GE 217 Science, Technology and , Society
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
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GE 217 Science, Technology and , Society
Module 3
SPECIFIC ISSUES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
Lesson 2 BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Biodiversity is defined as the vast variety of life forms in the entire
Earth. Its definition is in the structural and functional perspective and
not as individual species.
A collection of moths and butterflies held at the Natural History
Museum. From [Link]
[Link]
Bubble coral reef in Sogod bay, Cebu is thriving for biodiversity.
Aquatic organisms such as coral, algae, fish and crustaceans dwell
the reef. Photographed by Michael Keller from
[Link]
The toco toucan – the largest species in the toucan family and
inhabits man regions of South America. Photo by Olaf Oliviero
Riemer from
[Link]
Biodiversity is the source of the essential goods and ecological services.
Significant decline in biodiversity has direct human impact when ecosystem
in its insufficiency can no longer provide the physical as well as social needs
of human beings.
We, as human inhabitants of the ecosystem, must preserve and conserve
the biodiversity of all creatures.
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GE 217 Science, Technology and , Society
TYPES OF BIODIVERSITY
1. Ecosystem Diversity
2. Species Diversity
3. Genetic Diversity
From [Link]
biology1/chapter/reading-the-diversity-of-life/
When the ecosystem is not well taken care of, biodiversity encounters
changes that could have erratic effects not only in wildlife or marine life but
also in human beings.
THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
1. Habitat Loss and Destruction
2. Alteration in ecosystem composition
3. Over-exploitation
4. Pollution and Contamination
5. Global Climate Change
Hawksbill Turtles in coral reef, Maldives. 33% of reef forming corals, sharks
and shark relatives are faced with extinction. ([Link])
In warm climates bats are important pollinators and seed
A major biodiversity report published by Ipbes in May last year
dispersers of many plants that are important to humans. The
warned ecosystems were deteriorating at rates unprecedented
ongoing over-exploitation of pollinating insects and animals
in human history. (Photo: Aulia Erlangga/CIFOR/Flickr)
threatens global crop production.
From [Link]
(Photo: Carms, Creative Commons via Flickr) Published from
outlines-2030-goals-save-planets-biodiversity/
[Link]
biodiversity-loss-not-just-environmental-issue
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GE 217 Science, Technology and , Society
Health, Biology, and Biodiversity
Basic needs of living organisms such as air, water, food, and habitat are
provided by its environment.
Lack of basic necessities is a significant cause of human mortality.
Environmental hazards increase the risk of cancer, heart disease,
asthma, and many other illnesses.
The interrelation between human health and biological diversity is
considerable and complex.
Environment-Related Illnesses
• Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its environment
include Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, obesity, occupational injuries,
dysentery, arthritis, malaria, and depression.
• Many of the issues at the intersection of health and the environment
have to do with managing benefits and risks:
- Pesticides play an important role in increasing crop yields, but
they can also pose hazards to human health and the
environment.
- Energy production and use helps sustain human life, but it can
also pose hazards to human health and the environment.
- Increasing taxes on fossil fuels would encourage greater fuel
efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions, but it would also
increase the price of transportation.
• Managing benefits and risks also raises social justice concerns:
- People with lower socio-economic status have greater exposure
to certain harmful environmental conditions.
From World Health Organization (WHO). Nearly 1 in 4 deaths across the globe are due to environmental-related deaths.
Noncommunicable diseases cause 65% of environmental-related deaths. Children under 5 years of age and older adults are most
affected by the environment. Low-and-middle-income countries bear the greatest share of environment.
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