 3), moderate (sum of scores: 4-6) and high
(sum of scores: 7-9).

Table 5.3 Rating Scale

Scale Level of Significance

3 Low

4-6 Moderate

7-9 High

Learning Enrichment
Enrich your knowledge by watching the following videos :

1. [Link]
2. [Link]
3. [Link]
4. [Link]
5. [Link]

9
 GE-ES Environmental Science


6. [Link]
7. [Link]
8. [Link]
9. [Link]
10. [Link]
11. [Link]
12. [Link]
13. [Link]
14. [Link]
15. [Link]
16. [Link]
17. [Link]
18. [Link]
19. [Link]
20. [Link]
21. [Link]
22. [Link]
23. [Link]
24. [Link]
25. [Link]

Learning Check
Learning Check 5.1
Given what you have watched in these videos, compare the causes and effects of selected
local environmental problems that you have initially listed above and those explained in the
videos. Are they similar? You may clarify your answer below:

Problem 1:

Problem:

10
 GE-ES Environmental Science


Problem 2:

Problem:

Learning Check 5.2

Fill out the table below with the causes and impacts of the two environmental problems you
identified in table 5.1 and identify the type of impacts if positive or negative.

Table 5.4. Causes and Effects of Local Environmental Problem

Type of Impact
Environmental
Impacts
Problem
Causes (Positive/Negative)

1. 1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

11
 GE-ES Environmental Science


2. 1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

From Table 5.4, explain briefly your answer on the type of impacts (negative/positive).
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

12
 GE-ES Environmental Science


Learning Check 5.3

Using the table below, evaluate the two local environmental problems/issues that you
selected in table 5.1.

Table 5.4 Evaluation of Local Environmental Problems and Issues

Problem Impacts Significance of Impact Remarks

Frequency Magnitude Duration Low,

Moderate or
High

1. 1.

2.

3.

2. 1.

2.

3.

Leave a message here to your teacher if you have questions:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

13
 GE-ES Environmental Science


Assessment Task
LET’S DO THIS!

Instructon:

Select two environmental problems and issues experienced by your immediate community
or barangay and then evaluate them using the format presented above. Explain your answer
(Mark: 50).

Rubric

Mark
Criteria
10 6-9 3-5 1-2

Integration of The output The output The output The output

knowledge demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates does not
that the student that the that the demonstrate
fully student, for the student, to a that the student
understands most part, certain extent, understands
the scientific understands understands the
concepts being the the
utilized. These scientific
concepts are scientific Scientific concepts being
integrated and concepts being concepts being utilized.
contextualized utilized. utilized.
into the
student’s own These
insights. concepts, to a
certain extent,
are integrated
and
contextualized
into the
student’s own
insights.

Clarity of In-depth In-depth The student Cursory or

content has omitted hasty
discussion and discussion and important discussion in
processes of a all the

14
 GE-ES Environmental Science


elaboration in elaboration in biogeochemical processes of a

all the most cycle that biogeochemical
processes of a processes of a supports life’s cycle that
biogeochemical biogeochemical proper supports life’s
cycle that cycle that functioning. proper
supports life’s supports life’s functioning.
proper proper
functioning. functioning.

Clear and Simple and Simple but not Complex and Impossible to
attractive very easy to easy to tell tell what
illustration understand what process is difficult to tell process is
what process is what process is being
being being illustrated.
being illustrated. illustrated.
illustrated.

NOTE:
Reflection (For those who are taking this module offline ONLY)

References
Suggested Reading:

Antonio, A., Bass, S., & Gasconia, D. (2012). Philippines Experience, Lessons and
Challenges in Environmental Mainstreaming.
[Link]

Briones, N. (2012). Environmental Sustainability Issues in Philippines Agriculture. Asian

Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2 (2), pp. 67-78
[Link]

Jazib, M. J. (2018). Basics of Environmental Sciences, 1st edition. pp. 1-35.

[Link]
AL_SCIENCE

Sovacol, B. (2014). Environmental Issues, Climate Changes, and Energy Security in

Developing Asia. Asian Development Bank.
[Link]

15
 GE-ES Environmental Science


SMain References:

Alcaide, K., Buncag, M.J, Mendoza, R.E., and Santos, B. 2019. Developing a Rainfall-
based Index for Corn Crop Insurance in Isabela, Philippines. International Journal of
Science and Management Studies. 2 (6), 77-84.

Carson, R. (1960). Silent Spring. Fawcett Publications, Inc., Greenwich, Connecticut, USA.
Retrieved from [Link]

Formuso, C. (2018). High Coliform Detection in Coron Bay, Palawan. Philippine News
Agency. Retrieved at
[Link]
2C%20Palawan%20%2D%2D,in%20Mimaropa%20on%20Saturday%20afternoon.

Malabrigo, P. L., Umali, A. G. A., & Replan, E. L.(2016). Damage assessment and recovery
monitoring of the mangrove forests in Calauit island affected by Typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan). Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 2016(Special Issue 2).
39–46. Retrieved at
[Link]
g_of_the_Mangrove_Forests_in_Calauit_Island_Affected_by_Typhoon_Yolanda_Haiy
an

Mayuga, J. (2019). DENR Shuts Down 10 Establishments For Polluting El Nido and Coron
Bays. Retrieved at [Link]
establishments-for-polluting-el-nido-coron-bays/

Roa, S., Domingo, K., Fedillaga, K., Hechanova, I., Natividad, J. and Docto, R. (2015).
Climate Change Vulnerability of the Palaw’ans in Bunog, Rizal, Palawan, Philippines.
BIMP-EAGA Journal for Sustianble Tourism Development. 4 (1). ISSN 2232-10603.
146-157. Retieved at [Link]
vol-4-no-1-special-edition

Worldometers (2020). Current World Population. Retrieved at

[Link]

Other Online sources:

[Link]
economics/statistical-review/[Link]

16
 GE-ES Environmental Science


[Link]
,Pollution%20is%20the%20introduction%20of%20harmful%20materials%20into%20the%2
0environment,air%2C%20water%2C%20and%20land

[Link]
population/#:~:text=The%20current%20world%20population%20is,currently%20living)%20
of%20the%20world.

ANSWER KEY

(NOTE: Model answers in Module 5 shall be provided after you have completed and
submitted all the requirements under this module. It will be sent through your individual email.)

17