General Education Core Courses

Science Technology and Society

Name:

Date: September 27, 2021

LEARNING JOURNAL

Reflection/Action Session:

Topic: Understanding Science Technology and Society Curriculum

 On a range of 1 to 5 (1 being not familiar, 5 being familiar), how familiar now with Science
Technology and Society?
 5 being familiar. I am being familiar because, when technology alters how we can
behave. Society drives technological innovations and scientific inquiry. Science gives us
insight into what kind of technologies we could potentially create and how to create
them, while technology allows us to conduct further scientific research.

 Do I have a clear picture of the key objectives of Science Technology and Curriculum?

 describe and discuss ways in which science is applied and used to solve local and global
problems.
 describe and evaluate the benefits and limitations of science and scientific applications
as well as their effect on life and society.
 discuss how science and technology are interdependent and assist each other in the
development of knowledge and technological applications.

 Is it possible to develop a “Scientifically, Environmentally and Technology literate” students

over the entire semester? Why or why not?
 Yes, because in order to develop the Scientifically, Environmentally and Technology
literate, Education must do more to develop an capable of making decisions about
 current problems, particularly issues involving science and technology. To become
scientifically literate, one has to “do science”. To help children build their
understandings of science and their ability to engage in science talk, offer explanations
about natural phenomena and propose ways to answer questions scientifically. An
environmentally literate person, both individually and together with others, makes
informed decisions concerning the environment, is willing to act on these decisions to
improve the well-being of other individuals, societies, and the global environment; and
participates in civic life. Technology literate is the ability of an individual, working
independently and with others, to responsibly, appropriately and effectively use
technology tools to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, create and communicate
information.

 How convinced am I about the benefits of scientific inquiry to produce literate Learners with
critical thinking and technical skills?
 I am convinced about the benefits of scientific inquiry, when scientific inquiry is critical,
as it not only enables them to acquire a fundamental understanding of current
scientifically accepted ideas but also endows the students with the critical thinking skills
to improve their scientific learning process in a multidisciplinary. It is because critical
thinking is the process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing,
synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion. And for the
benefits of scientific inquiry with a Technical skills can help students in inquiry activities,
such as researching a complex question, building explanations, testing ideas, and
refining understanding of the world. Applications that support modeling phenomena,
visualizing, or collecting data also support inquiry.
Name: Moner A. Arajain BEED – 1

Chapter 1: Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and Technology

It is a systematic body of knowledge based on careful
SCIENCE observations and experimentation.

Social It is the study of people, Natural It seeks to understand the natural

Science culture, and society. Science World.

Gain knowledge Pure Applied

Science Science
Solve a particular problem.

Biological Physical
Living things. Non – living things.
Science Science

ANCIENT TIMES
Transportation
 is significant during that time because people were trying to go places and discover new
horizons. They travelled to search for food and find better place locations for
settlements. They also travelled to their surplus goods in exchange for things that they
lacked.
Navigation
 assisted them in their journeys to unfamiliar and strange areas in the world. It allowed
them to return home after they discovered new places or completed an important trade
with another group of people.
Communication
 was also essential in their endeavors to discover and occupy new places. They needed a
way to communicate with the natives of the areas they visited so as to facilitate trade
and prevent possible conflicts.
Record Keeping
 was also important since they needed to remember the places they had been to and
document the trades they made with each other. It was also vital to keep records of
their history and culture so they could establish their identities as they tried to relate
with other cultures and civilization.
Mass Production
 the increase in size and number of nations connoted INCREASED DEMAND FOR FOOD
AND OTHER BASIC NECESSITIES. The people need a form of technology that would
enable them to increase food supplies and other survival needs without them travelling
more or working harder.
Security and Protection
 WEAPONS AND ARMORS were important as well in the discovery new places of the
establishment of new alliances with other tribes. At that time, there was always a risk of
conflict when people met others with different culture and orientations. Conflicts were
common especially if different groups struggled to control vital resources.
Health
 CONSERVATION OF LIFE. The early people might have been successful in harnessing the
rich resources that the world could provide, but their survival posed a great problem.
Given predicament, science and technology played a major role in the discovery of cures
to, if not the prevention of, illnesses.
Architecture
 The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction ARCHITECTURE.
Others might see architecture as a mere style, but during the ancient times, elaborate
architectural designs were signs of technological advancement of a particular
civilization. In the generations to come, nations of how advanced their technology is.
Engineering
 Moreover, in order to integrate their needs for better transportation, establishments of
structures for protection from human attacks and natural disasters, and construction of
bigger and stronger infrastructures – people offered into what is now known as the field
of ENGINEERING.
Aesthetic
 The people were not contented on beautifying only the infrastructures and
surroundings, being able to prolong life technology, as well as raise the quality of life by
making complicated and difficult tasks easier, humans later on developed people looked
more visually PRESENTABLE AND APPEALING by adding some features and decorations
in their body.
MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
 Sumerians => Cooperative, developed many things connected with S & T
 Babylonians => Great builders, engineers, and architect
 Egyptians => Infrastructures, engineering technology
SUMERIANS CONTRIBUTION
Cuneiform
 First Writing System
 Word pictures and triangular symbols
 Carved clay using wedge instruments and then left to dry
Uruk City
 First True City in the World
 Built using mud or clay on the river mixed with sun baked bricks
 They used bricks to make houses that protected them from harsh weather
 Prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from entering
The Great Ziggurat of Ur
 Also called “The Mountain of God,” was built in the same
manner that they constructed the City of Uruk

Irrigation and Dikes

 As population increased, so did the demand for food
 They created dikes and irrigation canals to bring water to
farmlands and at the same control the flooding of the rivers
 Dikes and canals were able to enjoy year – long farming and harvesting,
which increase food production
Sailboats
 Wheel was not yet invented; the main mode of transportation was
through waterways such as rivers and seas
 They needed a mode of transportation that did not require much human
resources.
 Sailboats were essential in transportation an trading as well as fostering
Wheel
 The first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm work
and food processes
 With the use of the wheel and axle, mass production was made easier.
Farmers were able to mill grains with less effort in less time.
Roads
 In order to facilitate faster and easier travel,
the Sumerians developed the first roads using sun – baked bricks

BABYLONIAN CONTRIBUTION
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
 One of the seven wonders of the ancient world
 Made up of layers of plants, trees, and vines
 It exact location is unknown. Many said it was just a product of
the creative imagination. If it really existed, it must have been
destroyed by war, erosion, or an earthquake and considered as
one of the greatest engineering and architectural achievement of
the world that is almost impossible to replicat.

EGYPTIAN CONTRIBUTION
Paper and Papyrus
 Egypt was not the first to develop a system of writing; they were able to make writing easier for
the world. Clay tablets were used. However, safe – keeping and transporting them were a major
problem
  Papyrus was a plant that grew abundantly in Egypt.
This invention was a major accomplishment in Egyptian
record – keeping and communications. Therefore, it was easier to
keep them away from raiders who often destroyed records of the
nations they invaded.
Ink
 When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or the paper,
engraving concluded to be used in writing. As a result, the
Egyptians invented ink by combining soot with different chemicals
to produce inks of different colors.
Hieroglyphics
 The Egyptians also developed a system of writing using symbols,
known as hieroglyphics
 They believed that this writing system was provided to them
by their gods.
 It was the language that tells the modern world of the history and
culture of the ancient Egyptians
Cosmetics
 The Egyptians also invented the use of cosmetics.
 Their function in ancient Egypt was for both health
and aesthetic reasons. Egyptians wore Kohl around the eyes to
prevent and even cure eye diseases.
Wig
 During the ancient Egyptian times, wigs were worn for health and
wellness rather than for aesthetic purposes.
 The wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy Egyptians
from the harmful rays of the sun.
 Prevent accumulation of head lice, and it allows heat to escape rather
than scarf.
Water Clock/Clepsydra
 This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water from
one vessel to other. The amount of water remaining in the device
determines how much time has elapsed since it is full. In the process,
time is measured.

GREEK CONTRIBUTIONS
Alarm Clock
 The purpose was just to sell an individual when to stop or when to start.
 They made use of water that dropped into drums which sounded
the alarm clock to signal the start of his lecture.
Water Mill
 Commonly used in agricultural processes like milling of grains which was a
necessary form of food processing during that time? Because milling was made
possible by the use of watermills, the mass production of rice, cereals, flours, and the
like become common.
 They only required access to rivers or flowing water where a mechanism of a
large wheel with small “bucket” of water attached to it could be installed.

ROMAN CONTRIBUTION
Newspaper
 The first newspapers, known as gazettes, contained announcements of the
Roman Empire to the people. Made before the invention of paper, these
gazettes were engraved in metal or stone tablets and then publicity displaced.
 When paper was invented, it became easier for the Romans to “publish”
matters that needed the attention of the Roman Citizens.
Bound Book or Codex
 The earlier covers were made of wax but were later on replaced by animal skin
which proved to be stronger and longer – lasting.
 With the papyrus pages bounded together and covered by animal skin, the
ancient Roman Empire was able to produce the first books or codex.
Roman Numerals
 Although other number systems had already been established before the Roman
numeral, these old systems could not keep up with high calculation requirements
due to the increasing rate of communication
 Roman numeral is no longer widely used today due to its inherent limitations
Roman Architecture
 The quality of these majestic Roman structures can be seen by the way they
withstood time and the harsh elements of the environment. Today, people of
the world still enjoy these marvels. These structures are proofs of ancient Roman
technology.

CHINESE CONTRIBUTION
Silk
 One of the things that connected China to the world is silk. Chinese were the ones who
developed the technology harvest the silk and process it to produce paper and clothing
 Silk production is the creation of a product for trade
Tea Production
 Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling
water over crushed or shredded dried tea leaves.
 China became known for its tea exports aside from its silk products.
  Chinese may have resulted in making tea as one of the most popular beverages in the world
today.
Great Wall of China
 Once considered the only man – made structure that could be seen from outer space,
the Great Wall of China is said to be the largest and most extensive infrastructure
that the nation built
 It was constructed to keep out foreign invaders and control borders of China.
Made with stone, brick, wood, earth, and other materials, it showcased the
showcased the extent of Chinese engineering technology at that time
Gun Powder
 The gunpowder is one of the most interesting inventions in China
 Originally, it was developed by Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve immortality. They
mixed charcoal, sulphur, and potassium nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir of life, they
accidentally invented a black powder that could actually generated large amount of heat and
gas in an instant
 Ironically, instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets from and
cannons which cause countless death
 Gunpowder is also used in fireworks during important celebrations in China

MEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES
Most Innovative Minds came from this Period.
Printing Press
 Johann Guttenberg was able to invent the printing press, a more
reliable way of printing using a cast type.
 He utilized wooden machines extracted juices from fruits, attached to
them a metal impression of the letter, and pressed firmly the cast metal
into a piece of paper, which then made an exact impression on paper.
 This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical printing press
which was eventually used all over the world. The printing press was invented
to address the need for publishing book.
Microscope
 With the device, people were able to observe organisms that were normally
unseen by the naked eye. The microscope was key in discovering new means
in preventing and curing illnesses. Because they needed a device that could
magnify things invisible to the eye to develop proper medicines foe illnesses,
experts must understand the sickness through an investigation.
Telescope
 Since the Middle Ages was also known Age of Exploration, the need
for nautical inventions was high.
 Considering the vast and empty oceans that separated lands, ship captains
needed to see far and wide for them to navigate or to avoid dangers at sea.
War Weapons
 In close range hand – to – hand combat, soldiers should wear something
to protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation of iron body armors.
However, body armors were heavy and limited their movements. The problem
was eventually solved by the invention of the chainmail.

MODERN TIMES
Pasteurization
 It is the process of heating dairy products to kill the harmful bacteria that
allow them to spoil faster.
 Through this process, milk could be stored and consumed for a longer period.
It also prevented illnesses caused by harmful bacteria.
Petroleum Refinery
 Samuel M. Kier was able to invent kerosene by refining petroleum. Kerosene
was later on referred to as the “illuminating oil” because it was used at first to
provide lightning to homes. After some time, it was applied for heating purposes.
The development of kerosene established the petroleum refinery industry. At the
present, petroleum is widely used I powering automobiles, factories, and power
plants, among others.
Telephone
 The more people got connected by trade and exploration the more they needed
away to easily maintain these connections and communicate with each other
in real time. Government likewise needed some kind of communication system
which would to administer their states well.
 Important day – to – day decisions must be discussed and addressed at the fastest
time possible. Thus, the development of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell
was one of the most important inventions at the time.
Calculator
 Although an earlier version of the calculator had already been developed,
circumstances in the modern time required a faster way to compute more
complicated equations. Computing devices must also be easy to carry since
they would be utilized on a day to day basis.
 The creation of modern calculators did not pave the way for easier arithmetic
calculations, but also resulted in the development of more complex processing
machines like the computer.

FILIPINOS’ INVENTIONS:
Salamander Amphibious Tricycle
 H20 technologies headed by Dominic Chung, Lamberto Armada, together with
Chief Designer Victor “Atoy” Llave, was able to invent the Salamander, an
amphibious tricycle that can cross not only flooded streets but also rivers and lakes.
 It may also utilize to travel from island to island. Since the Philippines is an
archipelago and flooding is a common occurrence in many areas in the
country. The salamander is a useful invention that has a lot of potentials.
Salt Lamp
 One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a developing nation, is electrification.
Electricity powers various types of machines, including light sources. In many rural
areas in the country, activities would cease when it gets dark. It also becomes more
dangerous to travel. Filipinos have resorted to using candles and kerosene lamps but
they carry certain risks as they are fire hazards.
 Aisa Mijeno was able to invent a lightning system that utilizes a material abundant
in the Philippines saltwater. She invented Sustainable Alternative Lightning (SALt)
lamp, an environmental – friendly light source that runs and emits no toxic gases.
Medical Incubator
 Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino paediatrician and the first Asian woman
admitted into Harvard Medical School, devised a medical incubator made
from indigenous and cheap materials which did not run on electricity.
Dr. del Mundo’s incubator was made by placing a native laundry basket
inside a bigger one. Hot water bottles were inserted between the baskets
to provide warmth and makeshift hood to allow oxygen circulation.
Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System
 In 2010, the DOST – Industrial Technology Development Institute was able to
introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System, also known as OL Trap.
This trap system is made of natural ingredients that are lethal to mosquito but
safe for humans and the environment.
 Insecticide resistance has evolved in some mosquito populations. Likewise, using
insecticides is harmful not only to humans but also to the environment.
Ejeepney
 Diesel powered jeepney produces large quantities of black smoke, and is usually a
major contributor of noise population due to its primitive exhaust system.
To counter these disadvantages, the electric Ejeepney was developed. This modern
type of transportation utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive diesel. It is
environmental – friendly since it does not emit any smoke and noise.
Chapter 2: Intellectual Revolutions

FREUDIAN REVOLUTION Sigmund Freud

COPERNICAN REVOLUTION Nicolaus Copernicus

DARWIN REVOLUTION Charles Darwin

FREUDIAN REVOLUTION
 Psychoanalysis is the study that explains human behaviour. In this theory,
SIGMUND FREUD explained that there are many conscious and unconscious
factors that can influence behavior and emotions.
 He also argued that personality is a product of three conflicting elements:
id, ego, and superego.
The Psyche

The ID The SUPEREGO

 Pleasure principle  Moral principle
 Born with it  Develops around 5/6
 Lobido – sexual energy  Child internalizes moral of
ID SUPEREGO society
 Fights with the Superego
 Fights with the ID

EGO

The EGO
 Reality principle
 Develops in childhood
 Balances the demands of the ID and the moral rules of the SUPEREGO
COPERNICAN REVOLUTION
 A famous philosopher and astronomer, CLAUDIUS PTOLEMY, stated that
the planets, as well as the sun and the moon, moved in a circular motion
around the Earth. He believed that the Earth was at the center – a concept
known as GEOCENTRISM. Ptolemy’s geocentric model was widely
accepted by the people and was one of the greatest discoveries of that time.
 In the 16th century, NICOLAUS COPERNICUS, a polish mathematician and
astronomer, challenge the Ptolemaic model. He introduced a new concept
known as HELIOCENTRISM, which suggested that the center of the Solar
System was not the Earth but actually the sun. The idea was rejected at first
by the public. It was eventually accepted by the people in a period which
was called the BIRTH OF MODERN ASTRONOMY.
DARWIN REVOLUTION
 The Darwinian Revolution was considered to be one of the most controversial
intellectual revolutions of its time.
 On the Origin of Species, Darwin introduces the theory of evolution, which
postulated that populations pass through a process of natural selection in
which only the fittest would survive.
 He stated that organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment and
would gradually change into something that would be more competitive to
survive, a process known as evolution.
FACTORS OF NATURAL SELECTION
 Variation
 Those organisms with heritable traits better suited to the environment will reach
maturity and survive.
 Overproduction
 More organisms are produced that can actually survive.
 Survival of the Fittest
 According to Charles Darwin, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, or the
most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
 Heritability
 Changes in the organisms brought by the environment will be inherited by their
offspring.

Chapter 3: Science, Technology, and Nation – building

PRE – COLONIAL PERIOD

Scientific and technological development in the Philippines began in the pre – colonial period. Even
before the Spaniards came to the Philippine islands.
 Early Filipino settlers were already using certain plants and herbs as medicines.
 Systems of farming and animal – raising were also implemented.
 Moreover, early Filipinos had also developed different modes of transportation, whether
terrestrial or maritime.
A complicated engineering feat was achieved by the natives of the Cordilleras
when they built rice terraces by hand. Through these terraces, the people were
able to cultivate crops on the mountainsides in cold temperatures. They
incorporated an irrigation system that uses water from the forest and mountain
tops to achieve an elaborate farming system. The rice terraces of the Cordilleras,
which are still functional, show the innovative and ingenious way of the natives
to survive in an otherwise unfriendly environment.

COLONIAL PERIOD
COLONIZATION BY THE SPANIARDS provided the Philippines with modern means of construction. Walls,
roads, bridges, and other large infrastructures were built using some of the engineering skills and tools
brought by the Spaniards. In addition, the Spanish government developed health and educational
systems that were enjoyed by the principalia class.

The AMERICAN OCCUPATION modernized almost all aspects of life in the

Philippines. They established a government agency, the Bureau of Science,
for the sole purpose of nurturing development in the field of science and
technology. Science during American period was inclined towards agriculture,
food processing, medicine and pharmacy. Moreover, they established public
educational system and improved the engineering works and the health
conditions of the people.

POST – COLONIAL PERIOD

One of the presidents who ushered in advancements in science and technology was FORMER PRESIDENT
FERDINAND MARCOS. Under his term, many agenciesin science and technology were established and
strengthened, including the Philippines.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) in place of the abolished Weather Bureau;
the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST); and the
reconstituted National Science and Technology Authority (originally
established in 1958 as the National Science and Development Board
and now the Department of Science Technology), among others.
Marcos saw that key to nation building is the continued development
of science and technology. The progress in science and technology
continued even after his presidency which left a legacy in this particular
field.
Name: Moner A. Arajain BEED 1

1. Discuss the paradigm shifts through history.

 The term paradigm as described by Thomas Samuel Kuhn. Paradigm-shifts or ‘scientific
revolutions’ are analysed and their application in natural and social sciences. Basically,
the concept of paradigm implies several interpretations, but it generally includes a
scientific community in a defined field which shares common aims and criteria during a
certain period of time. These periods are called “normal science”. The replacement of
one paradigm by another is known as a “scientific revolution” or “crisis period”. Kuhn
proposes the incommensurability concept. This means that every paradigm has its own
internal logic.
2. Explain how the intellectual revolution changed the way how humans see the world.
 These intellectual revolutions contributed a lot to the people’s daily lives. The
complicated tasks can be easier and humans do their jobs with lesser effort because of
the new technologies invented. It will transform societies through critical-thinking,
evaluation, and creating appropriate rules for equal opportunity. It is a continuous
process of development to achieve the needs of society. The collaborations of great
minds make the world peaceful and progressive.
3. Describe the technological advancements that happened in the information age.
 The Information Age is the idea that access to and the control of information is the
defining characteristic of this current era in human civilization. More technological
changes, such as the development of fiber optic cables and faster microprocessors,
accelerated the transmission and processing of information.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Why do you think were most intellectual ideas controversial?
 They were very controversial because they defied the most common and widely-
accepted beliefs during the time. If a widely-accepted belief is challenged, people tend
to become very defensive because it is what they accepted their whole lives and they
are uncomfortable with the fact that they might have believed in something wrong for
so long.
2. Why did the people accept these new discoveries despite being contradictory to what was
widely accepted at that time?
 The study of research consists of scientific method steps. Producing a new discovery
takes time, money and lots of effort for it to be successful. This is the main reason why
new discoveries are accepted even if they are contradictory to was accepted before.
3. How do intellectual revolutions transform societies?
 It will transform societies through critical-thinking, evaluation, and creating appropriate
rules for equal opportunity. It is a continuous process of development to achieve the
needs of society. The collaborations of great minds make the world peaceful and
progressive.
4. Can you name other scientific revolutions that happened in the following places?
a. Meso – America
 In Meso-America the Maya civilization made the greatest progress in science and
technology. Among its innovations were the position-value number system with zero,
the development of the most accurate known calendar, the invention of rubber and the
corbelled arch.
b. Asia
 According to Needham, a famous historian, China and the whole of Asia continued in
the scientific advancement however, they were slower than countries in the west like
Europe. Basically many scientific revolutions started in Asia mainly in China. However,
there was a problem since the Asians were too much into culture and religion which
hindered them from advancing in the world of science. China had advanced ships
however people like Timur who wanted to overthrow the government and hence the
government stopped creating ships to concentrate on emerging issues at the time.
c. Middle East
 The period between the 8th century and the 14th century , that was later called the
Islamic golden age , had so many life changing inventions , this scientific revolution
expanded along the whole Muslim empire , from western India in the east to Spain and
Portugal in west (Iberia peninsula). Among these inventions were the Arabic numerals
that are still used today, as well algebra and algorithms. There were also much
advancement in chemistry and astrology, the English word “chemistry” is actually
derived from the Arabic word “Kimya’a” due to the contribution of the scientists during
this period. During this period also the very first Hospital was established.
d. Africa
 The most serious challenges hindering the development of science and technology in
Africa include a steady decline in funding, brain drain flight of skilled personnel to other
areas, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient levels of literacy and a shortage of women
in science.
Name: Moner A Arajain BEED 1

10 Places that will disappear in your lifetime

1. Seychelles
 We won’t be able to admire the beauty of Seychelles Islands for much longer.
Unfortunately, the islands might soon be gone. Climate changes related to problems
such rising sea levels are resulting in devastating coral die off. This is the cause why
Seychelles Islands are sinking and will soon disappear underwater.
2. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
 This coral reef, unique in the planet, considered one of the seven natural wonders of
humanity, is about to disappear, at least the color that so much characterizes this
unique space on the planet, has already changed visibly. According to the BBC, about
1,500 kilometers of the great barrier has been lost forever and it is now feared that
present and future climate change will further damage the long lane.
3. The Great Wall Of China
 It was originally built to defend an empire, but now parts of the Great Wall of China are
crumbling so badly they need someone to leap to their defense. About 2,000 kilometers,
or 30%, of the ancient fortification built in the Ming Dynasty era has disappeared due to
natural erosion and human damage, according to the Beijing Times.
4. Kiribati
 The archipelago of Kiribati – 33 tiny coral atolls spanning 3.5m square kilometers of
ocean – is the world’s lowest-lying country, with an average height above sea level of
just two meters. The coastline is regularly being lost to king tides and to creeping sea
levels, and in a very real sense, there is nowhere to go.
5. Congo Basin
 The Congo Basin, the world's second largest tropical forest after the Amazon, loses
some 3.7 million acres a year to agriculture, logging, road development, oil exploitation
and mining.
6. The Maldives
 In 2004, a tsunami swallowed two-thirds of the Maldives. As a result, over 20 islands
were permanently erased from the map. The Earth is currently undergoing a climate
change of historic proportion, with sea levels rising noticeably from the melting of
glaciers and icebergs. If the trend continues, the Maldives will be completely submerged
in 30 years.
7. Shishmaref, Alaska
 This small island with a population of just 650 has slowly been disappearing into the sea
over the last 50 years, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), losing 100
feet since 1997. The DOI says the entire island will be gone within the next 20 years.
8. San Francisco
 A large swathe of the San Francisco Bay Area will become especially susceptible to
flooding as climate change pushes sea levels higher, while subsidence causes land levels
to drop.
9. Venice
 It may be known as 'The Floating City', but experts have warned that Venice could sink
in as little as 100 years thanks to climate change. They say that Venice and much of
Italy's Adriatic coastline is at risk of disappearing all together as sea levels continue to
rise. The Mediterranean will rise by up to five feet (140cm) before 2100, according to
scientists from Italy and France.
10. The Alps
 The European Alps sit at a lower altitude than the Rocky Mountains, and their glaciers
and ski resorts are more susceptible to the effects of global warming. Scientists have
warned that the Swiss Alps will no longer be covered by ice at the end of the century if
glaciers continue to melt at the current rate.