Management 24

Module IV
Business and Ecology

Scope of the Module:

This module consists of six lessons, namely:
Lesson 1 Basic Principles in Ecology
Lesson 2 Historical Analysis of the Environmental Degradation
Lesson 3 The Impact of Business to the Environment
Lesson 4 The Impact of Consumerism and Popular Culture to Environmental
Degradation
Lesson 5 Contemporary Approaches in Business toward the Protection of the
Environment
Lesson 6 The Concept of a Sustainable Citizenship

Overview of the Module:

In this module, the fundamental principles in ecology would be tackled in order to fully
understand the impact of human activities to the natural environment. This module
discusses the basic natural laws that have been interrupted by man’s quest to satisfy his
needs. Consequently, the impact of the dumping of materials that are detrimental to the
environment would be explained to increase the level of awareness of the students about
the effects of overconsumption of goods in the market. At the end of this module, the
concept of sustainable citizenship would be discussed as an integral element of social
responsibility.

Objectives of the Module:

After completion of this Module, you should be able to:
1. determine the basic principles in ecology;
2. recognize the historical origin of environmental degradation;
3. identify the impact of business to the environment;
4. identify the impact of consumerism to environmental degradation;
5. explain the contemporary approaches in business toward the protection of the
environment; and
6. recognize the concept of sustainable citizenship
Management 24
Module IV
Lesson 1 Basic Principles in Ecology

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of Lesson 1, you are expected to:
1. identify the basic principles of ecology that affect in environmental degradation;
2. trace the sources of climate change and global warming; and
3. apply the principles of good governance and social responsibility in saving the
environment.

Global warming is a result of the increase in concentration of CO 2 and other

greenhouse gases in the atmosphere causing climate change. The effect of such
occurrence raises the mean temperature of the world by 1.5 to 3.5 degrees Celsius by
the year 2100. The long term impact is that the planet will no longer have a uniform
temperature and warming. Winters would become warmer, changes in the climate would
occur, and the frequency of precipitation and storms would also be disrupted. The
condition would worsen as the input of sulfates and other aerosols from some
commodities sold in the market would eventually decrease the entrance of solar radiation
to the surface of the Earth (Smith and Smith, 2002).
As the climate continues to change, the distribution of species would also be affected.
The changes in the temperature and the frequency of precipitation that are necessary in
the survival of the species would alter the way organisms would live. There would be a
rapid migration of various species from territory to another in order to successfully adapt
to the new environmental conditions. The various nutrient cycles would also alter and
would adversely affect the species as they compete for new resources and territory for
survival purposes. The patterns of diversity of plants and animals would be greatly
affected with the new conditions (Smith and Smith, 2002).
Along with the mentioned changes, the sea level is predicted to rise as a result of a
possible meltdown of icebergs in the North Pole. The rapid increase in sea level will have
disastrous effects on the various coastal areas. Beaches, estuaries, and mangroves
would inevitably affect in the process (Smith and Smith, 2002).
The production of agricultural crops will alter as it would decrease because of a drier
environmental conditions caused by global warming. Some countries would be able to
cope with such impact but most underdeveloped ones would struggle to overcome it. The
eventual decrease in agricultural production would result to worldwide hunger (Smith and
Smith, 2002).
Furthermore, climate change would directly or indirectly affect the health conditions of
people around the world. Heat-related deaths because of respiratory and cardiovascular
ailments would tend to increase as the global warming would become serious. The
increase in the incidents of deaths caused because of the disturbance in the natural
environmental phenomena is expected. The problem in agricultural production would also
alter the diet and nutrition of people that would result to increase death rates. Diseases
that are caused by insect infections because of the increase climate heat would also be
widespread (Smith and Smith, 2002).
The impact of genetic biodiversity on populations is also discerned as one of the
sources of environmental problems. Genetic biodiversity greatly depends on the variation
of gene pools of various species. Organisms may vary genetically due to changing
environmental conditions. New species usually emerge as the genetic traits of the species
become diversified as they adapt to new conditions (Wilson et al, 2007).
In simple terms, the fundamental natural laws of the planet have been disturbed or
altered because of the evolution of the human activities. As the mankind tries to survive
in this planet, it is necessary to accumulate the resources of the natural environment. This
economic objective is quite damaging to the natural environment since natural resources
are limited.
For instance, the need to have a shelter results in the urbanization of large portions of
the lands. Hence, different species are displaced from their habitats because of the
construction of residential units and buildings. Unfortunately, such social mechanism is
altering the natural occurrences that involve the different organisms.
Technically speaking, the terrestrial ecosystem occupies the land area of the planet.
Though that is the case, the various types would depend on the degree of diversity,
precipitation, and latitude of land area. For instance, the tropical rain forest has more
precipitation, which is 250 cm/year, than the other types. Tropical rain forest also has little
temperature and with variation in moisture. It also contains varied species than the other
biomes. As compared with the tropical rain forest, the desert has less precipitation, with
20 cm/year. It is considered the driest among the types of ecosystem. It has a small
degree of vegetation and scattered grasses. The terrestrial ecosystem has various types
that contribute greatly in the growth of the planet.
The said characteristics can affect the animals and plants tremendously. This is
because the terrestrial ecosystem contains a variation of species that is needed in the
predator and prey relationship. For instance, tropical rain forest has a wide range of
species that contribute to the growth of the environment. The rain fall in the various types
of ecosystem is necessary for the animals and plants to survive. The migration of animals
is also affected by the differences in the nature of the types of ecosystem. This is because
in some types, there is insufficiency of food resources and water supply while in the other
land areas the resources and water supply are abundant. In this context, animals tend to
migrate to those land areas that have enough food resources and water supply (Botkn
and Keller, 2003).
In reviewing the precipitation data of the different types of ecosystem, it would be
noted that the temperature and precipitation play a vital role in the survival of the animals
and plants. Apparently, water is an essential resource for any organisms including human
beings. Animals and plants have the great need to obtain enough water supply to survive
in the environment. Consequently, water resource can be provided through precipitation.
So, if the ecosystem has large degree of precipitation, animals tend to migrate on the
area because their rate of survival is higher than in areas with low rate degree of
precipitation.
In connection, temperature is also essential because there are animals that require
high temperature and there are those that don’t survive in such a climate. In a sense,
animals also instinctively search for ecosystem that would give them the sufficient
temperature that fits their physiological make up. The changes in the temperature and the
frequency of precipitation that are necessary in the survival of the species would alter the
way organisms would live (Smith and Smith 2002: p. 353).
In terms of the situation of predator and prey data, it would be observed that in
terrestrial ecosystems the number of predators should be appropriate to those of the prey.
The predators should not exceed the number of preys because it would distort the natural
laws that contribute to the survival of the environment. For instance, the number of lions
should be sufficient with the percentage of its preys. There should always be a balance
between the two. The resources of the environment would become scarce if the balance
of predator and prey would not be attained.
In terms of the interspecies competition, it explicates that the offspring has low survival
rate than the parents. One factor for this is that the offsprings are not yet capable of
adjusting effectively in the environment as compared with the mothers like the birds and
lions. This is a natural tendency in interspecies competition. Moreover, the mothers are
capable of competing against the offspring when it comes to their foods.
Furthermore, animals compete not only against other animals but also with plants in
terms of resources. The main resource that animals are competing against with the plants
is the water resource. Though it is not apparent that animals and plants compete against
each other, the water supply of a particular ecosystem tends to become insufficient when
there is an excess number of animals and plants occupying in it.
Obviously, it would be difficult to discuss all the natural laws that are affected by the
proliferation of human activities that are detrimental to the planet in one module.
Nevertheless, the fundamental principles in ecology have been profoundly and concisely
explained in this module. This is basically enough to fully understand that we have to do
something to take care of the environment as we conduct our everyday activities.
Management 24
Module IV, Lesson 1
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

True or False.
_____ 1. As the climate continues to change, the distribution of species would also
be affected.
_____ 2. Global warming is a result of the increase in concentration of CO2 and other
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that causes climate change.
_____ 3. The terrestrial ecosystem occupies the land area of the planet.
_____ 4. The predators should not exceed the number of preys because it would
distort the natural laws that contribute to the survival of the environment.
_____ 5. The changes in the temperature and the frequency of precipitation that are
necessary in the survival of the species would alter the way organisms
would live.
_____ 6. As compared with the dessert, the tropical rain forest has less precipitation
with 20 cm/year.
_____ 7. Urbanization of a large portion of the land is not damaging to the different
species in the forests.
_____ 8. If the ecosystem has large degree of precipitation, animals tend to stay on
their area because their rate of survival is higher than in areas with high rate
of precipitation.
_____ 9. Animals don’t compete with plants in terms of water resources.
_____ 10. The migration of animals is not affected by the differences in the nature of
the types of ecosystem.
Management 24
Module IV
Lesson 2 Historical Analysis of the Environmental Degradation

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of Lesson 2, you are expected to:
1. determine the important events that led to climate change;
2. identify the materials and activities that have contributed to the degradation of
environment; and
3. comprehend the major role of social responsibility in dealing with environmental
problems.

The main causes of climate change are quite complex. The phenomenon is a result
of numerous substances, chemical or natural, that can be traced in a series of historical
events in the global context. In fact, one of the sources of the problem is the metal
pollution. The utilization of metallic materials in the production of goods is a major source
of pollution that contributed a lot in climate change (Rodrigues, et al, 2009).
Metallic materials are present in numerous domestic and industrial processes such as
paper milling, extraction of fossil fuels, chlorine production and the like. It is quite obvious
that most gadgets, machineries and equipment are made of metallic materials. However,
metals are not supposed to degrade the environment if not too concentration. In other
words, too much concentration of metallic materials in the environment, especially if not
properly disposed as an unused material, can bring severe damages to the environment
(Rodrigues, et al., 2009).
The analysis above is strongly supported by the condition of the Northeast Atlantic
when industries unintentionally increased the concentration of the metals such as Cd, Hg,
Pb, and Zn the rivers of the said area. As a result of the industrial activities in the Northeast
Atlantic, marine environment of the area became contaminated by metallic materials that
affected its water resources (Rodrigues, et al., 2009).
The concentration of the metallic materials to the environment is not the only source
of climate change. Biogeography or the migration and the development of the lands in
the world into rural and urban areas for people, which has been occurring for millions of
years, has greatly affected the whole ecosystem particularly biodiversity that ultimately
led to climate change. This analysis was true in the case of the Southeast Asia. This is
so mainly because forests and other land areas in the Southeast Asia have been
appallingly disturbed and converted by the movement of people from one country to
another, the colonization by powerful nations and the urbanization phenomenon
(Woodruff, 2009).
 If taken into account, most Southeast Asian nations such as Myanmar,
Xishuangbanna (in southernmost Yunnan, China), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam,
Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (of India),
and western parts of Indonesia (including Borneo, Java and Sumatra) were before rich in
natural resources. Prior to the colonization of the mentioned countries, their
environmental conditions were excellently preserved. One possible reason for this is that
their traditional lifestyles before the colonization were conducive to biodiversity and the
growth of the natural environment (Woodruff, 2009).
An important fact presented by Woodruff (2009) is that the Southeast Asia is the home
of almost 20-25% of the plants and animals species in the planet. Interestingly, in spite of
the said data, the region is just 4% of the total area of the earth’s surface. In short, the
said region is abundant in numerous kinds of species and organisms, which supposed
contribute to the growth of the global environmental condition.
However, as the human history unfolded especially in the Southeast Asian region, the
major activities of man related to migration, urbanization, and colonization have
redistributed and reduced the species that are supposed to aid in enriching the
environment. The said phenomenon has added to the worsening climate change because
biodiversity helps facilitates the nutrient cycles.
The analysis above is supported by another article entitled, ”Impact of Human
Activities on Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: A Statistical Analysis,” by Abdus Salam
and Toshikuni Noguchi (2005). In the said article, the authors strongly emphasized the
impact of too much concentration of carbon dioxide to climate change. In a similar manner
with the metallic materials, carbon dioxide with the appropriate degree does not degrade
the environment. The adverse effects of carbon dioxide to the environment would come
from its too much concentration. The high degree of concentration of such substance is
traced from the activities of man that are related to its emission.
As mentioned above, carbon dioxide is a necessary component of the environment
given the proper degree. Unfortunately, there are various activities of man that contribute
greatly to its high concentration in the environment. These causes may be directly or
indirectly connected to the air pollution. Statistical data would show that the emission of
carbon dioxide through combustion of fuels is reported as one of the major culprits of air
pollution. This has been proven in the tests made in highly developed nations where
industrial and vehicular activities are quite prevalent (Salam and Toshikuni, 2005).
If compared between the developed and developing countries, it was reported that the
latter has aided the worsening condition of climate change. It was noted that the human
activities in the highly developed countries that supplied too much CO2 concentration are
the fossil fuel combustion, terrestrial ecosystem strength and change in the usage of land.
These activities have obvious adverse impacts to the environment because CO2
emission is vital in the operations involved in the said activities (Salam and Toshikuni,
2005).
In the article, “Climate Change and Water Resources,” Kenneth Frederick and David
Major (1997), the authors critically analyzed the connection of water resources to climate
change. If examined carefully, everything in the environment is directly connected with
one another. For instance, as explained by the Frederick and Major (1997), the
concentration of gaseous pollutants in the atmosphere has increased the global
temperature. In effect, sea levels have been high in most areas which created an
imbalance in the environment. As a further consequence of increase in sea levels of
oceans, there are repeated occurrences of storms and tsunamis in most parts of the
world.
To simplify, more CO2 emissions tend to increase the global temperature. This would
also increase the sea levels because the icebergs in the northern part of the globe will
melt in the process. In effect, higher sea levels would mean stronger and more regular
occurrences of storms and tsunamis. The imbalance lies in the mentioned areas which
are not considered normal from an environmental point of view.
Furthermore, the processing of energy resources such as oil is another activity that
poses threat to the environment. In the article, “Bioenergy in Developing Countries:
Potential and Risks,” by Richard L. Ottinger and Steven E. Miller (2010), it was explicated
that the exploration of source of energy has negative implication to the environment.
Though there is a need to search and use environmental resources to support the energy
consumption of the world’s population, Ottinger and Miller (2010) have speculated that
such activities have harmful effects to the environment. As a fact, the exploration and
processing of energy resources such as oil normally utilize heavy machineries that may
have an effect to the environment. In addition, if not properly handled, the contamination
of oil products because of such an operation can certainly bring permanent and damaging
effects to the water resources.
In an overall account of the historical events, it should be stressed that the economic
activities of man have been the root causes of global warming and climate change. As
humans try to fulfill their needs and wants, the environment is being degraded because it
is the fundamental source of raw materials for the production of goods. Nevertheless,
environmental problems can still be solved by balancing the welfare of the human society
and the natural resources. It would really take a strong political will for the business and
government leaders to come up with viable solutions that would adhere to the principles
of good governance and social responsibility.
Management 24
Module IV, Lesson 2
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

True or False.
_____ 1. The economic activities of man have been the solutions for the prevention
of global warming and climate change.
_____ 2. The processing of energy resources such as oil is another activity that
poses threat to the environment.
_____ 3. Too much concentration of metallic materials in the environment, especially
if not properly disposed as an unused material, is damaging to the
environment
_____ 4. Carbon dioxide is not a necessary component of the environment given the
proper degree.
_____ 5. The concentration of gaseous pollutants in the atmosphere has not affected
the global temperature.
_____ 6. Statistical data would show that the emission of carbon dioxide through
combustion of fuels is reported as one of the major culprits of air pollution.
_____ 7. Southeast Asia is the home of almost 20-25% of the plants and animals
species in the planet.
_____ 8. Prior to the colonization of the most Southeast Asian countries, their
environmental conditions were excellently preserved.
_____ 9. As a further consequence of increase in sea levels of oceans, storms and
tsunamis have been avoided in most parts of the world.
_____ 10. The exploration of source of energy has no negative implication to the
environment.
Management 24
Module IV
Lesson 3 The Impact of Business on the Environment

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of Lesson 3, you are expected to:
1. explain the effects of business activities to the natural environment;
2. identify the solutions of the world leaders in dealing with climate change; and
3. apply the ethical principles in handling environmental problems.

One of the challenges of the governments and the businesses are facing today is
certainly relevant to the impacts of global warming. This would include the various
programs and mechanisms installed by the governments of the world when it comes to
cushioning the effects of climate change and global warming which have been among the
major issues in the global community today.
The global free trade economy, which we call globalization, characterized by
capitalistic system and democratic political frameworks, has inevitably affected the
condition of the environment. This was basically caused by the advancement in the fields
of science and technology. The global networks by governments and businesses by
means of the advancement of telecommunication and computer have connected all
countries with one another. Businesses eventually attained rapid growth at the initial
stage of industrialization while politics became more democratic because of the
widespread use of internet. The degradation of the environment is one of its unfortunate
consequences. In this sense, globalization has allowed governments and businesses to
neglect the area of social responsibility because profit and human welfare were prioritized
more than the environment.
The American way of over production and consumption of goods which entails
environmental degradation has been identified as one of the major reasons for such
condition. The First world countries, for that matter, have proposed for the further
advancement of science and technology in order to save the planet. The scientists of the
advance countries believe that they have the right to teach the scientist of the south on
how to attain sustainable economic development.
On the other hand, environmentalists of the Asian countries are advocating for the
lessening of technological innovation. They tend to favor greatly the existence of plants,
animals and other species rather than the existence of man. For them, it is better to
preserve the environment than the human race. They basically denounce development
of science because of many evidences that led to the conclusion that environmental
degradation was mainly attributed to it.
 Apparently, everybody is affected by impacts of global warming. Even the most
technologically advanced and economically progressive nations in the world would have
to face the predicaments brought about by global warming. Its adverse effects would have
to be managed systematically by governments of the world. Strategic planning would
have to be prioritized in relation to the welfare of the people, the economy and the
environment. Government policies are so crucial that they have to be relevant in the
worsening condition of the environment without sacrificing economic growth. This is
basically the dilemma of the every government nowadays, the choice between economic
growth and environmental concerns.
In the article, “Parliament discusses global warming,” written by correspondents from
New Delhi India (2006) posted in the India eNews, the Indian government is now taking
the issue of global warming very seriously. As a result, the authorities are now taking
some steps to critically analyze the impacts of the said occurrence to their people and
country. In fact, it was noted by the article that there was a strong connection between
suicide rates of farmers and climate change in some countries, which should not be taken
lightly by any governments. Farmers were unable to cope with the effects of climate
change to their crops and went into a huge debt in the process.
There were already measures initiated by the Indian government to counter the
adverse impacts of climate change. The implementation of efficient water management
system, crop changes, effective pricing of water and electricity and the introduction of
weather insurance for farmers were just some of the major mechanisms that would serve
as safety nets for the farmers. However, it was pointed out in the said article that the
Indian government would not be able to commit in reducing the countries carbon
emissions because of its desire for economic growth (India eNews, 2006).
On the part of the American government that is supposed to lead all nations in solving
the issue of global warming, it seemed that it does not want to compromise its
commitment in attaining economic growth in exchange for environmental concerns. The
former President Bush lambasted the U.S. courts for promoting laws that would protect
the environment such as the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National
Environmental Policy Act (More Than Articles, 2008).
According to President Bush, the EPA was not authorized to regulate vehicles that
emit greenhouse gases. He even rejected some measures that would actually help the
environment such as tax increases, tariffs, trade barriers, and regulations for businesses.
He instead suggested the introduction of a funded technology to clean the environment
(More Than Articles, 2008).
The strategies proposed by the said American president obviously did not reflect an
actual concern to the worsening condition of the environment. The main intention was still
to protect the economic interests of the country, which is one of the fundamental priorities
of most governments.
 Though most governments of the world are still tempted to ignore the impending
issues brought about by climate change, a conference was held in Cancun, Mexico in
December 2010 to discuss strategies to solve the issue. In the article,” UN Climate
Change Conference in Cancún delivers balanced package of decisions, restores faith in
multilateral process,” by the United Nations Unies, the agreements of the participants
were presented. Included in the agreements are the following:
 The reduction of carbon emissions by industrialized countries under the
multilateral process.
 The mechanisms in the Kyoto Protocol Clean Development have been
reinforced further for environmentally friendly technology.
 Countries that are vulnerable from climate change shall be supported by
developing countries.
 A total of $30 billion was released by industrialized countries to support the
developing world in dealing with climate change.
The above are merely among the various agreements that would serve as a beacon
of hope when it comes to saving the planet. If strictly actualized by the participating
nations, the impacts of global warming would gradually be solved.
Indeed, the impact of global warming to the world especially in the business
community is quite enormous. This is why businesses of today have to find new ways of
adjusting to the call of the environmental protection while earning profit. Though that is
the case, there are still ways that businesses could cope with such a condition while
obtaining financial success.
According to Taylor (2006), the growing concern by the public for the environment can
be utilized by the entrepreneurs to their own advantage. For one thing, the author
suggested that businesses of today must invest in clean energy projects. Any business
projects that take away the guilt of consumers from contributing to the degradation of the
environment would be a profitable one. In other words, products that are environment
friendly should be the focus of innovation.
Companies should redirect their attention to technologies that have less or no carbon
emission at all. For that matter, any business that would endeavor that would reduce
carbon emission would become profitable. This would also include products that are
energy savers. For instance, there are already stores that use solar energy in order to
reduce costs and enhance their reputation to the public as businesses that have concern
with the environment (Taylor, 2006).
Any business endeavors that would be involved in recycling of materials, junk shops,
garbage disposal and collection of materials that harmful to the environment are highly
recommended in today’s generation. Business leaders should not only do it for profitable
purposes but more importantly because of social responsibility, which is a higher cause
than money.
Management 24
Module IV, Lesson 3
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

True or False.
_____ 1. The growing concern by the public for the environment can be utilized by
the entrepreneurs to their own advantage.
_____ 2. Any business endeavors that would be involved in recycling of materials,
junk shops, garbage disposal and collection of materials that harmful to the
environment are highly recommended in today’s generation.
_____ 3. A total of $30 billion was released by industrialised countries to support the
developing world in dealing with climate change.
_____ 4. The mechanisms in the Kyoto Protocol Clean Development were not
environmentally friendly policies.
_____ 5. Government policies are so crucial that they have to be relevant in the
worsening condition of the environment without sacrificing economic
growth.
_____ 6. Any business projects that take away the guilt of consumers from
contributing to the degradation of the environment would be a profitable
one.
_____ 7. The former President Bush lambasted the U.S. courts for promoting laws
that would protect the environment such as the Clean Air Act, the
Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
_____ 8. Though most governments of the world are still tempted to ignore the
impending issues brought about by climate change, a conference was held
in Cancun, Mexico in December 2010 to discuss some strategies to solve
the issue.
_____ 9. Environmentalists of the Asian countries are advocating for the lessening of
technological innovation.
_____ 10. The First world countries, for that matter, have proposed for the further
advancement of science and technology in order to save the planet.
Management 24
Module IV
Lesson 4 The Impact of Consumerism and Popular Culture to
Environmental Degradation

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of Lesson 4, you are expected to:
1. identify the concept of consumerism and popular culture;
2. explain the impacts consumerism and popular culture; and
3. trace the origin of consumerism from a global perspective;

The emergence of consumerism and popular culture has been identified as among
the sources of the worsening situation of the global environment.
In today’s generation, we already have what we call the consumer culture which is
also referred to as the popular culture. With the advent of technological development and
the commercialization of everything that can be sold in the market, the emergence of
popular culture is inevitable.
The emergence of the consumer culture is not accidental. It is a result of the concerted
efforts of people around the world about the desire to consumer more. In addition, such
culture is damaging to the environment and social aspects of the society. With the influx
of such commodities in the global market, standard of living in recent years has greatly
improved. In effect, the habits of urban and rural residents as they pay more attention to
leisure time have been altered. Entertainment, leisure time and the tendency to relax have
increased the demand for television, DVD players and the like. Such a change of
consumption habit has influenced the demand structure of daily-use of electrical
appliances. In the coming years, demand for such products is expected to rise
remarkably.
Technological advancement has made it possible to produce tremendous numbers of
goods that are marketed to the consumers through advertisements. In return, consumers
are caught up in the web of commercial or consumer behavior. In such culture, habits are
dictated by the trends and fashion generated by commercials through the media such as
the television, radio, internet, billboards and other visual materials that reinforce the
existence of the popular culture.
Accordingly, the behavior of people in today’s generation is basically shaped by the
features of popular culture. People tend to buy goods in the market to satisfy their need
to be in touch with everybody without realizing the fact that they are already being
controlled by the existing popular culture. Hence, overconsumption of goods that promote
popular culture usually result to an extravagant lifestyle.
 The generation of today has been considered as greatly influenced by media
spectacles. Spectacles imply the glaring and glamorous display of images provided by
the media instruments such as the television, internet, billboards and others that endorse
certain commodities, trends, or fashions. The more glaring the marketing strategies, the
more attractive the product is. This is the basic characteristic of an spectacle society.
Hence, everyday life is bombarded by the spectacles of commodities in terms promotion,
reproduction, and the circulation and selling of commodities in order to amaze the
consumers. In short, popular culture is built on the spectacles disseminated by the
infotainment coming from the radio, film, TV news and entertainment, and the increasing
growth of cyberspace.
As a consequence of the tremendous influence of popular culture, it seemed that an
individual has no other choice but to succumb to the media spectacle. It is like hypnotizing
the consumers to purchase certain products through the bombardment of visual images
coming from commercials endorsed by popular celebrities. In other words, the only choice
is towards the one that patronizes the popular culture.
The bottom line is the fact that the consumer products certainly satisfy the materialistic
values of the people. The extreme desire to acquire as many products as one can has
been the impact of the materialistic values imposed by consumerism. Unfortunately, the
low level of awareness of consumers around world bout the garbage that commodities
tend to produce has contributed to the dumping of wastes to the environment.
Apparently, the production of goods also results to the production of wastes that ought
to be disposed properly. The problem has gradually emerged when consumers’ old
gadgets, appliances, clothes, shoes, etc have also become garbage. This has led to the
problematic way of dissolving the materials that are damaging to the environment.
The promotion of materialism has manifested in the way people extravagantly buy
products in the markets especially in highly industrialized countries. Computers, laptops,
gadgets and the like are parts of the popular culture that consumers have strongly
patronized that inevitably created mountainous garbage.
More particularly, the westerners’ consumer lifestyle has been examined as quite
dangerous to the environment as compared with Asian lifestyle. The westerners’ extreme
desire to acquire more and more products has burned mountainous papers, fuels, old
clothes, and has dumped non-biodegradable materials as a result of consumption
patterns.
For example, Americans and British tend to buy brand new cellphones or cars if there
is an updated model in the market. The tendency to buy more products and dispose of
the old ones. As a consequence, multinational companies tend to produce goods that
would not last for a lifetime. There is an already an expiration date so that consumers
would buy again after a certain period of time. The basic principle is to create goods that
are trendy but replaceable after certain period of time so that consumers would need to
go back and buy more. Actually, this is good for business but not for the environment.
Unfortunately, the western model of consumerism is being emulated by people in the
developing countries. This pattern has contributed to the disposal of old and used
products to the natural environment. This is especially true in the cases of China and
India that have become economically sustainable. As the two countries continue to
increase their economic growths, their people’s lifestyles are rapidly becoming like that of
the western people.
In relation, consumer culture, which is associated with western culture, is a culture
that promotes the constant buying and disposing of products. In other words, people tend
to buy goods just to get rid of them in the near future, which is not only extravagant but
also environmentally harmful. Everything is transitory in the consumer culture because
products such as newspapers, food and drink, furniture, electronic items, computers and
cars are bought to be consumed and later on be disposed. Nothing is really permanent in
such a culture that puts more strain on the environment. Indeed, consumerism is a pattern
that dumps immense waste of resources since old items are replaced by new ones even
if they are still usable.
The solutions offered by other countries like Japan and Europeans are the exportation
of surplus of old items like television, clothes and others to the less developed countries
such as the Philippines. It is observable in the Philippines the proliferation of surplus from
Japan and US because of the said trend. Old clothes from the western countries are also
being sold in the Philippines through the ‘Ukay Ukay.’ This is a very practical way for the
western countries to dispose of their old items.
Management 24
Module IV, Lesson 4
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

True or False.
_____ 1. The consumer culture is not associated with western culture.
_____ 2. One solution offered by other countries like Japan and Europeans in the
prevention of global warming is the exportation of surplus of old items like
television, clothes and others to the less developed countries such as the
Philippines.
_____ 3. Asian lifestyle has been examined as quite dangerous to the environment
as compared with the westerners’ consumer lifestyle.
_____ 4. Asian model of consumerism is being emulated by people in the world.
_____ 5. Everything is transitory in the consumer culture because products such as
newspapers, food and drink, furniture, electronic items, computers and cars
are bought to be consumed and later on be disposed.
_____ 6. The production of goods also results to the production of wastes that ought
to be disposed properly.
_____ 7. The behavior of people in today’s generation is basically shaped by the
features of Classic culture.
_____ 8. Buddhist culture is a culture that promotes the constant buying and
disposing of products.
_____ 9. Americans and British tend to buy brand new cellphones or cars if there is
an updated model in the market.
_____ 10. The promotion of materialism has manifested in the way people
extravagantly buy products in the markets especially in highly industrialized
countries.
Management 24
Module IV
Lesson 5 Contemporary Approaches in Business toward
the Protection of the Environment

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of Lesson 5, you are expected to:
1. explain concept of precautionary principles;
2. identify the application of precautionary principles in solving environmental
problems; and
3. assess the effectiveness of precautionary principles in dealing with
environmental concerns.

Undoubtedly, a comprehensive mechanism to solve the issue of environmental

problems would have to be formulated and implemented. There have been numerous
proposals to counter the worsening the problems in the environment. One of these is
precautionary principle. Precautionary principle may have come from a simple principle
that in case of a potential harm one must implement precaution immediately. When harm
is approaching, preventive measures should be done. It has a more profound appeal to
the public because it is viewed as a genuine care for life and the natural environment.
The principle attempts to safeguard the effects of the decisions in developing science and
technology, which should not only be based on facts, but valuing life itself (Myers, 2002).
The notion of the precautionary principle came from Germany more than 20 years
ago. That was the time when their forests were starting to die as observed by private
landowners. As a result, the affected owners made an appeal to the government to do
something about it. Germany tried to reduce power plant emissions that produced acid
rain. The move to protect the forests and purposely decrease power plant pollution was
eventually translated into a formal principle in the German Law (SEHN, 2002).
The principle is basically in accordance with three core elements. Potential harm,
scientific uncertainty and precautionary action are the central themes. Since the principle
has a strong appeal, it was eventually became part of the 1992 Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development which states that,” In order to protect the environment,
the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their
capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full
scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measure to
prevent environmental degradation (SEHN, 2002).
Certainly, the said principle created a positive reaction from the environmental
advocates and those who are sincerely concerned with the preservation of life and
environment. In short, it has a universal appeal, not only in Germany where the notion
originated. The appeal is not merely exercising precaution such as using gas mask or
reducing the number of cars. The appeal is greater than those precautionary measures
in line with protecting life, the principle gives everybody hope. Hope, that the
environmental conditions could still be saved. For a fact, the principle forces the policy
makers, from the institutional level, to make some positive contribution or changes in
protecting the environment.
In May 2001, a group of ecosystem scientists and advocates assembled in
Leavenworth, Washington to discuss the usefulness of the principle. They argued that
uncertainties could be immediately detected through the principle. In connection,
consequences were strictly examined by thinking about precaution. Not only that it is a
science, precautionary principle is also an important educational instrument. It is also a
theory that energizes actual practice.
Moreover, people are actively moved in protecting the environment by the principle. It
is a powerful tool in making decisions at the federal level according to a community
organizer included in the group. The participants also stressed that the principle bring out
the hope in people and eventually inspire everybody to participate in the on-going
movement to save the environment. The responsibility to protect the environment is
inculcated to everyone by the principle that is why its creation has become ethical
standard toward the universe.
One basic opinion against the principle that emerged from the said conference was
that the precautionary principle has various definitions. There was an argument that the
principle was difficult to follow and can’t be included in a policy or law because of its
vagueness. However, the advocates of the said principle defended that even if it has
varying definitions, the core idea should be seriously followed. It was emphasized that
precautionary principle adhered to the notion that steps should be taken not to harm the
environment and human health.
Precautionary principle is distinct from risk assessment in various aspects. Risk
assessment is not like precautionary principle in its procedure and notion of protecting
the environment. Risk assessment is used to delay preventive measures. It is employed
to obtain information and then try to handle it as it arises but not totally prohibit the risks.
In comparison with risk assessment, precautionary principle warrants an investigation of
a long and wide range of harms that include social, economic and environmental ones.
More importantly, it compels everyone especially policy makers to analyze the long term
effects of the technology or product being developed (Myers, 2000).
The precautionary principle may take the risk of developing a technology that is safer.
For that matter, the principle is here not because it would help us choose a more harmful
technology but It is here to assist us in creating a lesser harmful products.
The above comment led to the precautionary principle as being anti-science. Since
every procedure ought to be scrutinized, it tends to distort the scientific method according
to its distracters. However, it has been defended that through the principle, we would
create a better science that cares for the environment.
According to the Raffensperger and Barrett (2001), the ability of man is limited in
predicting, calculating and controlling the effects of new technology. The writers pointed
the usefulness of precautionary principle in genetic engineering. Specifically, isolating
genes in organisms demands that there is always uncertainty in the process especially if
raising it on the global scale that is why extreme caution should be done.
The issue about the ambiguity of its definition, the article claims that it is a principle. It
should not be misunderstood as a set of rules or procedures. Any actual process or
procedure must comply with the principles that are applicable in all human activity, may
it be ordinary or scientific one.
Raffensperger and Barrett (2001 ) suggest that the principle should not be viewed as
unscientific nor anti-technology. The principle is merely forcing us to pay closer attention
to the outcome of any technological development to avoid uncertainty and false
conclusions. It also redirect our attention from a purely scientific point of view into a more
humane and environmental concerns. Most importantly, according to the authors, the
precautionary principle is in accordance with the democratic process. No policy that
abides the said principle that does not go through a consultative process, which makes it
more appealing.
After presenting the ideas coming several critics, it is clear that the principle is highly
recommended as a sound basis for risk analysis. To reiterate, it is not about the actual
procedure. It is also not about developing new technology. It is about protecting the
environment and health conditions. Though, risk analysis is already a viable and reliable
procedure, it would become more safe and humane if precautionary principle would
become its basis. In addition, risks produced by technology and products harmful to
environment could be avoided if the three cores of precautionary principle are strongly
imbibed in the risk assessment.
The analysis should include scanning all potential harms created by certain human
endeavor. If there is any potential outcome, precautionary measures should be made
ahead of time. And this paper agrees to the fact that long term potential harms should be
detected. If there is a greater harm, the concern for the environment should be put ahead
than profit or scientific objectives.
There is nothing wrong in protecting the environment in exchange of scientific
development. But there is definitely something wrong in us if we would intentionally
continue developing technology even if we have the capacity to make precautionary
measures. We must put into use our intellect to predict, calculate and to take care of
ourselves and the natural environment.
Management 24
Module IV, Lesson 5
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

True or False.
_____ 1. Precautionary principle is the same with risk assessment in various aspects.
_____ 2. The notion of the precautionary principle came from Germany more than 20
years ago.
_____ 3. In May 2001, a group of ecosystem scientists and advocates assembled in
Leavenworth, Washington to discuss the usefulness of the precautionary
principle.
_____ 4. Precautionary principle states that a potential harm one must implement
precaution immediately.
_____ 5. Precautionary principle proposes that ff there is a greater harm, the concern
for the environment should be put ahead than profit or scientific objectives.
_____ 6. Potential harm, scientific uncertainty and precautionary action are the
central themes of precautionary principle.
_____ 7. The precautionary principle may take the risk of developing a technology
that is safer.
_____ 8. The move to protect the forests and purposely decrease power plant
pollution was eventually translated into a formal principle in the German Law
through the precautionary principle.
_____ 9. The precautionary principle is anti-life.
_____ 10. The precautionary principle is anti-religion.
Management 24
Module IV
Lesson 6 The Concept of a Sustainable Citizenship

Lesson Objectives:
At the end of Lesson 6, you are expected to:
1. identify the concept of sustainable citizenship;
2. explain the different proposals in solving environmental problems; and
3. explain sustainable citizenship as a manifestation of social responsibility.

First and foremost, the problem of pollution should be a top priority. This is because
just like any environmental issues, pollution problem presents serious threats to the
people and the natural environment. Funds should not an issue in dealing with the
pollution problem because the costs of neglecting said environmental issue are too high.
In an article entitled, “Study Claims Pollution Causes 40% of Deaths,” by Megan Potter
(2007), a study conducted by Cornell research project has found out that pollution was
one of the leading causes of deaths globally. The rate of death due to pollution has been
equated with cancer and heart diseases. Pollutions in any forms like air, water and soil
have been identified as major sources of deaths based on the findings of Prof. David
Pimentel, an ecologist and evolutionary Biologist.
The said expert further stated that along with AIDS and cancer cases, 76,000 people
are victimized by pollution every year, which resulted to 5,000 deaths. It was speculated
that the rapid increase in death rates each year was due to air pollution and population
growth. This environmental problem has caused the heightened rate of cardiovascular
and pulmonary diseases in the United States alone, which should be addressed
immediately by the government (Potter, 2007).
The mentioned study is just one among many that proves that the degree of gravity of
the problem caused by pollution is quite high. The consequences may even get worse if
the authorities would not do something drastically to resolve the issue. It is important to
note that air pollution is difficult to completely stop because the sources are widespread
and quite imminent. One source may be stopped completely but others may be difficult
to prevent due to pressures coming from the business and consumer sectors. It is a
known fact that main sources of air pollution are cars, factories, electronic appliances,
and other toxic emitting products. If air pollution would be totally resolved, these products
should be banned totally. Unfortunately, their necessities for attaining a modern life are
already immeasurable. People can no longer live conveniently without cars, appliances
and other toxic producing commodities that are available in the market. Moreover, the
business sector is quite dependent on machines to run their factories that contribute
greatly to the pollution problem. Consequently, business leaders may react vehemently
against the banning of the use of machines especially in manufacturing industry.
Among the many proposed solutions in reducing the rate of air pollution, the following
solutions have been adapted in the many countries:
1. Pollution control legislation
2. Encourage alternative transportation, walking, and bicycle use
3. Promote fuel-efficient cars
4. Establish green spaces or urban forestry
To validate the recommendation above, the article entitled, “Point and Non-Point
Source Pollution,” by Loague and Corwin (2005) is quite relevant. As stated in the said
article, the point source pollutants can be detected and prevented easily. For one thing,
one can identify immediately the origin of the point sources of pollutants. After doing so,
it already easy to control and reduce in a systematic process. Hazardous spills,
underground storage tanks, storage piles of chemicals, mine-waste ponds, deep-well
waste disposal, industrial or municipal waste outfalls, and hazardous waste dumpsites,
and septic tanks are among the common point sources of pollutants.
If this is true, the government can strictly regulate factories or organizations that
contribute to the worsening of the pollution problem. The amount to be spent in the
legislation and enforcement of the laws that would monitor and regulate the point sources
of pollutants in the city is worthy to be spent because it can reduce greatly the rate of
pollutants in the city. Aside from the legislation, it is also essential to put financial
sanctions to these establishments for violating the said environmental standard that would
add to the funds of the city.
The encouragement of alternative transportation, walking, and bicycle use and the
promotion of fuel-efficient cars would tremendously decrease the CO2 content of the
atmosphere, which is among the major causes of air pollution. If people are compelled to
take alternative transportation instead of using cars, it would greatly reduce the air
pollutants in the city. This is the case of China during the early years of the communist
era. People were forced to take bicycles instead of cars to lessen the traffic situation and
the air pollutants in the country. Of course, the promotion of fuel-efficient cars is an
alternative way of dealing with pollution without sacrificing the convenience that cars give
to the people.
Of course, establishing areas for trees would certainly decrease CO2 contents of the
atmosphere. The more trees there are, the lesser the air pollutants since they absorb air
pollutants and naturally convert it into fresh air. However, this has to be legislated not only
promoted. If the law requires the community to have a place where trees can grow, then
it would greatly aid in the reduction of air pollutants.
We have to take seriously consider the impact of the environmental problems to the
global community. Every city has to do its own share to improve the environmental
condition regardless of the amount to be spent for it. We have to be reminded that if the
environment is degraded, life on earth would cease to exist. This is how important the
issue of environment is to the global community.
More importantly, the concept of sustainable citizenship is crucial in saving the global
environment. As an ordinary a citizen of the world, everyone has the responsibility to care
and do something to alleviate the environmental conditions. Sustainable citizenship has
been the new concept that originated from the dynamic and volatile nature of the global
economy and environment. The main objective of creating a concept of a sustainable
citizenship is to visualize a citizen that would not further contribute to the damaging of the
natural environment through conspicuous consumption and extravagant lifestyle. A
sustainable citizen should instead aid in alleviating the condition of the global environment
in one’s own little way.
Moreover, the notion of sustainable citizenship in not merely an ideology that would
include one aspect of one’s lifestyle but it encompasses almost all areas that would
adhere to a complete responsibility for actions taken everyday. The social, political,
economic, and environmental aspects are always considered by a sustainable citizen in
every decision and choice that he makes (Micheletti).
So, a sustainable citizen is a person who seriously considers his buying behavior,
among all things. He makes consumer choices that would not further degrade the
environment. In this sense, he buys commodities that can be recycled and don’t produce
toxic waste after they are consumed and become garbage. In short, a sustainable citizen
is must critically examine first the ingredients or raw materials used in manufacturing the
products that he would buy in the market (Shaw and Barr).
A sustainable citizen is also not too extravagant in his lifestyle. He is greatly concern
with the economic and social impacts of his attitude toward spending. He strictly abides
with the principle,” consume less, live more.” Consequently, he just buys what his family
needs for a certain period of time and hoarding goods would be unethical for him, as a
sustainable citizen.
Other than the buying attitude, a sustainable citizen also takes active part in the
community development. He performs community service that would help improve the
lives of other people. He would help in the best way he can so that his community would
become a better place to live in, not just for himself, but for others.
Lastly, a sustainable citizen performs his political duties such a voting and participating
in a political forum with utmost integrity and honesty. For that matter, he would ensure
that he would vote political candidates according to his conscience, not because of some
deceptive campaign tactics. He would also participate in any forum that would advance
the welfare of the majority and ultimately fight for he thinks is right.
Management 24
Module IV, Lesson 6
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

True or False.
_____ 1. A sustainable citizen doesn’t active part in the community development.
_____ 2. A sustainable citizen is obligated to perform community service that would
help improve the lives of other people.
_____ 3. A sustainable citizen doesn’t perform political duties such a voting and
participating in a political forum with utmost integrity and honesty.
_____ 4. Along with AIDS and cancer cases, 76,000 people are victimized by
pollution every year, which resulted to 5,000 deaths.
_____ 5. The pollution problem has caused the heightened rate of cardiovascular and
pulmonary diseases in the United States alone.
_____ 6. A sustainable citizen strictly abides with the principle,” consume less, live
more.”
_____ 7. A sustainable citizen is too extravagant in his lifestyle.
_____ 8. A sustainable citizen is a person who seriously considers his buying
behavior, among all things.
_____ 9. Establishing areas for trees would certainly decrease CO2 contents of the
atmosphere.

The notion of sustainable citizenship in not merely an

ideology that would include one aspect of one’s lifestyle but
it encompasses almost all areas that would adhere to a
complete responsibility for actions taken everyday.
 MANAGEMENT 24:
Social Responsibility and Good Governance
Module Test IV

Name: DLC:

I. True or False. (20 pts.)

_____ 1. The westerners’ consumer lifestyle has been examined as quite
dangerous to the environment as compared with Asian lifestyle.
_____ 2. Pollution control legislation is not a solution to environmental problems.
_____ 3. The encouragement of alternative transportation, walking, and bicycle
use is not an effective solution in dealing with environmental problems.
_____ 4. The promotion of have more cars is one of the effective solutions in
dealing with environmental problems.
_____ 5. The westerners’ extreme desire to acquire more and more products has
burned mountainous papers, fuels, old clothes, and has dumped non-
biodegradable materials as a result of consumption patterns.
_____ 6. Colonization is a social phenomenon that has solved the migration
problem of many countries.
_____ 7. The economic activities of man have distorted the natural laws that led
to climate change.
_____ 8. Products that are environment friendly should be the focus of innovation
of business organizations.
_____ 9. Precautionary principle originated from the United States.
_____ 10. Buying more gadgets is one principle included in the concept of
sustainable citizenship.

II. Multiple Choice. (10 pts.)

_____ 1. The impact of too much concentration of this substance has led to climate
change.
a. Carbon Dioxide
b. Oxygen
c. water
d. electricity
_____ 2. According to the data of the article written by Woodruff (2009), Southeast
Asia is the home of almost how many percent of the plants and animals
species in the planet?
a. 20-25%
b. 30-35%
c. 40-45%
d. 50-55%
e.
_____ 3. The processing of this kind of resource is another activity that poses threat
to the environment. What is this resource that comes from the planet?
a. cars
b. cellphone
c. gadgets
d. oil
_____ 4. One characteristics of consumer culture is
a. It is transitory
b. It takes care of the environment
c. It is a culture that promotes religiosity
d. It is a culture that promotes good citizenship
_____ 5. Sustainable citizenship means
a. having extravagant lifestyle
b. internet addict
c. responsible consumption of goods
d. care free citizenship
_____ 6. Precautionary principle means
a. more technology
b. introducing new technology for profitable purposes
c. careful planning to avoid loss of profits
d. if there is a potential harm, it is better not to pursue the technology.
_____ 7. These materials are present in numerous domestic and industrial processes
that are damaging to the natural environment.
a. metallic
b. water
c. oxygen
d. wind
_____ 8. This principle adheres to the notion,” consume less, live more.”
a. Precautionary principle
b. Utilitarianism
c. Sustainable citizenship
d. American lifestyle
_____ 9. Which statement is true?
a. Climate change is God’s will.
b. Global warming is the result of animals’ tendency to survive in our
planet.
c. both A and B
d. neither A nor B
_____ 10. Social responsibility is evident in the principle,
a. precautionary principle
b. sustainable citizenship
c. both A and B
d. neither A nor B