BSBA MKTG 2 – D
Course Subject: GEC 8 – Science, Tech. & Society
Instructor: Mr. Ryan R. Alabado
Class Schedule: 3:00 – 4:30 pm (MWF)
----------- SUMMARY -----------
WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS
TECHNOLOGY
 appeared in the 17th century
 from the Greek words “TECHNE” which means art and
“LOGOS” which means word
 a discourse on arts (Buchanan, 2010).
 has progressed, and now a days technology is more
associated with the concepts of machine and tools
ROLES PLAYED BY TECHNOLOGY
 Each person in the society is affected directly or
indirectly by technology whether he wills it or not.
 Makes life so much easier and more convenient than
before
 Brings pleasure and happiness to people because of
the different leisure activities it could give
 Allows people to communicate with their loved ones
anywhere in the world
 Allows people to surf and play games anytime,
anywhere
*Technology becomes a “necessity”. At present, a lot of
people work hard to be able to save money to buy these
“necessities”. Unlike in the past, people only use their
money to things that would help them survive like food,
housing, clothing and anything outside these categories is
considered a luxury.
. *Technology continues to progress not just because of
changing environment but also to the ever-progressing
mind of mankind. Although it has been very helpful to
people, it is still not immune to criticisms and backlash due
to several ethical dilemma it brought to lives of every
individual
SOME TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES & ITS IMPACT TO
HUMANITY:
TELEVISION
- mainly used as a platform for advertisements and
information dissemination, different propagandas and
advocacies
FACTS
 92% of urban homes and 70% of rural homes own at
least one television set (Kantar Media)
 Remains as the ultimate medium for advertisement
placements (The Manila Times, 2014)
 Number of households with television set has already
reached 15.135 million (Noda, 2012)
*This simply implies that television plays a great role in the
life of people, in this case the Filipinos. In fact Filipinos are
believed to have a great fascination for televisions. They
spend most of their vacant time watching T.V
TELEVISON’S BACKGROUND STORY
PAUL GOTTLIEB NIPKOW
 A German student
 In the late 1800s, he became successful in his attempt
to send images through wires with the aid of a rotating
metal disk called the “electric telescope”
 Has 18 lines of resolution
ALAN ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL-SWINTON (an English
scientist) & BORIS ROSING (a Russian scientist)
 In 1907, created a new system of television by using
cathode ray tube in addition to the mechanical scanner
system.
 This success story gave rise to types of television
system the MECHANICAL and the ELECTRONIC
television (Jezek, n.d.) and inspired other scientist to
improve the previous inventions which led to the
modern television people now have.
MOBILE PHONES
- primarily use for communication, taking picture and
surfing the Internet
FACTS
 More than half of the Filipino population own at least
one mobile phone regardless of the type
 In 2010, global research agency Synovate conducted a
survey and declared 67% product ownership in the
country.
 Mobiles phones was considered a “must have” among
young Filipinos (ABS-CBN News, 2010)
 1 in every 3 Filipinos cannot live without a mobile
phone (Ipsos Media Atlas Philippines Nationwide
Urban 2011-2012 survey).
 In other words, 30% of the Philippine urban population
nationwide said that mobile phones are necessities in
life (Roa, 2012)
*Philippine streets are full of people using their mobile
phones. Not only this, there are some Filipinos who own
even more than one mobile phone. They love to use it
anywhere and anytime. They use it for different purposes
other than for communication.
 MOBILE PHONE’S BACKGROUND STORY APRIL 1981
MARTIN COOPER  The first portable computer was released and was
 A senior engineer at Motorola called the OBSORNE 1 (Orfano, 2011)
 April 3, 1973, he made the world’s first phone call. *A typical household owns at least 4 of the following
The mobile phone devices; a mobile phone (89%), smart phone (53%),
tablet (14%), desktop (39%), laptop or netbooks
 weighted 1.1 kg and measured 228.6 x 127 x 44.4
(37%), and smart TV (4%) (Philstar, 2013). This data
mm
prove the deep-seated fascination of Filipinos to the
 capable of a 30 minute talk time
different technological devices.
 takes 10 hours to charge
 in 1983, Motorola made their first commercial
mobile phone available to the public known as the SOME FACTS ABOUT FILIPINOS AND THEIR USE OF
Motorola DynaTAC 8000X (Goodwin, 2016) GADGETS AND THE INTERNET (Rapple, n.d.)
 Mobile phone subscription is at 119M
COMPUTERS AND LAPTOPS  Filipinos spend approximately 3.2 hours on mobile
- also used or communication and surfing the and 5.2 hours on desktop daily.
Internet as well as playing online games  Currently, the Philippines has one of the highest
digital populations in the world
FACTS
 There are now 47 million active Facebook accounts
 In 2016, 54% of the 3.6 million estimated total in the Philippines
value of manufacturing establishments came from  The Philippines is the fastest- growing application
com putters and peripheral equipment and market in the Southeast Asia.
accessories (PSA, 2013)
 In line with the growing number of computer and
laptop sales, there has also been a growing ETHICAL DILLEMAS FACED BY THESE TECHNOLOGICAL
number of Internet users in the Philippines. ADVANCEMENTS
*Computers and laptops have also become part of the  Most parents would argue that these devices
Filipino households. There are some who owns more make their children lazy and unhealthy
than one computer or laptop. However, the number of  Children who are not yet capable of rationally
computers and laptops sold is not as high as the deciding for themselves of what is right or wrong,
number of mobile phone because of its relatively re freely exposed to different things on television,
higher cost. Most of the profits gained by computer mobile phones, laptops, or computers
and laptop manufacturers come from offices, business, ETHICS OF RESPONSIBILITY
or schools where such devices have become part of  focuses on the positive rather than the negative
their necessities.  instead of asking “what ought not to be allowed?”
COMPUTER AND LAPTOP’S BACKGROUND STORY ask “what ought to be allowed”
CHARLES BABBAGE In other words, people who are part of the scientific
 19TH century English Mathematicians professor development ought to let the public know the good in
 Designed the Analytical Engine which was used as their perspective technological contribution/s. In this
the basic framework of computers even until the way, the people will have an idea how the devices
present time ought to be used in order to maximize their positive
results.
Artificial Intelligence/ Robotics and Humanity
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and United
Nations Economiv Commission for Europe (UNECE)
formulates the working definition of Service Robots
ROBOTS (IFR,2012)
o Another great products of the innovative minds of the
people is the robot. Robots are now widely used.
o A robot is an actuated mechanism programmable in
two or more axes with a degree of autonomy, moving
within its environment, to perform intended tasks.
Autonomy - ability to perform intended tasks based on
current state and sensing without human intervention.
Partial-Autonomy – includes active human-robot interaction.
Full-Autonomy - excludes active human-robot interaction. A
robot who can perform actions or activities w/o a master telling
it what should be done or what should be performed next.
Service Robot
o A robot that performs useful tasks for humans or
equipment excluding industrial automation application. o It is not completely possible for robots to develop
o A robot maybe classified according to its intended
application as an industrial robot or a service robot.
Personal Service Robot
o Service robot for personal use.
o Used for a noncommercial task, usually by lay persons.
Professional Service Robot
o Also called, Service robot for professional use.
o Used for a commercial task, usually operated by a
properly trained operator.
Germany was the first country to develop service robots.
- As part of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Intelligence are:
Research’s (GFMER) “Service Robotics Innovation Lead
Initiative”
- Deutsche Servicerobotik Initiative-German Service
Robotics Initiative (DESIRE), Collaborative Project
sponsored by GFMER.
The earliest conception of robots can be traced around
3000 B.C. from the Egyptians.
GEORGE DEVOL
 An American inventor known for developing Unimate, o Complex Movements.
from the words Universal Automation, the very first
material handling robot employed in industrial
production work.
Roles played by robotics
o Ease the workload of mankind
o Make life more efficient and less stressful
o Perform simple tasks and complicated activities
o Pleasure, entertainment in parks or exhibits
o Child-friendly Toys
o Used in movies or as characters in Movies
ISAAC ASIMOV -was an American writer and professor of
biochemistry at Boston University.
ISAAC ASIMOV’S “THREE LAWS OF ROBOTICS”
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through
inaction, allow human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings
except where such order would conflict with the first
law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such
protections does not conflict with the first and second
law.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS FACED BY ROBOTICS
Safety
o Who should be accountable if someone’s safety is
compromised by a robot?
o Who should be blamed, the robot, or the maker/
inventor of the robot?
Emotional Component
emotions.
o What if robots become sentient?
o Should they be granted robot rights?
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
 Is an area of computer science that emphasizes the
creation of intelligent machines that work and reacts
like humans.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
(AI) AND NATURAL INTELLIGENCE (NI)
Main advantages of Artificial Intelligence over Natural
o Fabulous Speed.
o Operate 24/7.
o Accuracy.
o Less biased
In contrast
o Energy efficient.
o Universal.
o Multi-tasking.
WHY THE FUTURE DOESN’T NEED US
o 21st Technologies can do better, cheaper and faster
than humans.
o Possible dangers of increasingly advancing
technologies.
 genetics, nanotechnology and robotics
Argues machines will eventually become smarter than us,
creating a dystopia.

SOCIAL MEDIA
 forms of electronic communication (such as websites for
social) through which users create online communities to
share information, ideas, personal message, and other
content (such as videos or music).
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH
A. Positive Effects of Social Media on Health
 Sharing of Doctors prescriptions to friends, relatives and
colleagues.
 Consulting Doctors online anywhere and anytime.
 Sharing suggestions among friends, relatives and colleagues
about various diseases and its symptoms.
 Access to information in developing regions.
 Support and mutual accountability on online health forums.
 Support for health-related causes.
 Helping health services to prioritize critical cases.
 Increased accountability to consumers.
 More data available to health researchers.
B. Negative Effects of Social Media on Health
 Incorrect self-diagnosis
 Potential breach of privacy
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON BUSINESS
A. Positive Effect of Social Media on Business
 With the use of Social Media, it is better to understand the
customer requirements.
 Social Media helps in promoting the Business all over the
World.
 Social Media builds deals and client maintenance through
standard connection and auspicious client benefit.
 Social Media provides rich customer experiences.
 With Social media monitoring you can gain key information
about your competitors.
 With the help of social media, Sharing contents about the
Business faster and easier.
 Social networking sites helps to make new customers by
providing various facilities.
 It helps to increase market insight and expand out beyond
your rivals with online networking.
 It also helps to increase awareness among customers for
better understanding of products.
B. Negative Effect of Social Media on Business
 In business, Social Media isn't totally hazard free in light of
the fact that a significant number of the fans and supporters
are allowed to post their feeling on a specific association; the
negative remark can lead the association to disappointment.
 Negative customer reviews are harmful.
 Highly time consuming.
 The web is crowded with more and more content.
 A mistake made on social media is hard to rectify.
 Many of the substantial association have succumbed to the
programmers.
 The wrong online brand system can fate an organization, and
put at a tremendous viral social drawback.
 Getting included with Social Media is extremely time
consuming. As an association you ought to appoint a man to
dependably support your pages and profile with noteworthy
substance.
 Most organizations experience issues measuring the
consequences of web-based social networking promoting.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON EDUCATION
A. Positive Effect of Social Media on Education
One can adopt its benefits to gain positive results in education.
 Socializing: An important part of growing up, is to socialize
and make friends. It allows the children to exchange ideas
and learn new things. This will invariably result in them
becoming more confident in life.
 Sharing knowledge: It provides an easy and an effective way
in which students can share knowledge. Students can simply
access the information, study, transform (if needed) and
share. Hence, the flow of knowledge becomes smooth.
 Updating oneself: They will have the capacity to know new
things as and when it happens. This causes them refresh
their own particular information base.
 Learning from various sources: The long range interpersonal
communication advances are worked in such a way, to the
point that understudies will have the capacity to pick the
gathering, movement or the individual they would need to
take after for every day refreshes.
 Being Prepared: The social networking technologies are all
about showcasing the trends that run around the world.
Students can setup a plan of what might be expected out of
them in the future by observing the changes that are being
updated, shared, discussed or spoken about on the social
networking sites.
 Sharing what they feel or think: Students frequently don't
get the right stage to share their feelings. Through social
networking technologies they are given an option to sound
their thoughts. If students were permitted to share what
they think and feel, it becomes simple for them to decide
what is good and what is bad.
B. Negative effect of Social Media on Education
1. Reduced learning and research capabilities. Students are
depending more on the information reachable easily on
these social networking sites and the web. This reduces their
learning and research capabilities.
2. Reduction in real human contact. The additional time the
students spend on these online networking destinations, the
less time they will go through associating face to face with
others. This decreases their relational abilities. They won't
have the capacity to convey and mingle adequately face to
face with others.
3. Reduces command over language use age and creative
writing skills. Students generally utilize slang words or
abbreviated types of words on long range interpersonal
communication locales. They begin depending on the PC
language structure and spelling check highlights. This
decreases their charge over the dialect and their
experimental writing abilities.
4. Time wastage. Students, while seeking and concentrate on
the web, get pulled in to utilizing online networking locales
and once in a while they overlook why they are using
internet. Sometimes students are not able to deliver their
work in the specified time frame as their time wastes.
5. Low grades. Students get low evaluations in school because
of absence of the coveted data and composing abilities.
6. Loss of motivation in students. The student’s motivational
level lessens because of the utilization of these long range
interpersonal communication locales. They depend on the
virtual condition as opposed to increasing reasonable
learning from this present reality.
7. Effect on health. The unnecessary use of these sites has an
effect on the mental as well as physical health. Students do
not take their meals on time and take proper rest. The abuse
of these destinations once a day has many adverse impacts
on the physical and psychological wellness of students
making them lazy and unmotivated to make contact with the
general population face to face.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON SOCIETY
A. Positive Effect of Social Media on Society
a) Connectivity – The first and foremost benefit of the social
media is connectivity. People from anywhere can connect
with anyone. Regardless of the location and religion. The
prettiness of social media is that you can attach with anyone
to learn and share your thoughts.
b) Education – Social networking provide various benefits to
the students and teachers. It is very easy to educate from
others who are experts and professionals via the social
media. One can follow anyone to learn from him/her and
enhance his knowledge about any field.
c) Help – You can impart your issues to the group to get help
and energy. Regardless of whether it is helping in term of
cash or in term of advices, you can get it from the group you
are associated with.
d) Information and Updates – The primary favorable position of
the web-based social networking is that you refresh yourself
from the most recent happenings around on the planet.
e) Advertising – We can promote our business to the largest
audience. The whole world is open for you, and can
promote to them. It will help in increase the profits and
achieves the targets of Business.
f) Noble Cause – Social media can also be used for the noble
causes. The public is making use of social media for
contribution for needy people and it can be a quick way to
help such people.
g) Helps in Building Communities – Since our world has
different religions and beliefs, so people of different
communities can connect to discuss and share related stuffs.
B. Negative Effect of Social Media on Society
a. Cyber Harassing – According to a report distributed by
PewCenter.org the greater part of the youngsters has
progressed toward becoming casualties of the digital bulling
over the past. Since anyone can make a phony record and do
anything without being tailed, it has ended up being
exceptionally straightforward for anyone to spook on the
Internet. Dangers, terrorizing messages and bits of gossip
can be sent to the majority to make inconvenience and
uproar in the general public.
b. Hacking – Personal information and security can be hacked
and shared on the Internet. Some twitter and Facebook
accounts have been hacked in the past and the programmer
had posted materials that have influenced the person's lives.
c. Addiction – The addictive piece of the online networking is
awful and can exasperate individual lives also. It can
likewise squander individual’s time that could have been
used by profitable tasks and exercises.
d. Fraud and Scams – Several cases are available where people
have committed fraud and scams through the online
networking.
e. Reputation – Social media can without much of a stretch
destroy somebody's notoriety just by making a false story
and spreading over the online networking.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON KID AND TEENS
A. Positive Effect of Social Media on Kid and Teens
a. Help Develop Awareness: Most teens live a sheltered life.
But with exposure to various media outlets, they can
develop awareness about society and the world. With news
channels, magazines, social networking sites blaring about
world happenings, youth can understand that there is more
to the world than just what is happening in the ‘hood.
b. Help Develop Social Skills: Many teens are socially awkward.
Social Media also gives them the probability to develop their
social circle and develop new friendships. Other benefits
include social confidence, heightened literacy in the media,
and more social support. Social media diversifies teen’s
social skills, which in turn helps them navigate successfully
through modern society.
c. Inspire Them: When our teen watches an action flick, don’t
just despair about the violence. With a minute control on
teens, they can use the movie as encouragement, motivation
and inspiration! Maybe our teen will decide to take up
martial arts training, all thanks to a Bruce Lee movie! Mostly
youngsters give the impression of being celebrities, and
when a celebrity tells them to stay off drugs, they just might
listen.
d. Help Develop Reading and Writing Skills: When a celebrity
talks of her favorite book, a teenager might be tempted to
grab a book too.
B. Negative Effect of Social Media on Kid and Teens
a. Distorted Body Image: The world is full of perfect people
today. With the use of Photoshop, the images are
everywhere and lead to distorted body image among a
number of teenagers. Anorexia and bulimia are a fall out of
this body image crisis.
b. Risky Sexual Behavior: Young people are simply finding
their sexuality. It is exceptionally typical for them to be
occupied with everything sexual. However, the measure of
sex in media today can make an adolescent befuddled. Sex
without duty – that is by all accounts the message being
radiated at adolescents. This can prompt untrustworthy
sexual conduct and undesirable pregnancies.
c. Score Low in School: Teens who watch too much television
have lower scores in exams.
Environmental Awareness Biodiversity and Ecosystem
INTRODUCTION: Biodiversity
Fact(s):  Defined as the vast variety of life forms in the entire Earth.
 Vertebrates fell from 60% from the 1970’s due to human  It encompasses all kinds of life forms, from the single-celled
causes organisms to the largest multi-celled organisms.
 It is projected that by 2020, wildlife decline will be 67% of  “The variability among living organisms from all sources,
the present number. including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems
 The World Wide Fund for Nature and Zoological Society of and ecological complexes.”
London reported an annual decrease in wildlife by 2%. A  It is the source of the essential goods and ecological services
major cause is human population which has doubled in that constitute the source of life for all and it has direct
number since 1960 to 7.4 billion consumptive value in food, agriculture, medicine, and in
 Humans have industrialized the natural habitat of wildlife industry. (Villaggio Globale, 2009)
as well as marine life. Leaving these creatures with no place  Biodiversity plays a major role in this natural dynamics.
to live in and would eventually cause their deaths. Ecosystem
 Marco Lambertini, the General Director of WWF  Is a geographic area where plants, animals, and other
International, described that the disappearance of wildlife is organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together
at an unprecedented rate. to form a bubble of life.
 Earth might enter the sixth mass extinction event according  It contain biotic or living organisms, as well as abiotic factors,
to experts. or non-living organisms.
 Mass extinction is described as the disappearance of species
Fact(s):
at a rate of 1,000 faster than usual.
 People will always depend on biodiversity on the wholeness
Environmental Awareness
of our being and in our everyday lives. More so, our health
 Is to understand the fragility of our environment and the will ultimately depend upon the products and services that
importance of its protection. we acquire from the ecosystem.
 Promoting environmental awareness is an easy way to  Significant decline in biodiversity has direct human impact
become an environmental steward and participate in when ecosystem in its insufficiency can no longer provide
creating a brighter future of our children. the physical as well as the social needs of human beings.
Importance of Environment Changes in Biodiversity
 For Healthy Living - Better Rainfall Fact(s):
 Better Breath - Better Water
 Better Soil - Better Plants  Alteration in any system could bring varied effects.
 A change in Biodiversity could have erratic effects not only in
Some Measures to Check Environmental Pollution wildlife or marine life but also in human beings.
 The loss of these life forms could affect the entire ecosystem
 Environmental Courts - Vehicle Pollution governing that environment.
 Environment Friendly - Hotel Near Sea Shore The concept of biodiversity refers to the variety of life on three
Products
- Nat’l River Action Plan different levels:
 Unloading of Petrol
 Ban on Harmful - Solar Energy Commission  Genetic Diversity – it is basically the variety of species
- No Smoking in Public expressed at the genetic level by each individual in a
Pesticides
species. No two individuals belonging to the same species
 National Waste are exactly similar. For example, in the species of human
Management Council beings, each human shows a lot of diversity in comparison to
another human. People living in different regions show a
Ways to Save Environment great level of variation.
“We are a reflection of our Environment.  Species Diversity – it is the biodiversity observed within
a community. It stands for the number and distribution of
 Plant more tree  Save water species. The number of species in a region varies widely
 Walk more, drive less  Save animals depending upon the varied environmental conditions. For
example, it is usually observed that civilizations residing
 Change habit  Stop pollution
beside water bodies show more species than the one
 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle compared to the areas away from water bodies.
 Ecological diversity – it defines the diversity observed
among the ecosystems in a particular region. Different
ecosystems like mangroves, rainforests, deserts, etc., show a
great variety of life forms residing in them.
Threats to Biodiversity  Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: the
Accrdg to United Nations’ Environment Programme (WHO, ecosystem, with food production as an ecosystem service;
n.d.) the species in the ecosystem and the genetic diversity
within species.
 Habitat loss and destruction –usually as a direct result of
 Nutritional composition between foods and among
human activity and population growth, is a major force in
varieties/cultivars/breeds of the same food can differ
the loss of species, populations, and ecosystems.
dramatically, affecting micronutrient availability in the
 Alterations in ecosystem composition – it is the loss or
diet.
decline of a species, can lead to a loss of biodiversity.
 Healthy local diets, with adequate average levels of
 Over-exploitation – the over-hunting, over-fishing, or
nutrients intake, necessitates maintenance of high
over-collecting of a species or population can lead to its
biodiversity levels.
demise.
 Intensified and enhanced food production through
 Pollution and contamination – it can affect all levels of
irrigation, use of fertilizer, plant protection (pesticides) or
biodiversity.
the introduction of crop varieties and cropping patterns
 Global climate change – it can alter environmental
affect biodiversity, and thus impact global nutritional
conditions. Species and populations may be lost if they
status and human health.
are unable to adapt to new conditions or relocate.
 Habitat simplification, species loss and species succession
Consequences of Biodiversity Loss often enhance communities vulnerabilities as a function
 Threat to existing species – the introduction of new of environmental receptivity to ill health.
species is happening on farms, too, where natives are Health, Biology, and Biodiversity
pushed out because of imported foreign breeds of cattle.
 Health is often considered as a basic human right
The effect of this is the narrowing of the world’s livestock
 Biodiversity can be considered as the foundation for
population. They are also becoming more susceptible to
human health as it underpins the functioning of the
disease, drought, and changes in climate.
ecosystems on which we depend for our food and fresh
 Increased Contact with Diseases – the loss of biodiversity
water.
has two major effects on human health and the spread of
 Biodiversity also contributes to local livelihoods, to both
disease. Firstly, it increases the count of animals carrying
traditional and modern medicines and to economic
disease in local populations. As habitats reduce in size,
development.
these animals become common, winning out the species
that do not generally transmit disease.  Almost all living organisms are dependent to their
environment to live and reproduce.
 More Unpredictable Weather – the unseasonable
weather and extreme weather is a huge problem which  Basic needs of living organisms such as air, water, food,
leads to destruction and displacement. Research has and habitat are provided by its environment.
shown that loss of species causes more unpredictable  Advances in agriculture, sanitation, water treatment, and
weather. hygiene have had a far greater impact on human health
 Loss of Livelihoods – biodiversity is essential for than medical technology.
maintaining livelihoods. Taking an example, when ocean Environment- Related Illnesses
ecosystems collapse, entire communities built on the Some Human Illnesses that are found to be related with its
plenty they provide lose their means of employment as environment include:
well. The cause can be pollution, overfishing, or a  Parkinson’s disease
combination of these. Humans are always affected by the  Heart disease, Cancer
downfall of the ecosystem surrounding them.
 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
 Losing Sight of Nature – the worth of nature to humanity
 Asthma
is far beyond the utility of it. The physical deflation of
 Diabetes
nature certainly does affect humans. People always tend
 Obesity
to find solace in nature. It also provides a recreation spots
for us to take a break from our busy lives. But loss of  Occupational injuries
biodiversity threatens to take away the value that man  Dysentery
finds in nature.  Arthritis
 Malaria,
Nutritional Impact of Biodiversity
 Depression
 Biodiversity plays a crucial role in human nutrition
through its influence on world food production, as it
ensures the sustainable productivity of soils and provides
the genetic resources for all crops, livestock, and marine
species harvested for food.
CLIMATE CHANGE
 Refers to the statistically significant changes in climate for
continuous period of time.
Factors that contributes to Climate Change:
o Natural Internal Process
o External Forces
o Persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of
the atmosphere or in land use.
o Natural occurrences due to acts of human beings.
CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE (NATURAL CAUSES)
1. VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS – it emits different natural aerosols 4. HUMAN ACTIVITIES
like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, salt crystals, volcanic
ashes or dust and even microorganisms like bacteria and
viruses.
The process during Volcanic Eruptions:
1) The release of ash particles in the stratosphere.
2) Volcanic ashes that has sulfur dioxide combines w/ water
vapor.
3) It then forms to sulfuric acid and sulfurous aerosols
4) Sulfurous aerosols are transported by easterly/westerly
winds.
5) Caused global cooling because of the wind pattern.
Fact(s):
 Mt. Tambora of Indonesia erupted in 1816, was known as
the largest eruption in human history.
 Mt. Krakatau of Indonesia in 1883 and Mt. Pinatubo of the
Philippines in 1991 contributed too in the cold years of
planet earth.
2. ORBITAL CHANGES - Milankovitch Theory, states that: “As
the Earth travels through space around the sun, cyclical
variations in three elements of Earth-Sun Geometry combine
to produce variations in the amount of solar energy that
reaches Earth”
(Academic Emporia, 2017)
The three elements that have Cyclic Variations:
a. ECCENTRICITY – a term used to describe the shape of the
Earth’s orbit. The impact of the variation is a change in the
amount of solar energy from Perihelion (around Jan. 3) to
Aphelion (around Jul. 4). The time frame for the cycle is
approximately 98,000 yrs. Currently Earth’s Eccentricity is
0.016 and there is about a 6.4% increase in insolation from
July to January
 Academic Emphoria (2017) states “The eccentricity
influences seasonal differences: when Earth is closest to the
sun, it gets more solar radiation. If the Perihelion occurs
during winter, the winter is less severe. If a hemisphere has
its summer while closest to the sun, summers are relatively
warm.”
b. OBLIQUITY – is the variation of the tilt of Earth’s axis away
from the orbital plane. As this tilt changes, the seasons
become more exaggerated. The time frame for the cycle is
approximately 40,000 yrs.
 Academic Emphoria (2017) states “The more tilt means more
severe seasons – warmer summers and colder winters; less
tilt means less severe seasons – cooler summers and milder
winters.”
c. PRECESSION – is the change in orientation of Earth’s
rotational axis. The time frame for the cycle is approximately
19-23,000 yrs. It affects the direction of the Earth’s axis.
Caused by 2 Factors: (Academic Emporia, 2017)
 A wobble in the Earth’s axis
 A turning around of the elliptical orbit of Earth itself
3. THE CARBON DIOXIDE THEORY - Carbon Dioxide is added
when power and heat are produced by burning coal, oil, and
other fossil fuels. It is transparent to sunshine but not visible
to infrared (heat) radiation leaving the ground.
 Burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide gas to
the atmosphere is the largest known human activity that
contributes greatly in climate change
 Human activities result in emissions of four principal
greenhouse gases: Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide
and the Halocarbons (a group of gases containing fluorine,
chlorine, and bromine)
 Ozone is another greenhouse gas that is continually
produced and destroyed in the atmosphere by chemical
reactions.
 Halocarbons released by Human activities destroy ozone in
the stratosphere and have caused the ozone hole over
Antarctica.
 Water vapor is the most abundant and important
greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, human activities have
only a small direct influence on the amount of atmospheric
water vapor.
 Aerosols contain both naturally occurring compounds and
those emitted as a result of human activities.
 Human activities such as surface mining and industrial
processes have increased dust in the atmosphere.
 Montreal Protocol Treaty – aims to regulate the production
and use of chemicals that contribute to Ozone Layer
Depletion (Britannica, 2017)
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
 It directly affects the basic elements of people’s lives like water,
food, health, use of land and the environment.
 Glaciers will continue to melt faster within the next fifty years
with the average global temperature of 2-3 degrees Celsius.
 Declining Crops due to drought, especially in Africa, which likely
will leave hundreds and millions to be incapable to produce or
purchase sufficient food.
 Increase flood risks during the wet season and strongly reduce
dry-season water supplies to one-sixths of the world’s
population.
 Ocean edification, a direct result of rising carbon dioxide levels,
will have major effect on marine ecosystems.
 Increase worldwide deaths from malnutrition and heat stress.
 Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever could
become more widespread.
 There will be serious risks and increasing pressures for coastal
protection (Stern, 2007)
 Around 15-40% of species face extinction with 2 degrees Celsius
of warming.
GENE THERAPY
- A potential method to either treat or cure genetic-
related human diseases.
- Was first realized in 1971 when the first
recombinant DNA experiments were planned.
- The idea is based on correcting a disease at its root;
fixing the abnormal genes that appear to lead to
certain diseases.
The Basic Process: (Fliesler, 2017)
1. Replacement of mutated gene that causes
diseases with a healthy copy of the gene
2. Inactivation of a mutated gene that is
functioning improperly
3. Introducing a new gene into the body to help
fight a disease
At present, the most common type of vectors are viruses
that have been genetically changed to carry normal
human DNA.
Viruses have evolved a way of encapsulating and
transporting their genes to human cells in a pathogenic
manner (Science Daily, 2017)
TWO TYPES OF GENE THERAPY
1. SOMATIC GENE THERAPY involves the manipulation
of genes in cells that will be helpful to the patient
but not inherited to the next generation
(Nimsergern, 1988)
2. GERM-LINE GENE THERAPY involve the genetic
modification of germ cells or the origin cells that will
pass the change on to the next generation (You
Genome, 2017)
STEM CELL GENE THERAPY
- Mother cells that have the potential to become any
type of cell in the body.
- One Main characteristics:
The ability to self-renew or multiply while
maintaining the potential to develop into other types 2. Virus resistance – genetically modified plants to
of cells
- Stem Cells are derived from different sources. Two
of which are the following:
- EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS are derived from a four or
five-day-old human embryo that is in the blastocyst
phase of development.
- SOMATIC STEM CELLS are cells that exist throughout
the body after embryonic development and are
found inside of different types of tissue
THE BIOETHICS OF GENE THERAPY
Ethical issues surrounding Gene Therapy:
1. How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be
distinguished?
2. Who decides which traits are normal and which
constitute a disability or disorder.
3. Will the high cost of Gene Therapy make it
available only to the wealthy?
4. Could the widespread use of Gene Therapy make
society less accepting of people who are different?
5. Should people be allowed to use Gene therapy to
enhance basic human traits such as height
intelligence, or athletic ability?
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO):
SCIENCE, HEALTH AND POLITICS
GENETIC ENGINEERING has been with the human
society since selective breeding and was introduced to
humankind and when animals were domesticated. Yet,
the process of genetic alterations is all but natural.
- It was in 1951 that the term genetic engineering was
coined by Jack Williamson.
- The general process of genetic engineering is the
deliberate manipulation of the organism’s genes,
where it may involve transfer of genes from other
organisms.
Genetically Modified Organisms
- Is the term used for an organism created through
genetic engineering
- WHO, 2014, define GMO as an “Organism either
plant, animal or microorganism in which the genetic
material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does
not occur naturally by mating or natural
recombination.”
Roles of GMO in the Food and Agricultural Industries:
1. Pest resistance – genetically modifies plants to resist
certain pests. (Ex. BT Corn)
resist certain viruses (Ex. GM Papaya or Rainbow
Papaya)
3. Herbicide tolerance – genetically modified plants to
tolerate herbicide. (Ex. Roundup ready Soybean)
4. Fortification – genetically modified plants fortified
with certain minerals. (Ex. Golden Rice)
5. Cosmetic Preservation – genetically modified plants
resist natural discoloration. (Ex. Arctic Apple)
6. Increase Growth Rate – a genetically modified
organism that has higher yield in growth than
normal species (Ex. AquAdvantage Salmon)
GMOs in Non-food Crops and some microorganisms:
1. Flower Production – GMOs in Flower production are
seen in modified color and extended vase life of
flowers. (Ex. Blue Roses)
2. Paper production – modified characteristics of trees
for higher yield of paper production (Ex. Poplar
Trees)
3. Pharmaceutical Productions – modified plants to
produce pharmaceutical products. (Periwinkle
Plants)
4. Bioremediation – use of modified plants that can
assist in the bioremediation of polluted sites (Shrub 2) Indirect Environment Risks are:
Tobacco)
5. Enzyme and Drug Production – use of modified
microorganisms that can produce enzymes for food
processing and medicines. (Ex. CGTase, Artemesin)
6. GMOs in the Medical Field – genetic engineering is
playing a significant role from diagnosis to treatment
of human dreaded diseases. It helps the production Potential Human Health Risk caused by GMOs:
of drugs, gene therapy and laboratory researchers
(Ex. Humulin)
BENEFITS OF GMOs
 Higher efficiency in farming
 Increase in harvest
 Control in Fertility
 Increase in Food processing
 Improvement of Desirable characteristics
 Nutritional and Pharmaceutical enhancement
 Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides
POTENTIAL RISKS OF GMOS
Opponents of GMOs have the following Major Concerns:
1. Since genetic engineering is still a young branch of
science, there are inadequate studies on the effects of BIOSAFETY ON GMOS
GMOs to human and the environment.
2. Genetic Engineering promotes mutation in organisms
which the long term effect is still unknown.
3. Human Consumption of GMOs might have the
following effects:
 More allergic reactions
 Gene Mutation
 Antibiotic Resistance
 Nutritional value
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK CAUSED BY GMOS
1. Risk in Gene Flow
2. Emergence of New forms of resistance and
secondary pests and weed problems
3. Recombination of Virus and Bacteria to produce
new pathogens
1) Direct Environment Risks are:
o Introduction of the GMOs in the natural environment
may cause disruption of the natural communities
through competition or interference;
o The possibility of unexpected behavior of the GMOs
in the environment if it escapes its intended use and
may post threats or become pest;
o May cause harmful effects to ecosystem processes if
GMOs interfere with the natural biochemical cycles;
o The persistence of GMO genes after its harvest which
may cause negative impacts to the consumer of GMO
products.
o Alteration of agricultural practices
o May have impacts to biodiversity caused by the
alteration in agricultural practices
o May have varied environmental impacts due to
GMOs interaction and release in the natural
environment
o Consumption of GMOs may have adverse effects since
it is not naturally or organically produced;
o Consumption of GMOs may alter the balance of
existing microorganisms in the human digestive
system;
o Production of toxins may be detrimental to human
health
o Production of allergens may have adverse effects on
humans
Other potential risks that raise major concern are:
 Human Genome Project (HGP)
 Mutation of Genetically engineered microorganisms
 Cloning
1. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) –
responsible for the development of standards, codes of
practices, guidelines and recommendations on Food
Safety.
2. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety – is an international
environmental treaty that regulates the transboundary
movements of Living Modified Organism (LMOs)
3. International Trade Agreement on Labeling of GM
food and Food products – requires exporters of GM
Food and food products to label their products and
give rights to the importing to reject or accept the GM
products.
GMOS IN PHILIPPINE CONTEXT
 The Philippines was marked to be the first country
in Asia to approved commercial cultivation of
GMOs when GM corn planting was approved in
2002 (Serapio & Dela Cruz, 2016)