CHAPTER 13 “NANO WORLD”

CHAPTER OUTLINE

- What is Nanotechnology
- Nanotechnology of the Past
- Nanotechnology in the Philippines
- Major Environmental Application of Nanotechnology
- Nanotechnology Issues

There’s a plenty of room at Richard Feynman, 1959, physicist, lecturer in American Physical
the bottom. Society

This chapter sets out brief progress of the developing fields of nanotechnology to explore the complex
connection between society and technology. Research and design on nanoscale has the potential to transform
almost all facets of human life like electronics, communications, biotechnology, and healthcare, military, and
environmental protection. Its benefits and impacts to society has been determined. Many analysts have felt
that this new field will be the “the Next Industrial Revolution”.

WHAT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nano, as unit of measurement of length, is an analogous entity like meter. How small is Nano? Just divide a
meter into one billion to visualize how small Nano is. The prefix Nano means a factor of billionth (10⁻⁹) in the
metric system and can be applied in time (nanosecond), volume (Nano liter), etc. The nanoscale usually refers
to the length of around 0.1nm to 100 nm. The nanomaterials or nanostructures are in the form of nanoscale.

The first definition of “nanotechnology” came from Norio Taniguchi, a professor of Tokyo Science University.
He coined the term at the international conference on industrial production in 1974 to describe work on
semiconductor processes such as thin film deposition and ion beam milling on the order of a nanometer
without naming it as such.

There have been many efforts to describe the definition of nanotechnology. And, if somebody will ask a hundred
scientists, a hundred different definitions of nanotechnology will be collected.

The absence of generally accepted, strictly recognized meaning of the term “nanotechnology” is explained by
various technologies that nanotechnology covers. Moreover, nanotechnologies are now being constantly
updated and improved, which explains why many concepts about principles of their implementation are not
completely clear.

Nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of matter at a scale of about 1 to 100 nanometers. It involves
characterization, design, and production of structures, devices, and systems with unique properties by fine-
tuning the physical, chemical, mechanical, and optical properties of materials at the nanoscale (Department
of Science and Technology, 2015).
NANOTECHNOLOGY OF THE PAST

It has been discovered by advanced technology today that even long before the beginning of “nanoera,” people
were engaged in different processes and used these into practice in small-scale subconsciously. The following
lists show the nanotechnology of the past.

Thousands of years B.C.

1. Ancient Egyptians

- Fermentation process on the nanoscale (making bread, wine, beer, cheese, and other food stuffs).

- Nanoparticles of galenite (lead sulfide) were formed in hair dyeing process.

2. Ancient Rome

- Lycurgus cup; 4th Century AD (British heritage) possess unusual optical properties (bowl is green in natural
light and red if illuminated from within).

- Recent techniques discovered particles of gold and silver from 50-100 nm in size (responsible for unusual
coloring of the bowl).

3. Middle Ages

- Stained-glass windows have been admired in Europe because of close to perfection. As the latest study
shows, the windows contained additives of gold and nanoparticles of other metals.

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

What is the Philippines doing to welcome this new technology? The Philippines, through the effort of
Department of Science and Technology- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) provides
opportunities and technical services to local industries by Nano Lab.

The following are the lists of nanotechnology

projects that are being worked out in the
Philippines under the supervision of DOST-
ITDI, encouraging local community to rely on
what are abundant, unexploited, and
natural organic or inorganic nanomaterials:

[Link] and Communication

Technology (ICT) and semiconductors

- E.g., use of nanowires to ultrafast ICT with small power consumption

[Link] cells

- E.g., dye sensitized-based solar cells (DSSC) is low-cost solar cell belonging to the group of thin film
solar cells
3. Agriculture

- E.g., facilitate gene transformation and expression of animal and plant cells

4. Food

- E.g., biodegradable food packaging

5. Environment

- E.g., water purification by nanofilters for treating heavy metal contaminated water

Nanotechnology Application Examples

1. Water treatment and purification - Nanomembranes for water purification,
desalination and detoxification
- Nanosensors for the detection of
contaminants and pathogens
- Nanoporous zeolites, nanoporous polymers
and attapulgite clays for water purification
- Magnetic nanoparticles for water treatment
and remediation
- TiO₂ nanoparticles for the catalytic
degradation of pollutants.
2. Environmental remediation - Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles for
(The removal of contaminants and Abatement of Environmental Pollutants
pollutants from the environment (e.g. - Nanoscale iron particles (Zhang, 2003)
contaminated soil and ground water or
surface water)
3. Green Nano Composites - Starch based-nano composites
( Materials having ecofriendly attributes that - Cellulose based-nano composites
are technically and economically feasible - Protein based-nano composites
while minimizing the generation of pollution
(Khalil, Bhat and Yusra 2011)
NANOTECHNOLOGY ISSUES

Government and industry investments in research and development (R&D) shows manifestation that many
developed countries have embraced the “new technology”, the nanotechnology. In fact, it has been predicted
by Lux Research back in 2005 that the peak of nanotech will reach to $3.6 trillion (Harper, 2015) and today the
total worldwide investment in nanotechnology by developed countries is more than 10 billion dollar.

While nanotechnology is here in the Philippines today, there are lots of promises that need to be fulfilled or be
discovered:

- Health Issues

- Environmental Issues

- Agriculture

It is done fairly in Information Communication Technology (ICT) by developing a workforce knowledgeable

(skilled laborers and health-knowledge workers) to send in major cities and abroad with process outsourcing
centers.
Here is the summary of a real life experience today on Nanotechnology by middle-class Filipino family, taken
from the essay entitled “Everyday Life Scenario” by Erwin P. Enriquez, pp. 72-73.

Juan wants a new computer because his computer can no longer handle the new computer games. His family
go to mall. Upon window shopping for what would be an upgrade or replacement, he read a brochure with
newest processors manufactured using 32 nanometer (nm) technology. (Example Core TM I, i5, and i7 CPUs).
On the other side of the mall, his mother is looking for an air conditioner to replace the old one, so she can save
on the electric bill. A salesman shows her the added features of the new line of products which uses something
called “nano” to purify and disinfect the cold air that unit blows into the room. His father as he exists the from
the restroom just realizes that the urinal that he just used did not have to be flushed with water anymore, indeed
saving a lot of water, and yet the restroom did not smell.

This scenario sounds fictional, but it is based on real-life experiences of some Filipinos today affected by
nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has indeed, arrived.

At the present, large fraction of the Philippine population in rural areas experiences poverty which do not have
the means of clean water, electricity, medical treatment, and even education. Nanotechnology can provide
solutions to these basic needs in rural areas.

- Cheaper and more readily accessible solar cells based on quantum dots

- Clean water using nanocatalysts or nanoporous membranes that will filter off impurities

- Enhanced agricultural productivity assisted by nanotechnology

- Medical care using portable medical diagnostic kits using nanotech

- Advances in ICT in computations and telecommunications may bring education effectively

CHAPTER 14 “GENE THERAPY”

“Your genetics load the gun.

Mehmet Oz
Your lifestyle pulls the trigger.”

As our body systems are prone to aging and diseases, humans always look for ways of prolonging and saving
life. Health is very important but we cannot deny the fact that our system is not perfect as we are affected by
the environment, aging, foods that we take, and lifestyle. Most of us are born normal but few are physically and
mentally challenged. But what causes these abnormalities? Will these people continue to suffer or there is a
little chance to eliminate those sufferings by reengineering our genes?
In order for us to have a background in the current trend of medicine, this unit presents the ideas behind gene
therapy.

GENES AND THE HUMAN GENOME

Genome is a complete set of the genes in a cell or organism. Human genome resides in 46 chromosomes that
basically come in pair in which 23 are from the father and another 23 from the mother. These pairs of
chromosomes dictate the characteristics of an organism and can be determined as dominant or recessive.

A chromosome is made up of two chromatids and each chromatid contains sequence of DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA commonly found in the nucleus of every cell. The DNA strand, when divided into
portions, constitutes many genes. Genes are made up of hundreds of thousands of chemical bases. This
specific portion of the DNA performs specific function specifically in the production of hormone or enzymes.
Not all the genes in the strand of DNA are working at the same time. For example, the genes that are "switched
on" in the heart are different from those genes that are 'switched on' in the eye. The genes or portion of the DNA
sequence that are coded to proteins are called introns and the non-coding regions are called exons.

GENETIC DISORDERS

Genetic disorders are diseases caused by abnormalities in the DNA sequence of an individual. These
irregularities can happen in just one gene or there is an addition or subtraction of chromosomes. There are
more than 4000 identified medical disorders that are caused by defective genes. Although genes are
responsible for predisposition of these diseases, the environment, diet, and lifestyle are also factors that trigger
these diseases. These genetic disorders are classified into single-gene disorder, chromosomal disorder, and
multifactorial inheritance.

Single-Gene Disorder

Single gene disorders are caused by mutations in specific genes. In humans, there are 50, 000 to 100, 000
estimated genes that are responsible for coding proteins which are needed by cells and tissues to perform its
specific function.

Single-gene disorders are classified into autosomal single-gene disorder and X-linked disorders. The question
is that, how can we determine if the disorder is autosomal or X-linked? Remember that the human
chromosomes always come in 23 pairs, i.e. 22 pairs of autosomes and a pair of sex chromosome. Autosomal
gene disorder happens in genes that can be found within the 22 pairs of non-sex chromosomes while X-linked
disorder originated from the genes of sex chromosomes.

Chromosomal Disorders

Chromosomal may happen under certain conditions. It might be an excess or deficiency of the whole
chromosome, chromosomal rearrangement, and contiguous-gene syndrome. There are many structural
abnormalities in the chromosomes and some of it are related to cardiovascular diseases that lead to
congenital heart disease. Chromosomal rearrangement happens if there is breakage and reconstruction but in
abnormal form. Structural rearrangement, however, may lead to loss or gain of genetic material but typically
gaining human chromosomes is less harmful than the loss of genetic materials.

Multifactorial Inheritance

Multifactorial inheritance is not caused by some changes or abnormalities in a single gene or chromosome.
It is basically caused by the combination of genetic changes that produces the disease. Multifactorial
inheritance might happen 5-10% in the first degree relatives with higher risk than that of the 2nd degree relatives.

GENE THERAPY

Gene therapy is a method of treating or preventing diseases by replacing, repairing, or turning on or off genes
of a patient’s cells. The process in gene therapy includes the use of vectors and non-viral method to move a
DNA or genes to one cell or another. Some of the vectors in gene therapy are retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-
associated virus, cis, and trans-acting elements, and herpes simplex virus. Non-viral method, the other hand,
has certain advantages over vectors or viral methods since it can be produced in large scale. Injection of naked
”NA is the simplest method under non-viral-method. Cells, tissue and even organisms that undergone gene
therapy are considered transgenic or genetically modified. The two main types of gene therapy are somatic
gene therapy and reproductive gene therapy.

Somatic gene therapy are those which are not related to reproductive gene therapy. It is basically the
introduction of genes to cells in a target organ to produce enzymes which are needed by the body to functions
well. It means that, somatic gene therapy helps the organ to function well but it doesn’t alter the genetic
makeup of an organism. The changes in organisms caused by somatic gene therapy are not transmitted to its
offspring.

Reproductive gene therapy or germ-line cell therapy is basically the introduction of corrective genes to
sperm cells, egg cells, or even zygotes (4-day old). The main goal or objective is to eliminate the abnormalities
that can possibly be transmitted to the offspring. It is the alteration of genetic makeup of the offspring by
targeting the abnormal genes in the parent’s sex cells.

However, gene therapy requires the identification of the correct genes responsible in the progression of
diseases. The most crucial part of gene therapy is the delivery of the modified gene to the cell or target organ
and this should be done in accurate, controlled and effective way. It can also be noted that modified genes are
not always accepted by the cells for the reason that our cells have its natural defense mechanism and kills
foreign bodies. Most failures in gene therapy are caused by the rejection of the modified genes.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Gene Therapy

Though gene therapy is not yet mastered, we believe that it is just only a matter of time. However, it provides
us today these benefits:

1. It offers cure to several diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, AIDS, asthma, diabetes, heart diseases as
well as hereditary diseases.

2. It can replace defective cells.

3. It has a promising potential not only in the field of medicine but in some related fields like agriculture.
These are the disadvantages of gene therapy:

1. Modifying organisms means modifying its capabilities.

2. Viral vectors could recover its ability to cause disease.

3. It can damage the gene pool resulting to multilayered disorder.

4. High cost.

5. Ethical Issues

CHAPTER 15 “CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY CRISIS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS”

“You are the last, best hope of

Earth. We ask to protect it or we
Leonardo De Caprio, Climate Summit of United Nations 2016
and all the living things we
cherish, are history.”
CLIMATE CHANGE AS A RESULT OF GLOBAL WARMING

Have you noticed that for the past few years that the weather is getting more extreme? Animals we have seen
when we were young have gone extinct? Or have you noticed how our climate has been shifting from its normal
patterns?

These observations are not only experienced by you but also by the rest of the people of the world. The culprit
behind these events is Global Warming.

Over the past century, continuous dependence of people on fossil fuels as source of energy has resulted to the
increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to the unusually rapid increase
in the Earth’s average temperature, which was defined as Global Warming by the NASA Earth Observatory.
Obviously, humanity has greatly forced the changes of the Earth’s natural climate.

As reported by the UGSUSA Organization, an increase of 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit of the average temperature of
the earth over the past 130 years. Majority of that increase occurred over only these past 35 years. It was
recorded that the hottest year was last 2016. Since 1998, the 12 warmest years have already occurred in our
planet.

Earth’s Natural Greenhouse Effect

Familiarization of the earth’s greenhouse effect will give us a better understanding about global warming and
climate change.
The sun is the principal source of the heat and energy of the earth. Once the sunlight tries to reach the earth,
30% of it is reflected into the space. These reflections may be due to the clouds or ice in the atmosphere. The
land, ocean, and the rest of the atmosphere absorbs the remaining 70%. Our planet is heated due to this
absorbed heat.

Once the earth’s surface warms up, thermal infrared radiation or heat energy will be released in the
atmosphere. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane present in the atmosphere will most likely absorb the
released heat energy of the earth. The said gases tend to trap the heat on the earth’s surface instead of sending
it off to the outer space. Unfortunately, this enhances the heating that we get from direct sunlight. This results
to the natural greenhouse effect on earth. We might think that we do not benefit from the greenhouse effect.
Life on earth benefits greatly from the natural greenhouse effect. The absence of the greenhouse effect may
lead to a very cold earth. The present 15°C (59°F) of the earth’s average surface will decline to -18°C (0°F).

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Currently, the primary concern of the scientists is the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the
earth’s atmosphere. Mostly this is due to human activities that require burning of fossil fuels and the vast
clearing of land. Research showed that since the Industrial Revolution, nearly 38 percent of the carbon dioxide
have increased as of 2009 and 148 percent of the methane levels.

In comparison, today’s atmosphere has greater concentration of greenhouse gas molecules than before. This
means that more of the infrared energy released by the earth’s surface is trapped in our atmosphere. Add it up
to the absorbed Sun’s energy, the earth’s surface temperature rises.

According to NASA, EPA, and other scientific and governmental bodies, if we do not do something about the
global warming, climate change will happen, sea levels will rise, ocean acidification will worsen, unpredictable
weather patterns sill most likely happen sooner than we have imagined.

Impacts of the enhanced global warming have been identified by various scientists.

1. More frequent hot days and fewer cool days

2. More intense heat waves
3. Worsening storms, floods and droughts
4. Intensified Hurricanes
5. Warmer ocean surface temperatures
6. Rising sea levels
7. More frequent coastal flooding
8. Island nations may disappear
9. Accelerated melting of ice sheets and glaciers
10. Changes in the growing season of plants
11. Disruption of normal ecosystem
12. Loss of animal habitat
13. Possible extinction of animals

Projected Health Impacts of Climate Change

Humans are not excused with the harmful effects of Climate Change. Here’s a list of the possible impacts of
climate change to humankind.

• Increase malnutrition and consequent disorders.

• Increase in the number of people dying and suffering from disease and injury due to heat waves, floods,
storms, fires, and droughts.

• Continue to change the range of some infectious disease vectors.

• Have mixed effects on malaria.

• Increase the burden of diarrheal diseases.

• Increase cardio-respiratory morbidity and mortality associated with ground-level ozone.

Managing the Effects of Global Warming

In the present condition of the world right now, we must find ways to manage the effects of Global warming.
Practical solutions should be started in order to decrease the carbon emissions, slow down the pace of global
warming and provide a sustainable future to the next generations.

The primary action that humankind must do to effectively address global warming is to reduce the emissions
of greenhouse gases into the earth’s atmosphere. One way to help as individuals is by reducing our personal
carbon emissions every day. The leaders of the world must put into actions that can support and implement
laws and regulations that can provide efficient climate solutions.

Carbon Footprint Computation

One way to determine a person’s environmental impact is through Carbon Footprint computation. It is
usually expressed in equivalent tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂). It calculates the sum of all the produced carbon
induced by a person’s energy use. Awareness of personal carbon footprints can help reduce energy
consumption leading to minimized carbon emissions production.

Since 1970, an estimate increase of 36 percent of the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide has been
reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Based from scientific studies, the increase of CO₂
concentration in the atmosphere originates mostly from human activities.

Carbon footprint calculators have been developed by the EPA and non-profit environmental agencies in order
to calculate individual carbon contributions. Online calculators are also available. In using the calculator,
personal information about vehicle or public transportation usage, energy used at home, water consumption,
food consumption, goods production and waste management are necessary to get the computation.

Minimizing personal energy consumption is the primary way to reduce carbon footprint. Use of public
transportation or low-emission vehicles, energy-efficient products at home, reusing and recycling are just
some of the ways to decrease carbon footprints.

Ways to Reduce Global Warming and Climate Change

To reduce Global Warming and the alarming climate change, the people can do their own part by doing the
following:

1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

2. Use Less heat and air conditioning.
3. Drive less and drive smart.
4. Buy energy efficient products.
5. Grow your own foods in your backyard.
6. Plant trees in your back yard.
7. Replace incandescent lights to fluorescents light bulbs.
8. Use hybrid or electric cars.
9. Encourage others to conserve.
10. Support the government projects geared toward environmental preservations.

ENERGY CRISIS

A sustainable and reliable source of energy of a country shows its prosperity and development. As stated by
the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the primary energy sources include petroleum, natural gas, coal,
renewable energy, and nuclear electric power. Energy sources such as crude oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear
energy are classified as non-renewable because they do not form or replenish in a short period of time. These
non-renewable energy sources are extracted from the ground in the form of liquids, gases, and solids. Liquid
petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel fuel are made out of the crude oil. Butane, ethane, and
propane are taken from both natural gas and crude oil.

Solar, Geothermal, Hydropower, Wind, Biomass, and Bio-fuels are renewable energy sources that replenish
naturally in a short period of time. Biomass includes wood and wood waste, landfill gas, Biogas, Ethanol, and
biodiesel.

Energy crisis may lead to questions such as, “Will we run out of energy?” Or “How do we secure our access to
energy?” At present, developing countries have high demands of energy resources in order to secure its future
economic development. Unfortunately, environmental risks are associated in accessing energy demands.

Causes of the Energy Crisis

The causes behind the energy crisis can never be blamed to a single factor. This global problem can be
attributed to the following according to the publications of the World Energy Organization.

1. Overconsumption. This is a result of too much use of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal.
2. Overpopulation. The human population steady increase leads to more demands to energy resources.
3. Poor infrastructure. The continued use of outdated equipment’s in maintaining old infrastructures
limits energy production.
4. Unexplored renewable energy options. Ignorance of other renewable energy sources options will
lead the people to greatly depend in non-renewable energy resources.

5. Delay in commissioning of power plants. The big difference between the energy demands and supply
of some countries may be due to its reliance to the old power plants established years ago.

6. Wastage of energy. The energy wasting habits at home such as leaving the lights on or leaving electronic
gadgets plugged adds more problem with the energy shortage nowadays.

7. Poor distribution system. If the energy from plants has poor distribution system, tripping and breakdowns
will be more frequent.
8. Major accidents and natural calamities. Energy supply shortages may be caused by natural calamities,
like volcanic eruptions, floods and earthquakes, and major accidents. This may result to greater increase in
energy price in the global market.

9. Wars and attacks. Unsettled wars involving Middle East countries may create major problems for energy
consumers due to global shortage.

10. Miscellaneous factors. These factors include Political Events, Strikes, Tax hikes, Severe Weather
Changes. If the problems will arise from oil producing companies, it will directly cause energy crisis.

OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

One of the latest technologies nowadays that can secure the earth’s energy requirement and at the same
time address the issues of climate change is the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Basics

As defined by the Office of Energy and Renewable Energy, OTEC, short for Ocean Thermal Energy
Conversion is a process that can generate electricity by using the heat energy stored in the Earth’s oceans. This
is an energy technology invented by Georges Claude in the 1920s. The first OTEC plant was built in Cuba. It can
produce electrical energy from the temperature difference between the deep cold ocean water and the warm
tropical surface waters. It works best if the temperature difference about 36 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees
Celsius.

This alternative energy resource can provide continuous power source that can be sustained all year round. It
is said to be a clean energy source and environmentally sustainable.

Since OTEC can produce billions of watts of electrical energy, this might be one way to address the current
energy issues the world is facing such as energy security, price volatility, unsustainable supply, and climate
change.

Types of OTEC Systems

Closed-cycle or Anderson OTEC cycle. In the closed cycle, a fluid with low boiling point like the ammonia is
used to power up a turbine in order to generate electricity. The heat exchanger pumps the warm surface
seawater, where the ammonia is vaporized. It then turns the turbo-generator. The second heat generator now
pumps the cold deep seawater then condenses the vapor back into a liquid.

Open-cycle or Claude OTEC cycle. In the open cycle, the warm seawater is placed in a low-pressure container
to boil. The steam produced powers the turbine attached to an electrical generator. The steam produced is salt
free, almost pure and fresh water. Once exposed to cold temperatures from deep ocean water, the steam will
be condensed back into liquid.

Hybrid system. This OTE C system combines the features of both Closed and Open cycle.

The OTEC power plants are of two different kinds. There are floating power plants or sea-based and another is
the land-based. Both land and sea-based power plants work almost the same.

Advantages and Disadvantages of OTEC Technology

The use of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion as source of electrical energy has its pros and cons. Advantages
include the following:
 1. It produces clean, green renewable energy.
2. It produces no chemical pollution.
3. It does not involve burning fossil fuels which leads to lessened greenhouse gas production
4. It can provide potable water from ocean water.
5. It can also produce fuels such as hydrogen that can be used to power fuel cells in electric cars.
6. This technology can be used for aquaculture, refrigeration, and air conditioning.

The disadvantages of depending energy resources from OTEC Systems include the following:

1. OTEC plants are only suitable in tropical areas.

2. Electricity produced by OTEC power plants is costly.
3. Construction of OTEC power plants requires great amount of investment.
4. Construction of power plants may damage coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.
5. OTEC system may result to political concerns.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

In order to find the best solution to address the current environmental crisis, environmental awareness is a
number on requirement. Here is a list of the current issues the environment is facing today:

1. Air pollution. Toxins from the factories and vehicle are the primary reason behind the air pollution.
Urban sprawl, acid deposition, and oil leaks contaminate the groundwater. The burning of fossil fuels
from the power plants and manufacturing plants discharge different gases that pollute the air.
2. Water pollution. In the increasing human population results to more demands for clean water.
Pollution of water are mostly caused by discharges from agricultural and industrial activities.
3. Soil and land pollution. Mining for minerals, deforestation, construction, and industrial activities
degrade the earth’s surface. Land pollution have a big impact in the terrestrial ecosystems.
4. Climate change. The melting of the polar ice, new health issues, changes in seasons are some of the
many destructive impacts of the Climate Change resulting from the increasing temperature of the
earth’s surface.
5. Global warming. Greenhouse gases are by-products of fossil fuel utilization. In turn, it leads to
environmental changes that affect humans, animals, and plants.
6. Deforestation. The forests play a great responsibility in managing the earth’s temperature and
precipitation. The increased number of human population results to more demands for homes, food
and materials. The forests are continuously losing in order to provide these demands
7. Increased carbon footprint. Human activities directly and indirectly produce greenhouse gases. As
humans depend in fossil fuels, carbon foot print is increased and this cause destruction to the earth.
8. Genetic modification. The demands for food due to the increasing population have been addressed
by genetic engineering. The humans found a way to modify the genes of the plants through this
technology. However, these genetically modified food causes threat to the animal consumers those
results to poisons and sicknesses.
9. Effect on marine life. One of the problems in the world is facing the increasing amount of carbon in
the Water. This has a direct effect on shellfishes and microscopic fishes.
10. Public health issues. The present environmental problems are a great threat to the wellness of the
mankind, including the animals. If left unresolved, this may affect the life span of both humans and
animals.
11. Overpopulation. At present, the sustainability of the earth’s resources is at threat due to the
increasing growth of population. This is one of the most salient environmental problem that needs to
be addressed immediately.
12. Loss of biodiversity. Human activities have affected the earth’s biodiversity. Destruction of habitat
leads to loss of biodiversity.
13. Littering and landfills. The problem in proper waste disposal has been one of the issues related with
the growth of population and industries. Municipal and household garbage once incinerated or buried
in landfills result to environmental damage in the long run. Certain waste products of manufacturing
industries generate refuse that cannot be reuse and must be properly dispose of.
14. Ozone layer depletion. The ozone layer provides a great protection against the radiation of the sun.
The presence of Chlorofluorocarbon’s (CFC’s) in the atmosphere breaks the bond of the ozone in the
stratosphere. The greatest ozone depletion was detected over the Antarctic.
15. Mining. The earth’s minerals once extracted through mining may release harmful chemicals to the
atmosphere. These emissions may pollute the air, water and the soil.
16. Natural resource depletion. Overconsumption of the non-renewable resources of the earth may lead
to global warming that result to more alarming environmental issues.
17. Natural disasters. Millions of people are severely affected by the current natural calamities
happening in the planet. This includes hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and forest fires. What makes
it worst is its unpredictability and the irreparable outcomes.
18. Nuclear issues. One great source of energy comes from nuclear resources. However, its by-product,
the radioactive waste is extremely harmful and toxic. Improper disposal of radioactive wastes will
affect humans, plants, and animals including in the environment.
19. Habitat loss. Habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation are the different kinds of habitat
loss. This environmental concern may pose a great threat to the wildlife and terrestrial ecosystems.
20. Acid rain. The acidic rain water caused by the contamination of precipitation with nitrogen and sulfuric
acids has great ecological effects. The acid deposition may affect the aquatic ecosystems, forest,
man-made structures, and even cause health issues.
21. Agricultural pollution. The use of chemical products like pesticides and fertilizers has been a
common agricultural practice nowadays in dealing with pest. As the chemicals seep into the ground,
it contaminates the groundwater and thereby will soon affect the plants and crops.
22. Light and noise pollution. One of the common concerns arising from the urban areas is the high
density of lights from buildings, cars, and street lights. This pollution greatly affects the bird
populations especially in their communication, mating, and social behavior.
23. Urban sprawl. Urban sprawl or the widespread population growth in undeveloped areas brings about
results to various effects. This includes increase in public costs, traffic flow congestions, health
issues, and environmental concerns.
24. Medical waste. The refuse generated from healthcare facilities like hospitals, laboratory clinics,
dental clinics, and nursing homes are considered biologically hazardous waste. Improper disposal of
these biomedical wastes can lead to environmental contamination.