Irresponsible Mining Projects a Threat to Environment

The negative impacts of different mining projects vary based on species and
ecosystems. Although there are now ways to alleviate the threats of mining activities to
the ecosystem, it is still best for everyone to know that it has a larger scale and long-
term harmful impact on the environment.

Negative effects of mining on SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health
Overexposure to mining and inhaling chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead are
all bad for the health for they may affect one’s lungs, brain, and nervous system. Some
people who don’t have a choice but to live closely to mining sites are also at risk
because of indirect exposure which may lead eventually to respiratory diseases such as
lung cancer.
SDG 8: Economic growth, employment, and decent work for all
Poor people who settle along mining areas tend to for these mining companies despite
the risks. Miners who are exposed to danger and do all the labor work are badly paid
and exploited at the same time. It also leads to child labor where children are forced to
work due to poverty instead of going to school.
SDG 15: Life on land
Mining contributes to the loss of biodiversity. The natural habitats of different organisms
are destructed by excessive mining activities which leads to species being extinct and
endangered. Mining also leads to the depletion of natural resources. Metals, oils, and
coals are needed for industrial purposes and these resources are extracted out of our
habitat. Deforestation is also caused by mining where forests are being cut for mines,
construction of roads, or for urban use.
SDG 17: Partnership
The Philippines ranked as the fifth most mineralized country in the world which led to
attracting foreign investors. Partnerships and investors are good for the country’s
economic growth however, corruption has been a serious problem in the Philippines
and relevant authorities will surely allow mining companies to operate despite their
extensive mining activities as long as they will have their share and it will benefit them.
Most resources that are mined are non-renewable and will become depleted sooner or
later. Mining should stop now!
References:
Sonter, J., Ali, H. and Watson, E. M. (2018, December 05). Mining and biodiversity: key
issues and research needs in conservation science.
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.1926

Stewart, A.G. (2019, July 09). Mining is bad for health: a voyage of discovery. Environ Geochem
Health 42, 1153–1165. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10653-019-00367-7

Unemployment during the Covid-19 Pandemic

2020, the pandemic happened and ravaged the way how people normally lived their lives. Covid-19
cases were consistently rising each day to the point that many had to sacrifice their jobs/work and
stay at home because of the imposed lockdowns to be safe from the virus' adamant spreading. Due to
this, the unemployment rate in the Philippines rose, affecting even probably more than 4.14 million
Filipinos.
The predicament listed above violates 2 of the 17 SDGs, namely:
SDG 4 (Quality Education)
The unemployment rate is deeply connected with attaining quality education in the aspect that
whether we like it or not, quality education is not free. With many Filipinos losing jobs, many
families are unable to provide educational needs for their children, especially now during the
pandemic where gadgets like laptops or phones and internet connections are necessary.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
As Covid-19 cases show no signs of decreasing, not only has it affected the jobs of many but also the
country's economy overall. With continuous lockdowns imposed in hopes of a nascent recovery,
more losses than gains were observed in the Philippine economy.
References:
Hermesauto. (2020, December 4). Philippines suffers worst job losses in 15 years due To Covid-19
and lockdown. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/.../philippines-suffers....

Rivas, R. (2021, June . Jobless Filipinos hit 4.14 million in April 2021 amid lockdowns. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com