INFORMATION AGE

Also known as the Computer Age, Digital Age, or New Media Age
It started in the 1970s and is still going on today. The Information Age
is the concept that information availability and control is the defining
feature of our current age in human civilization. A time in which
information has become a commodity that is quickly and widely
disseminated and easily available, especially using computer
technology.
However, in the mid-14th century, Johannes Gutenberg invented the
remarkable printing press, which made a significant contribution to the
Information Era because it is the quickest, broadest, and most efficient
means of transmitting information at the time, making him a successful
inventor.
progress in the dissemination of information has been gradual until the
1970s in which the information era started when the American
mathematician Claude E. Shannon, “father of Information Theory,”
wrote a seminal article suggesting that information may be
mathematically encoded as a series of ones and zeros. He
demonstrated how all forms of information, including telephone signals,
radio waves, and television, could be transferred without error using this
single method.
Traditional media enterprises, such as book publishing that is also
now available online, various music platforms, and, more recently, major
television and cable networks, have been profoundly impacted by
information digitalization. Businesses across various industries focused
their attention on how to capitalize on the Information Age as information
is increasingly described in digital form.

ECONOMICS AND EDUCATION

It has been more than 50 years since the information age started.
First of all, what is e-commerce? Electronic commerce or e-commerce
is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of
funds or data, over an electronic network, primarily the internet.
. E-commerce is supposed to support the Philippine economy and drive
growth.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority,
efficient and inexpensive e-commerce can assist sustain economic
activity and fuel growth as the country continues to handle COVID-19
threats and transitions to a new and better normal.
NEDA Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua stated that
“As businesses and consumers grow their usage of electronic
transactions, including cashless payment systems and other financial
technology platforms,” .
That is where e-commerce plays its role. The primary influence of E-
commerce on the economy will be its effect on productivity and
inflation. Increased competition from electronic commerce may put
downward pressure on inflation. E-commerce plays a role in business
by facilitating the exchange of products and services via electronic
means

. E-commerce, redefined organizational boundaries, marketing, privacy,

globalization, job redesign, and security are all ways that information
technology affects the economy.
There are numerous claims that conventional educational methods are
inadequate in the digital age, especially in higher education. The growth
of the Massive Open Online Course, or MOOC, and the apparent
impending demise of the lecture are just two examples of how our
relationship with information and our capacity for learning with
technology are changing, despite the delayed adaptation of education to
the digital era.

Health and Robotics

Technology has made substantial and revolutionary contributions to the
field of medical care, which has eventually helped in extending the
lifespan of people throughout the world. Thermometer, microscope,
ophthalmoscope, stethoscope, laryngoscope, and X-ray are among
the initial inventions in medical technology. In recent years there
have been many groundbreaking advancements in technology in
healthcare like 3D printing, artificial organs, robotic surgery, health
wearables and many more.
Examining the technology and related systems that are helpful in the
disease identification, limiting disease spread, and disease prevention is
of paramount importance. Different new age technologies can be
adopted by the government as an initial response strategy. Drones,
robots, and AVs technology not only ensure minimum human interaction
but also can be beneficial to access contagious COVID-19 patients.
Wearables, making use of the Bluetooth and GPS technology, is
another efficient way to monitor individual’s health and their day-to-day
stress levels in isolation.
Robots can easily be deployed as frontline warrior in medical units due
to less risk of contagious disease spread from the patients who are
suffering. Additionally, ultraviolet or UV disinfection is easily achieved
with robots through preprogrammed procedures; hence, limiting the
transfer of the disease via contaminated surfaces in hospitals or isolation
centers. The autonomous disinfecting robots with very little or no
human contact are recommended as compared to the manual
decontamination, which involves the cleaning staff and may risk their
lives.
Positive and negative effects of social media impact on society
Social media is the most effective channel of communication with
people from all aspects of existence, and it has provided outstanding
media source material.
printing press has made a significant contribution to the Information
era since it is the quickest, broadest, and most efficient way to transmit
information in this period, which makes Johannes Gutenberg a
successful inventor. The Gutenberg period transformed the view, values,
and structure of society and its fundamental organizations. That makes
the remarkable process of communication a costly strategy because it is
formalized.
First the positive effects of social media on Society
1. Social networks support businesses.
2. Forming Relationships and being able to stay committed.
3. The effective use of technology, such as the camera, may aid
solutions to overcome crimes and keep the public safe both inside and
outside the community.
4. Sympathy and generosity are conveyed. .
5. Help in the efficient dissemination of news.
Negative effects
1. Addiction is one of the negative impacts of social media or
communication systems. Spending way too much time on social media
platforms might cause us to lose concentration and interest in a certain
activity, project, and task.
2. Social networking has a detrimental influence on society since it
causes children and teens to engage in criminal acts, commit crimes,
and participate in lawbreaking.
3. increases the unemployment rate of many workers.
4. hacking that can damage someone’s life.
5. The Social Dilemma analyzes how large social media corporations
utilize algorithms to influence users and create an addiction to their
networks. It also demonstrates, somewhat effectively, how platforms
acquire personal data in order to target u0sers with advertisements and
how they have mostly remained uncontrolled.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS (ARTICLE III, BILL OF RIGHTS)
Freedom of Expression
Sec. 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of
expression, or of the press, or right of the people peaceably to assemble
and petition the government for redress of grievances
The Right To Information
Sec. 7.
• The right of the people to information on matters of public concern
• Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to
official acts,
Transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used
as basis for policy development
• Subject to such limitations as may be provided by the law
Supreme Court Justice Irene Cortes on the inclusion of access to
information to Constitution:
• Recognition of the essentiality of the free flow of ideas and information
in a democracy
• Enables members of society to cope with the exigencies of their time •
Aids people in democratic decision making by giving them perspective of
vital issues confronting the nation
The Right To Privacy
Sec. 2.
• Inviolable: right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,
papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of
whatever nature and for any purpose
• NO search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon
probable cause to be determined personally by the judge
Sec. 3.
• Inviolable: privacy of communication and correspondence. Exception:
(a) lawful order of the court; (b) public safety and order requires
otherwise.
• Inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding: any evidence obtained
in violation of
This or the preceding section.
SPECIAL LAWS
a. Shield Law [RA 53, as amended by RA 1477]
According to this law, “the source of any news report or information,
related in confidence, unless the court or a House Committee of
Congress find that such revelations is demanded by the security of the
state.”
b. Copyright
Legally defined, a copyright is a “statutory protection of an artist’s or
writer’s work giving to the creator (or the holder of the copyright) the right
to regulate the publication, multiplication, or use of the copy righted
material for a certain period of time.” (18 C.J.S. in Habana vs. Robles,
310 SCRA 511)
It is an “intangible” or “incorporeal” right which purpose is to give
protection to the intellectual product of an author or creator. The
“Intellectual Property Code (RA 8293)”, thus, provides that the holder
of the copyright has the exclusive right to carry out, authorize or prevent
the following acts:
a. Reproduction of the work or substantial portion of the work;
b. Transformation of the work – dramatization, translation, adaptation,
abridgement;
c. First public distribution of the original and first copy of the work by
sale; d. Rentals rights; and
e. Public display of the original or a copy of the work.
Copyright secures original expression in the forms of literary, scholarly,
scientific and artistic creations. It also extends to software programs,
compilation of databases, and derivative works. These works are
protected by the sole fact of their creation, regardless of their mode or
form of expression, as well as their content, quality and purpose (Art.
172.2, IPC).
LAWS AND CODES FOR THE PRINT INDUSTRY
The Book Industry Development Act (RA 8047). “An Act Providing for
the Development of the Book Publishing Industry Through the
Formulation and Implementation of a National Book Policy and a
National Book Development Plan”.
Strategies for using technology sustainability
Sustainability is a crucial corporate objective, from being a good
corporate citizen to actively supporting the communities where you
operate.

INFORMATION LITERACY
The American Library Association defined information literacy as
the set of abilities of the person to identify, evaluate, organize, and use
sources effectively.. The objective of engaging and understanding
information literacy allows us to become informed and encourages the
idea of lifelong learning.
In today’s world, the internet is the most prominent medium used to
access information. According to Writer (2020), the internet and its
subsequent expansions are prime examples of technology stemming
from the Information Age. The internet has shaped our society by
creating global communication and networking, allowing work,
technology, and research to grow faster than we imagine. Technologies
have also impacted the economy by forming modifications to many
businesses and industries.

The Nano World and Gene Therapy

In medicine, nanotechnology promises to revolutionize drug delivery,
diagnostic techniques, and gene therapy.
We have seen the huge potentials of new technologies or fields of
study, but how about the risks? It is important for us to examine the
potential for unintended consequences, especially those related to
human and environmental health.
The Nano World
Just as human understanding of the natural world was revolutionized by
the discovery of light microscopes, modern microscopes that can expose
and change individual atoms are once again exposing a whole new
world-the nano world. Scientific researchers have developed new
technological tools that greatly improved different aspects of our lives
through the use of nanoscale.
Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering, and technology
conducted at the nanoscale. It is concerned with building ‘things’ –
generally, materials and devices on the scale of atoms and molecules. It
encompasses science and technology that manufactures materials
of great help to the improvement of various areas of society
especially health, environment, energy, electronics, food, water,
and agriculture.
Nanomanufacturing
It refers to scaled-up, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing of
nanoscale materials, structures, devices, and systems. It leads to the
development of new products and improved materials.
Below are the two fundamental approaches to nanomanufacturing.
 1. Bottom-up fabrication- It manufactures products by building them
up from atomic- and molecular-scale components.

2. Top-down fabrication- It trims down large pieces of materials into

nanoscale. This process needs larger amounts of materials and
discards excess raw materials.

What is the difference between bottom-up fabrication and top-down

fabrication?
Top-down approaches are good for producing structures with long-
range order and for making macroscopic connections, while bottom-up
approaches are best suited for assembly and establishing short-range
order at nanoscale dimensions.
Bottom-up fabrication uses chemical and physical forces at a
nanoscale level to assemble simple units into larger structures. The
bottom-up approach mimics biological processes, where individual
atoms pile up one after the other on a substrate to form molecules.
Top-down fabrication can be likened to sculpting from a block of stone.
A piece of the base material is gradually eroded until the desired shape
is achieved. That is, you start at the top of the blank piece and work your
way down removing material from where it is not required.

Benefits and Concerns of Using Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has various applications in different sectors of the

society and environment. However, there are concerns that need to be
addressed before using and promoting materials derived from
nanotechnology.
1. Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become
prevalent.
2. It seeks to develop new materials with specific properties.
3. New efficiencies and paradigms may be introduced that may
render certain natural resources and current practices
uncompetitive or obsolete.
 4. It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one
has the specialist tools of nanotechnology.

Gene Therapy
Medical Science has detected many human diseases related to
defective genes. These types of diseases are not curable by
traditional methods like taking readily available medicines.
Gene therapy is an experimental technique for the treatment or
prevention of disease using genes. In the future, instead of using drugs
or surgery, this technique could allow doctors to treat a disease by
inserting a gene into the cells of a patient.
The Basic Process
There are several approaches to gene therapy. These are the following:
• Replacement of mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy
copy of the gene.
• Inactivation of a mutated gene that is functioning improperly.
• Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a disease.
In general, a gene cannot be directly inserted into a human gene or cell.
A gene is inserted into another gene using a carrier or vector. At
present, the most common type of vectors are viruses that have been
genetically changed to carry normal human DNA.
Two Types of Gene Therapy https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-
is-gene-therapy
1. Somatic gene therapy- involves the manipulation of genes in any
cells of the body except sperm and egg cells that will be helpful to
the patient but not inherited to the patient’s descendants.
2. Germ-line gene therapy- involves the genetic modification of
reproductive cells such as sperm and egg cells that will pass the
change on to the next generation.
Stem Cell Gene Therapy
Have you heard about stem cells in the news? If yes, perhaps you’ve
wondered if they might help you or your loved one with a serious
disease. You may wonder how they’re being used to treat diseases, and
why they are being discussed so vigorously.
Stem cells are mother cells that have the potential to become any type
of cell in the body. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory,
stem cells divide to self-renew or multiply. They can become cells of
the blood, heart, bones, skin, muscles, brain, among others.
Why is there such an interest in stem cells? Researchers and doctors
hope stem cell studies can help to:
1. Increase understanding of how diseases occur.
2. Generate healthy cells to replace diseased cells (regenerative
medicine).
3. Test new drugs for safety and effectiveness.
Sources of stem cells
1. Embryonic stem cells- are derived from a three to five-day-old
human embryo that is in blastocyst phase of development and has
about 150 cells. The embryos are usually extras that have been
created in IVF (in vitro fertilization) clinics where several eggs are
fertilized in a test tube then implanted into a woman.

2. Somatic stem cells- are cells that exist throughout the body
after embryonic development. They are also capable of self-
renewal and, with appropriate signals, differentiate into various
 cell types from the organ from which they are derived. The
extent to which they are capable of creating various types of cells
is controversial.
The Bioethics of Gene Therapy
There are ethical issues involved in gene therapy. Some of the
inquiry cited are the following:
1. How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be distinguished?
The same as good vs bad therapy of any kind. Good therapy benefits
the patient, bad therapy harms the patient. This is an outcome based
definition. It may be difficult to know ahead of time what the outcome
may be. I know of at least one notorious instance where a patient with a
non-life-threatening condition was killed by attempted gene therapy.
There are gray areas. Successful therapy usually corrects a defect, but
the defectiveness of some differently abled conditions is a matter of
controversy. For example, there is a school of thought that does not
recognize deafness as a disability. Different varieties of cognitive or
emotive ability would be another area where irreversible therapies
should be approached with caution — although I hasten to add that in
general the genetic contribution to such conditions is not well enough
understood at present to even contemplate genetic intervention.
2. Who decides which traits are normal and which constitute a
disability or disorder?
“Normal” is a statement of how common something is. It’s not actually
related to whether something was a disorder.
The determiner of whether something is a disability/disorder is down to
whether the medical or psychological community believes it is a defect –
if it is a net lowering of a capacity, rather than an increase (Genius isn’t
normal, but it’s not a disability) or a different approach.
The problem comes because support only really exists for
disability/disorder, rather than difference, which incentivizes a disability
focused approach, where people look for deficits to make something
disabling so the difference can be supported.
It’s why there’s a lot of controversy over autism, for example. It’s not a
disability – it’s a fundamentally different way of approaching the world,
which is not inherently deficit. (You wouldn’t say non-autism was a
disability because some non-autists have learning difficulties!). But if that
becomes the model, all the support, all the funding, will dry up.
3. Will the high costs of gene therapy make it available only to the
wealthy?
For now, yes indeed. Like any new technology it’s going to be
expensive, part of it is because the treatment itself is expensive but most
of the cost is because the companies that patented these treatments are
trying to return their investment and of course, profit, while they can. Are
they justified prices? Probably not.
In this kind of industry patents expire after about a decade, which is
when prices go down to more affordable values, so companies try to
profit from their discoveries as much as possible in that time-frame. It’s
likely they’re still going to have high price tags, unless technology
changes or improves in the meantime (which it will).

4. Should people be allowed to use gene therapy to enhance human

traits such as height, intelligence, or athletic ability?
Yes, though only once we actually understand how all the genes interact
with each other. At the moment we only have a very basic understanding
what a few genes do. Until we know enough to build the full genetic
sequence from scratch, we’ve no business playing around with them
outside of experimentation.

Biodiversity and Health Society

• Understand the interrelatedness of society, environment and
health
• Discuss the Biodiversity in our country and in the world
• Discuss how is our society’s health today
• Discuss the ethics and implication of GMO’s and its potential future
impacts
Biodiversity is consisting of two words which Bio that means ―life‖
and diversity which means ―variety‖. This refers to all the different
kinds of life you’ll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi,
and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world.
Each of these species and organisms have distinct characteristics and
function that they all utilize to work together in ecosystems, like an
intricate web, which maintain the harmony and balance in nature which
is known as equilibrium and support life.
Biodiversity is built with three intertwined features, the species
diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity.
Let us first defined species diversity, species are the basic units of
biological classification.
Species diversity is defined as the number and relative abundance of
different species present in ecosystem. So species are determined
through quantifying species richness and species abundance.
Species richness is the number of different species living in one area,
while
Species abundance counts the number of individuals per species.
Ecosystem diversity, defined as the variety of different habitats,
communities and ecological processes.
Some examples of ecosystem diversity are deserts, forests, coral reefs
and marine ecosystem.

A biological community is defined by the species that occupy a

particular area and the interactions between those species.

is the Genetic biodiversity, this refers to the range of different inherited

traits within a species or the genetic variability present within species.
we humans are dependent within our biodiversity.
Human health and well-being are inextricably linked to the nature and
quality of the natural and built environments.
One of the key reasons why biodiversity is so important to our existence
is that it provides us with a source of supplements, nutrients, various
sorts of vitamins and minerals, and a wide range of pharmaceuticals.
Biodiversity also place a vital role in providing human an access to
clean water and air, food, shelter, fuel, clothing, and a variety of other
necessities. In which we utilize to underpin good health aid, economic
issues and stabilize cultural progress.
Humanity will surely be unable to develop a healthy society unless we
preserve our biodiversity. However, there are still biodiversity issues that
prohibit mankind from achieving global health. Changes in our
biodiversity, whether rapid or gradual, can have serious and unexpected
consequences for the health of all living things, including people.
Clearing land for greater residential areas, for example, may put humans
into closer contact with disease-spreading animals, which can infect not
just humans but also other animals. These may potentially cause an
imbalance in some ecosystems by reducing the number of disease-
controlling predators that come into contact with humans.
A healthy ecosystem and its numerous species can operate as a natural
buffer against natural disasters including flooding, landslides, and
drought. Loss of habitat due to a number of factors also adds to
desertification and dry land salinity, putting human settlements at risk.
Poor communities, the sick, and those with low levels of economic
stability are especially vulnerable to such events. Many rural and
disadvantaged people rely on ecosystems for their livelihood security
and well-being; as a result, they are the most vulnerable to the
consequences of disasters if these ecosystems are disrupted prior to
disasters. People who have been relocated due to natural catastrophes
or armed conflict may be more susceptible to illness and rely on
ecosystem services for food, shelter, medication, and other basic
requirements.
The State of Biodiversity in our World and in our Country
As Filipinos, we depend on the biodiversity here in the Philippines. In
fact, the Philippines is recognized as one of the world’s megadiverse
countries with almost 75% of the world’s biodiversity that can be found in
our country.
Science and Technology has the ability to change how we approach
ecological restoration as well.
Moreover, in terms of Agriculture, Science and Technology has helped
to increase food production to meet the demands of the increasing
human population and it also helped to discover how to preserve food for
a longer period of time. Agricultural mechanization has also resulted to
the production of highly resistant plants and animals to diseases,
through hybridization. Production of supplies such as manure and
fertilizer that enhances food production were made possible through the
manifestation of Science and Technology. For instance, in the
Philippines through Department of AgriculturePhilippine Rice
Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in partnership with the International
Rice Research Institute (IRRI) they developed the ―Golden Rice‖ which
contains additional levels of beta-carotene in order address malnutrition
in a safe and sustainable way.

Due to the rapid growth of human population, in order to meet the

increasing demand, humans overconsumed natural resources that
causes depletion and destruction of our biodiversity. The conversion of
land in favor of agriculture, forestry, fishing, urbanization, and
manufacturing has cause habitat loss which greatly reduced species
richness. Habitat fragmentation has also meant that populations have
been split into smaller subunits which then when faced by challenging
circumstances they won’t be able to adapt and survive.
In the past, there is an abundance of coral reefs which serves as a home
for many different marine species. But now, due to human activities such
as dynamite fishing, it destroyed the coral reefs beneath the seas.
Roughly one third of the world’s coral reef systems has been destroyed
or highly degraded.
At least 900 species have been extinct in the last five centuries which
includes 85 mammal, 159 birds, 35 amphibian, and 80 fish species. On
the other hand, more than 35,000 species have been evaluated to be
threatened with extinction today.
Human dominance is the most prevalent threat of biodiversity because
it overuses its power and consumes all kinds of resources while
threatening the lives of other species,
Relevant and Current Issues (Negative Impact of STS on Biodiversity)
Science and technology have put man in position to control his
environment. Unfortunately they have equally constituted serious
threats to the live of human animal and plants.

Research shows that, since 1970, CO2 emissions have increased by

about 90%, with emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial
processes contributing about 78% of the total greenhouse gas
emissions increase from 1970 to 2011. Evidence also shows that the
2010s were hotter than any other decade on record—and every decade
since the 1960s has averaged hotter than the previous one. This
warming is altering the earth’s climate system, including its land,
atmosphere, oceans, and ice, in far-reaching ways. Where it increases
the number of droughts, intense storms, and floods we are now
experiencing.
Additionally, science and human activity continue to encroach on natural
environments, ruining the habitats of numerous animals. Cities,
infrastructure, and farmland are expanding and merging as our
population grows, fragmenting remaining environment and leaving
isolated islands of natural populations of plants and animals that are too
small to sustain. And this influences the increasing extinction of land, air
and marine animals.
According to IPBES, only one quarter of land areas and one third of
oceans remain relatively undamaged by human activity.
Tropical rainforests have received most of the attention concerning the
destruction of habitat. From the approximately 16 million square
kilometres of tropical rainforest habitat that originally existed worldwide,
less than 9 million square kilometres remain today. Other forest
ecosystems have suffered as much or more destruction as tropical
rainforests. Farming and logging have severely disturbed at least 94% of
Temperate broadleaf forests; many old growth forest stands have lost
more than 98% of their previous area because of human activities.
And United Nations Environmental Program stated that up to 12.7 million
metric tons of plastic made its way into the ocean in just one year. Oil
spills kill indiscriminately. The 2010 Deep-water Horizon oil spill in the
Gulf of Mexico impacted more than 14 species of whales and dolphins,
killing more than 5,000 of these majestic creatures.
Another detrimental consequence of technology on the environment is
resource depletion. It occurs when a resource is depleted quicker than it
can be replaced. Aquifer depletion, deforestation, mining for fossil fuels
and minerals, pollution of resources, soil erosion, and overconsumption
of resources are the most severe forms of resource depletion.
Agriculture, mining, water use, and fossil fuel consumption are the key
causes, all of which have been made possible by technological
improvements.
Natural resource deterioration is becoming more prevalent as the global
population grows. As a result, the world’s eco-footprint is estimated to be
1.5 times the earth’s ability to sustainably provide each individual with
enough resources to meet their consumption levels. Large-scale mineral
and oil exploration has increased since the industrial revolution,
resulting in growing natural oil and mineral depletion. Because of
advances in technology, development, and research, mining minerals
has gotten easier, and humans are digging deeper to have access to
more, causing many resources to see a fall in production.

Wind turbines, solar power, and hydro-electric power are all under
scrutiny, and new technologies are continuously being tested in order to
increase the efficiency of existing systems.
.
Our society’s health today
Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia with 7,107 islands and
has a total population of 109.6 million as of 2020. And currently facing a
serious economic and health issue which is the pandemic that been
caused by Coronavirus disease (COVID19) that affects the economy
and health of the people in a country. Coronavirus is a virus of the
species severe acute respiratory syndrome, which is linked to climate
change and biodiversity loss.

One promising area of research is gene-encoded antibodies that

creates ―factories‖ in our bodies to make antibodies against specific
pathogens. Successful drug development is not always about advanced
synthetic biology, there is also a link to nature-based solutions and
biodiversity as researchers are increasingly ―reverting to nature‖ to look
for new therapeutic options. An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 plant
species are harvested for traditional or modern medicine, while around
50% of modern drugs have been developed from natural products that
are threatened by biodiversity loss.
All diseases and viruses can be cure and control by the use of
medication and vaccination. So, how the vaccine prevents diseases?
Vaccines mimic the virus or bacteria that causes disease and triggers
the body’s creation of antibodies. These antibodies will provide
protection once a person is infected with the actual diseasecausing virus
or bacteria. According to World Health Organization, as of June 11,
2022, a total of 151,919,132 vaccine doses have been administered
enough to have vaccinated about 70.3% of the country’s population.
Vaccination reduced the overall attack rate to 4.6% from 9% without
vaccination. However, vaccination will only help our immune system to
create an antibodies who will fight the virus. In other word, vaccination
will only serve as our protection in fighting the disease. Therefore, it is
important to continue practicing safety precautions to protect yourself
and other people.
Let us talk about first the issue about lack of clean water in the
Philippines. Philippines is known for a country that comprises a lot of
bodies of water, including salt water and freshwater that serves as
habitat and life support of all different living things. What will be the
threat of lack on supply of clean water to our biodiversity? According to
the water.org, more than 3 million of people in the Philippines rely on
unsafe and unsustainable water sources and 7 million lack access to
improved sanitation over 109 million of a total population in the
Philippines. The main causes of the lack of clean water are the recent
rapid population growth, economic development, climate change,
and widespread of urbanization. The problem in water pollution is not
only affecting the supply of clean water to the people in a society, but
also to the other species who serves the body of water as their habitat.
According to British Geological Survey (BGS), over 139,000 death
record is cause of acute watery diarrhea.
Let’s move on to the next issue which is the shortage in crops supply in
the Philippines. The Philippine economy is largely dependent on
agriculture. Major crop products exported include coconut, sugar,
pineapple, banana, coffee, and mango while rice and corn continue to
be imported to meet the demand of the growing population. Food supply
has been affected by a natural calamities such as typhoons and El Nino
that have been rendered farmer crops unusable. Climate change is also
an important challenge as it adverse impacts such as increased flooding,
drought, soil degradation, water shortage and increase pests that
constantly threaten agricultural productivity. .
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Climate change – refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and water
patterns.
Biodiversity loss – refers to the decline or disappearance of biological
diversity.
Vaccine – substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and
provide immunity against one or several diseases.
Antivirals – class of medication used for treating viral infections.
Antibiotics – type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria.
Antibodies – blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a
specific antigen.
Pathogens – a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that cause
disease.
Biodiversity – variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or
ecosystem.
Therapeutic – relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by
remedial agents or methods.
Habitat – a place where an organism makes its home.
Ecosystem – a geographic area where plants, animals, and other
organism, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a
bubble of life.

NATIONAL SOCIETY HEALTH ( NEGATIVE)

Most air pollution is caused by human activities also called
anthropogenic air pollution like burning of fossil fuels, use of motor
vehicles, and factory emissions which threaten various forms of species.
It is crucial to acknowledge the risk and danger of air pollution to our
ecosystem. It affects the balance and distribution of the ecosystem to
provide and sustain life. The higher the air quality level the greater
risk to our biodiversity’s health. Natural habitats like ponds can have
major changes in structure. When the emission of sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxide are deposited in water coming from the acid rain, it can
cause increased growth of algae making aquatic bodies completely
lifeless. Moreover, biodiversity has a big role in human life. Air
pollution results in the reduction of biodiversity.
Accordingly, I mentioned earlier that biodiversity supports the nutrition,
safety, and well being of people. In that case, biodiversity loss will pose
a great danger to our life and health if it continues. Scientists have
discovered that the declination of biodiversity and succeeding changes
in our ecological system may influence the disease dynamics which can
lead to new diseases emerging. This occurs due to the interconnection
between humans, animals, and the environment. Recently, new
outbreaks of avian influenza or bird flu have spread across the country.
According to an article by PhilStar, 75,448 birds died from the virus and
the other 86,136 were disposed in Luzon to prevent the spread of the
disease. While in a different article, over 42,000 quails and ducks were
killed on four farms in Central Luzon. Affected Filipino farmers have
voiced their concerns and urged the Department of Agriculture to
address the outbreak as it may affect the local poultry. The livelihood
and business of our local farmers have been delayed due to the disease
outbreak and consequently, it also affected us or the consumers. DA’s
Secretary William Dar also said in a virtual press briefing, that the avian
influenza virus is a subtype of H5N1 that threatens human health. Not
only does it have an impact on our health, but it also disrupts our access
to daily needs.
Other diseases like dengue and COVID-19 are also linked to biodiversity
crises caused by human activities such as pollution, loss of habitats,
and species and exploitation of organisms. Disease ecologist Richard
Ostfeld’s team’s research shows a consistent, general pattern that loss
of biodiversity is associated with an increase in the transmission of
infectious diseases. Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease is
said to have a connection with deforestation. The alteration of the
structure of ecological interactions unfolds an increase in diseases such
as dengue. For example, Rmrming induced by anthropogenic activities
can accelerate the sylvatic cycle of dengue making it easier to spread to
other animals and humans. In the Philippines, dengue is a major health
issue and poses a serious threat to our health as there’s a higher
chance of transmission in as we are susceptible to rainy weather. From
January to May 2022 dengue cases rose by over 94% according to the
Department of Health (DOH) report.
Meanwhile, the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 cases
in the
Philippines caused a major economic fall resulting from unemployment
and a high inflation rate. But the question is what caused this virus to
infect humans? The answer is still linked to human activities. The
emergence of COVID-19 has hampered Filipinos’ lives and brought
many challenges to our society. But at the same time, our biodiversity
has also suffered since the pandemic outbreak. The lack of funding for
conservation and enforcement efforts has led to more decline of species
and ecosystem destruction.
In conclusion, disease, biodiversity, and human health have a significant
association. Destruction of biodiversity also equates to risking human
health and more diseases emerging whether it’s COVID-19, dengue, or
bird flu. The Philippines is known for its rich biodiversity, but it doesn’t
exempt the country to be a biodiversity hotspot. It has a number of
species at risk of extinction and natural habitats are continuously
degrading due to deforestation, mining, and urbanization. Protecting
biodiversity is critical for sustainability. It is the only thing we can do to
reduce the risk of spreading diseases as well as stabilize our economic
activity. Maintaining conservation efforts is one way to sustain and
secure our ecosystem. Having rich biodiversity
Has proven itself to prevent the emergence of new diseases and even
future pandemics.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Acid rain – a general and simplified term used to describe a range of
pollution effects.
Air quality – the degree to which the ambient air is pollution-free,
assessed by measuring a number of indicators of pollution.
Biodiversity hotspot – it’s a biogeographic region with significant levels
of biodiversity that is threatened by human habitation.
Described species – a new formally described species is one that has
been studied by a biosystematist that is an expert in the group to which
the new species is related.
Ecosystem – complex community of organisms and its environment
functioning as an ecological unit.
Healthcare – the organized provision of medical care to individuals or a
community. Private healthcare – additional comfort for the patient with
much more up-to-date equipment.
Public healthcare – system delivered through public health and primary
healthcare centers linked to peripheral barangay (local town) health
centers
Threatened species – a general term to denote species or subspecies
considered as critically endangered, vulnerable, or other accepted
categories of wildlife whose population is at risk of extinction.
Megadiverse country – used to refer to the world’s top biodiversity-rich
countries.
Ethics and implication of GMO’s and its potential future impacts

Genetically Modified Organisms or also called GMO that are being

created and grown across the globe and are one of the most
controversial results of modern biochemistry. GMOs are organisms
whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering.
Genetic engineering is the modification of an organism’s phenotype by
altering its genetic make-up. Genetic engineering is primarily
performed by simple mating that will contribute to them growing faster
and fighting chemicals.
GM foods are produced by organisms that changed their DNA using
genetic engineering they are modifying in a laboratory when a desired
specific characteristic is not present in them. To produce a GM plant,
new DNA is transferred into plant cells. Usually, the cells are then grown
in tissue culture where they develop into plants then the seeds produced
by these plants will inherit the new DNA. .
Well-known examples of these are ―Golden rice‖ by German plant
scientists Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer to combat vitamin A deficiency,
the leading cause of childhood blindness as well as preventing apple-
browning is also an example of GM technology in the United States
Since it is concluded that genetically modified products are dominating
the world we need to know their advantages and disadvantages.
Researchers found that one of its advantages is its enhanced taste and
nutritional value that eventually creates medicinal food that can be used
as a medicine and organisms are observed that the growth of it are
faster which helped the farmers a lot. Next is GMO products are loved
by society because it has a lower cost than non-GMO products and
they increased crop yield which in favor of the business industry or the
farmers themselves.
However we should look at the disadvantages of GMOs, first is we can
have an allergy reaction to these products. Next, farmers who are not
using GMO products will be affected even they organic foods are safer
to consume, people in the industry will choose lower cost and higher
yield or GMO products rather than organic. Cross-pollination is also a
common problem here it happens through pollinators and through the
wind Cross-contamination typically occurs when pollen from a farmer’s
genetically modified crops is carried over to neighboring non-GMO fields.
.
Definition of terms:
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) - are organisms whose
genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering
Genetic engineering - is the modification of an organism’s phenotype
by altering its genetic make-up.
Cross-pollination – it happens through pollinators and through the wind
Crosscontamination typically occurs when pollen from a farmer’s
genetically modified crops is carried over to neighboring non-GMO fields.
What is the effect of GMOs to economy
Some benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture are increased
crop yields, reduced costs for food or drug production, reduced need for
pesticides, enhanced nutrient composition and food quality, resistance to
pests and disease, greater food security, and medical benefits to the
world’s growing population.
Crop biotechnology has continuously offered significant economic and
production advantages, increased earnings, and reduced risk for farmers
worldwide who have grown GE crops over the 15-year period covered in
this paper.
Impact of GMO to our health
Meal that is more nutritious Food that is tastier. Plants that are disease-
and droughtresistant and consume less natural resources (such as water
and fertilizer). Pesticides are used less
Most investigations on GM foods show that they can produce hepatic,
pancreatic, renal, or reproductive impacts, as well as change
hematological, biochemical, and immunologic parameters that can affect
your health.
Future potential cause of GMO
Adoption of GMOs into seed markets could lead to farmer dependence
on corporations that control the price and supply of seeds. The cost of
switching from traditional to genetically modified seeds could also lead to
increased inequality among farmers, as poorer smallholders will be left
behind by their competitors.
Horizontal gene transfer of pesticide, herbicide, or antibiotic resistance to
other organisms would not only put humans at danger, but it would also
cause ecological imbalances by allowing previously harmless plants to
proliferate unchecked, boosting disease spread among both plants and
animhealt
Conclusion: Is GMO good or bad?
According to my research I found out that over the last ten years, a
group of scientists reviewed a lot of evidence on the safety of GMO
crops. They discovered no evidence of direct genetic engineering harm.
Genetically engineered foods are also deemed safe by the American
Medical Association. And we need to put in our mind that everything is
good but in moderation.

KYLA:
Good Day, Filipinos! I am Kyla Nicole P. Agapito, reporting for the local
news of CCN TV.
As per the Climate Activists, to avoid the catastrophic effects of human-
induced climate change, changes must be transformative. The national
coordinator of the Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, Joe
Bonifacio said that engaging in small changes is not wrong but what we
need is bigger and much more.
Taking small steps or changes in our lifestyle can produce positive
impacts. However, it burdens the individuals rather than the main culprits
responsible for what is happening now. Bonifacio even added that it is
not humanity as a whole destroying our planet but rather some of those
countries, corporations, and individuals. Thus, they must be the ones
held accountable.
The Greenpeace country director, Lea Guerrero emphasizes that
Individual lifestyle changes will not make a significant difference in the
fight against climate and environmental crises. She said that “It takes
technological, systemic, and cultural changes for which we need both
consistent actions from politicians and other decision-makers as well as
public pressure and social movement,”
Greenpeace and other groups have been urging the Philippine
government to make a renewable energy system, to stop the expansion
of coal, fossil gas, and nuclear project, to call on wealthy nations, and to
make a central policy for climate action.
For Marinel Ubaldo, a climate justice advocate, we, people, must
demand change and accountability from top emitters of greenhouse
gasses. She added that we have the power to influence others not to
harm the environment as it won’t result in something good and we need
to encourage these corporations to change their business practices that
harm the environment.
Guerrero also added that every individual plays a vital role in ensuring
that these changes in systems will happen through fighting for their
future, voicing out their concerns, and engaging with these climate
movements. She also emphasized that people need to realize that they
have the power to bring about solutions by actively engaging or
participating in governance and movements.

IV. Advocacy:
Climate Change is the abnormal shift in the weather patterns that
have typically prevailed in a region for a long period of time.
The reason for this phenomenon is the greenhouse effect where
greenhouse gases traps the heat inside of our atmosphere. Over the
century, there is a massive increase in the greenhouse gases such as
methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. It increases our planets
temperature, and there are many sources of it.

Extreme climate change has caused oscillations in critical biological

processes such as reproductive success, population dynamics,
migration patterns, and fish population interactions.
.
According to the World Health Organization, climate change is
humanity’s most significant health danger. Warming temperatures,
changes in precipitation, increased frequency or intensity of extreme
weather events, and rising sea levels are all effects of climate
change. . Warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns can
worsen air quality, resulting in asthma attacks and other respiratory and
cardiovascular health issues.
biological impacts of climate change.
Land temperatures are rising faster than ocean temperatures, and the
arctic is warming nearly twice as fast as the world average. Climate
change has caused other environmental changes. The air and surface
ocean temperatures have both warmed significantly in the polar regions.
Seasonal biological events provide some of the most long-term
quantitative records of biological systems.

By assessing multiple prominent climate models and considering a

range of “scenarios” for future greenhouse gas concentrations, the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides the
most thorough and authoritative synthesis of probable outcomes.
Warming is very likely to persist and accelerate during the twenty-first
century, according to the IPCC’s 2007 assessment. The average global
temperature is expected to rise by 1.8–4.08 degrees Celsius or more by
the end of the century.
Widespread changes in weather patterns are linked to an increase in the
global average temperature. According to scientific studies, human-
induced climate change is likely to increase the frequency or intensity of
extreme weather events including heat waves and big storms.
Long-term climatic changes have the potential to destabilize many
aspects of a society, either directly or indirectly.

One of the indicator in climate change is High and Low Temperatures.

Extreme weather events like summer heat waves or winter cold spells
can last for extended periods of time when temperatures are unusually
hot or frigid. Heat waves can cause disease and even death, especially
in elderly, young, and other vulnerable people. Extreme cold exposure
might potentially result in death (hypothermia).

Increased discomfort and worse health conditions are predicted with

higher heat index values, which combine temperature and humidity to
express felt temperature. On the other hand, a decline in cold spells is
expected. Scientists believe that daily minimum temperatures, which
normally fall at night, will rise more quickly than daily maximum
temperatures in the majority of areas. Less time will be given to cool off
and recuperate from the heat of the day as a result of this adjustment.
The movement of creatures to the north and south is an example of how
their habitat has changed.

Solar panels help the atmosphere emit fewer greenhouse gases as

a result of their use. More than a century ago, solar cells were
ineffective..
In addition, wind turbines do not require water for cooling, hence they do
not harm the environment.The production of electricity from coal and oil
as well as the pollution it causes can be reduced by the usage of wind
turbines. Boats have used wind power for thousands of years. Wheels
powered by wind have historically propelled devices. This windmill was
erected by Heron of Alexandria. Between the seventh and ninth
centuries, Wind Wheels were used in Sistan, Iran, which borders
Afghanistan. At Panemone, grain is ground and water is pumped by
windmills. In 1887, a wind-powered generator was developed in
Scotland. Professor James Blyth of Glasgow University created the wind
turbine (now known as Strathclyde University). The first wind turbine of
its kind in America was created by Charles Brush in 1888 for his Ohio
house.
carbon capture and storage (CCS). It involves capturing the carbon
dioxide produced by power plants or other industrial processes, such the
production of steel or cement, transferring it, and then storing it
underground. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial
operations, such as the manufacture of steel and cement, or from the
burning of fossil fuels in the creation of electricity are captured using
CCS.
Aside from that, in the north-east of England, a project called Net Zero
Teesside will trap and store carbon dioxide from industry close to the
River Tees’ mouth. The group will put into operation a natural gas power
plant with post-combustion carbon capture as the project’s basis. This
will be related to a significant pipeline that has the ability to carry carbon
dioxide from a variety of sources, possibly including a biomass
powerplant, a hydrogen plant, a fertilizer factory, as well as perhaps
imported carbon dioxide. Up to 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per
year from the Teesside industrial area will be captured by the project by
2030. The Endurance Reservoir, a saltwater aquifer located 145 km
offshore and 1.6 km below the surface of the North Sea, will serve as a
carbon dioxide storage facility. According to geological assessments,
Endurance can securely store 450 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, and
there are more storage options nearby. That might increase to a billion
tonnes due to sites.
. Energy is produced when light nuclei collide. However, building a
stellar fusion reactor is fraught with difficulties. Fusion is characterized
by extremes in temperature, pressure, and confinement.
Fission energy is created when uranium decays. Fusion energy is
produced by heating and compressing light nuclei, like hydrogen.

REPUBLIC ACT 9003 ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

ACT OF 2000
In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic,
comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that
shall ensure the protection of public health and environment. The law
ensures proper segregation, collection, storage, treatment and disposal
of solid waste through the formulation and adaptation of best eco-waste
products.
REPUBLIC ACT 9275 PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004
The law aims to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution from
land-based sources (industries and commercial establishments,
agriculture and community/household activities). It provides for
comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution
through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all the
stakeholders.
REPUBLIC ACT 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999
The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National
Air Quality guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout the
Philippines, while minimizing the possible associated impacts to the
economy.
REPUBLIC ACT 6969 TOXIC SUBSTANCES, HAZARDOUS AND
NUCLEAR WASTE CONTROL ACT OF 1990
The law aims to regulate restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture,
processing, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances
and mixtures the present unreasonable risk to human health. It likewise
prohibits the entry, even in transit, of hazardous and nuclear wastes and
their disposal into the Philippine territorial limits for whatever purpose;
and to provide advancement and facilitate research and studies on toxic
chemicals.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT (EIS) STATEMENT OF 1978
The Environment Impact Assessment System was formally established
in 1978 with the enactment of Presidential Decree no. 1586 to facilitate
the attainment and maintenance of rational and orderly balance between
socio-economic development and environmental protection. EIA is a
planning and management tool that will help government, decision
makers, the proponents and the affected community, address the
negative consequences or risks on the environment. The process
assures implementation of environment-friendly projects.

Wind turbines are used to harness energy through wind which can be
used to produce electricity.
Its advantages are:
1) Free Fuel
Once the turbine is complete and installed, it doesn’t need to be fueled
or connected to power to continue working. This also reduces the overall
cost to continue to run large-scale wind farms in comparison to other
forms renewable energies.
2) One of the Cleanest Forms of Energy
Wind energy does not contribute to climate change by emitting
greenhouse gases during energy production. The only time that wind
energy indirectly releases greenhouse gases is during the manufacturing
and transport of the wind turbines, as well as during the installation
process.
3) Advances in Technology
The latest advances in technology have transformed preliminary wind
turbine designs into extremely efficient energy harvesters.
4) Doesn’t Disrupt Farmland Operations
Energy suppliers can build their wind turbines on pre-existing farmland
and pay the farm owners to build on their property in the form of
contracts or leases. This is a great boon to farmers who can use some
extra income, and its wind turbine footprints take up very little space at
the ground level.
5) Reduces Our Dependence of Fossil Fuels
As long as the sun heats the planet, then there’s an endless supply of
wind. Furthermore, developing and investing in technology that can only
run on a finite resource is a terrible waste of human capital, private
funds, and tax money.
There are also disadvantages in using wind energy.
1) Dangerous to Some Wildlife
Wind turbines are known to pose a threat to the wildlife. Flying birds and
bats whose habitats or migratory paths could be injured or killed if they
run into the blades that turn on the fanlike structure of wind turbines
when they are spinning. Aside from the wildlife that flies through the air,
wildlife on the ground may also affected by the noise pollutions
generated from whirring blades.
2) Noisy
Wind turbines can be quite noisy. With advancements in technology,
newer designs have been shown to reduce the noise complaints and
have a much quieter presence.
3) Expensive Upfront Cost
These massive structures are often hundreds of feet tall and require
substantial upfront investment. The placement of wind turbines in rural
areas requires further investment in underground lines to send power to
more populated areas like towns and cities where it’s needed.
4) Unreliable/Unpredictable
Wind energy suffers from what is called intermittency, which is a
disruption caused by the inconsistency of the wind itself. Since wind can
blow at various speeds, it’s hard to predict the amount of energy it can
collect at a given time.

Next is Solar energy

Solar energy is generated by converting the sun’s thermal energy into
electrical energy. Solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy
source available and generates clean, reliable, and affordable electricity
without releasing greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.
There are two ways in which solar energy can be converted into
electricity:
Photovoltaics: Photovoltaic cells (PVs) change sunlight directly into
electricity.
Solar thermal/electric power plants: Solar thermal/electric power
plants generate electricity by concentrating solar energy to heat a fluid
and produce steam to power a generator.
1. Abundant
 Solar energy is the most abundant resource on earth and has strong
potential to help us meet our growing energy demands. Currently, the
world consumes about 15 terawatts of energy (1 terawatt = 1 trillion
watts). The sun deposits 173,000 terawatts (TW) of solar radiation on
the surface of the Earth continuously – that’s more than 10,000 times our
current energy demand.
2. Zero emissions
Producing solar power does not release harmful emissions into the
atmosphere.
3. Siting
Small scale solar may be installed almost anywhere. Many solar panels
may be placed on rooftops of existing buildings – reducing their land
footprint.
4. Low maintenance
When installed properly, solar panels require very little maintenance.
What are the cons of solar energy?
1. Intermittent
Solar energy is not constant. The amount of solar energy hitting the
earth’s surface varies depending on the time of day, time of year,
weather patterns, and location. Most cities experience the greatest
demand for power in the afternoon and early evening. Solar energy
plants are also vulnerable to changes in cloud cover and weather
patterns.
2. Energy storage
One solution to the challenge of intermittent energy sources is investing
in energy storage. Unfortunately, energy storage systems right now are
costly and underdeveloped. We need to make a commitment to
advancing research and development in energy storage technologies,
such as flow batteries and grid energy storage systems.
3. Costly
It is important to note that growing demand for energy coupled with
federal incentives may lower the levelized cost of solar energy in the
future.
 4. Rare earth materials
Many photovoltaic cells are made of rare earth minerals like silicon and
other metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium. These materials required
in PV cells can be rare, expensive, and potentially harmful to the
environment.

Next is hydroelectric energy

Hydroelectric energy, also called hydroelectric power or
hydroelectricity, is a form of energy that harnesses the power of water in
motion to generate electricity.
Advantages of hydroelectric energy
1. Renewable
Water is naturally replenishing and it is not a source of greenhouse gas
emissions.
2. Low emissions
The action of generating electricity with hydropower energy does not
emit carbon dioxide.
3. Reliable
Water flow is usually very predictable and is taken into consideration
when determining where a hydropower plant is built, either on an actively
flowing river or built with a dam to manage water flow.
4. Safe
Hydropower is a very safe form of power generation.No sickness-
causing pollution is emitted during energy generation and there is zero
chance of oil spills or gas pipes breaking, since the only fuel used to
power a hydropower plant is water.
Disadvantages of hydroelectric energy
1. Environmental consequences
Hydropower facilities can be tricky because when one is built with a
dam, a previously dry land area will be flooded with water, in order to be
used as a reservoir. That means whatever habitat was in that location
will be ruined.
2. Expensive to build just like the other renewable sources.
3. Drought potential
The ability to create electricity can be severely reduced if there is a
drought and not enough water is flowing into the plant.
5. Limited reservoirs

ENERGY CRISIS
INTRODUCTION

What is Environmental Awareness?

> Understanding the vulnerability of our environment and the
significance of its protection comes from environmental awareness.
Additionally, it is the expansion and development of knowledge,
comprehension, and consciousness regarding the biophysical
environment and its issues, such as human interactions and their
impacts.
> Since the industrial revolution, concentrations of. This highlights how
human activity has the greatest impact on greenhouse gas emissions. .
INTRO-WHAT IS RENEWABLE & NON-RENEWABLE SOURCES OF
ENERGY

Well, we have the term called natural resources, where everything

usable by human can get through nature. And it can be classified into
two types, the renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.
Well, trains use solely an electricity and also fuels for it to operate
Electricity can be generated through renewable and non-renewable
energy then fuels are non-renewable energy itself.

Renewable sources of energy are the resources where it can

constantly replenish because it never runs out, these resources can be
renewed naturally more than a person’s life span.
The common sources of renewable energy are solar, wind, water,
biomass and geothermal. We convert these energies to generate power
and electricity.
Dependence on renewable energy is important because it does not
contain materials that can cause emissions of green house gases
causing climate change. These can also conserve natural resources and
reduce risk of fuel spills.

The non-renewable sources of energy are the resources that are not
replenished and limited on the amount that we can use and get from the
earth. These materials can be found under the grounds and takes
millions of years to be produce again. That is why we must not overuse
and conserve them wisely
The common sources of non-renewable energy are the fossil fuels
like natural gas, oil and coal. We use these fossil fuels to generate
power and electricity.

These are the examples of renewable resources energy

Solar energy
Sunlight is one of our planet’s most abundant and freely available
energy resources. The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth’s
surface in one hour is more than the planet’s total energy requirements
for a whole year.
Biomass energy
It is the conversion of solid fuel made from plant materials into electricity.
Although fundamentally, biomass involves burning organic materials to
produce electricity, and nowadays this is a much cleaner, more energy-
efficient process.
Hydro energy
Hydro power is one of the most commercially developed. By building a
dam or barrier, a large reservoir can be used to create a controlled flow
of water that will drive a turbine that generates electricity.
Wind energy
It describes the process by which the wind is used to generate
mechanical power or electricity. This mechanical power can be used for
specific tasks (such as grinding grain or pumping water) or a generator
that can convert this mechanical power into electricity.
Geothermal energy
By harnessing the natural heat below the earth’s surface, geothermal
energy can be used to heat homes directly or to generate electricity.
Another example of a renewable resources is the Bataan nuclear power
plant
The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power plant on the
Bataan Peninsula, constructed in 1976, the opening of BNPP will help
the country achieve lower electricity prices.
It can lower the costs of electricity up to P2 per kWh, in comparison with
the rates of coal-fired power plants which can go for as much as P6 per
kWh.

Nonrenewable energy resources include coal, natural gas, oil, and

nuclear energy. Once these resources are used up, they cannot be
replaced, which is a major problem for humanity as we are currently
dependent on them to supply most of our energy needs.
These are the examples of nonrenewable resources
Coal
Is non-renewable not only because the process of its creation took
millions of years, but also because the climate on earth was completely
different at that time. This means that we cannot replicate the same
conditions to encourage creation of new coal reserves, and the deposits
we have been overexploiting since the last century are quickly running
out.
Oil
L is probably one of the most well-known non-renewable resources
alongside coal. It is a liquid fossil fuel made up of fossilized animals
(possibly even dinosaurs) thousands of years ago. When extracting oil
from the ground, it comes out in the form of black crude oil. Crude oil is
then refined into different products we use on a daily basis such as
gasoline, diesel fuel or heating oil
Natural gas
Is a gaseous non-renewable resource that is found below the earth’s
crust but near crude oil deposits in the subsurface. Natural gas primarily
consists of methane, but may also contain other forms of natural gas
such as propane, ethane, and butane.
Apart from fossil fuels, the other category of non-renewable resources is
nuclear fuels. It is primarily obtained through the mining and refining of
uranium ore, a naturally occurring radioactive element below the earth’s
surface.
Nonrenewable resources may be defined as resources whose stock or
reserves is limited or fixed. The available supply of nonrenewable
resources may be replenished through recycling (e.g. recycling
aluminum cans), but the overall supply remains relatively constant.

Solar energy pros are

Solar energy lowers your monthly utility bill.
Tax breaks are available for solar energy.
Solar energy can be used in conjunction with solar battery storage.
Solar energy is non-polluting.
Let us now look at its disadvantages.
The initial costs can be quite high.
Dependence on the Weather
Not every roof will meet the solar criteria.

Second on our list is biomass energy.

Biomass energy has several advantages, including the ability to renew
or be renewable; it is carbon neutral; it is less reliant on fossil fuels;
versatility and availability; low cost; waste reduction; and, finally, it can
be produced domestically. On the other hand, its disadvantages are
that it is not completely clean, requires space and possible deforestation,
requires water and is underdeveloped.
Hydro energy (plentiful)
Its advantages are that it is renewable, low-emissions, reliable and safe.
Yet, its drawbacks are that there are environmental consequences, it is
very expensive to build, it has drought potential, and it has limited
reserves.
Wind energy is one of the cleanest energy sources, pros, it is fuel-free
and one of the cleanest energy sources; it promotes technological
advancements; it does not disrupt farmland operations; and, finally, it
reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. Its cons are that it is dangerous for
some wildlife, it is noisy, unreliable, unpredictable and very expensive up
front.
Geothermal energy
pros, it is renewable and dependable, stable, and requires no fuel. It’s
also good for the environment. One significant disadvantage of
geothermal energy is that it must be site-specific. Because geothermal
plants must be built in areas where energy is available, some areas are
unable to utilize this resource. It also has some environmental
consequences. It may cause earthquakes and other problems with
sustainability.

. Coal advantages over other nonrenewable and renewable fuel

sources: ample supply, affordability, and the low capital expense
required to build coal-powered generation plants.
Cons, coal has the potential to emit more carbon dioxide than other
energy sources.
Oil or fuel energy benefits include inexpensive, dependable, and
provides employment. drawbacks. Oil combustion emits gasses such as
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses.
Natural Gas. advantages include being less expensive Yet its
downfall is natural gas emits carbon dioxide:
What is the condition of our energy sources now? Where do we stand
amid this global energy crisis?

The Philippines, like many other Southeast Asian countries, is

confronted with the twin challenges of population growth and rising
energy demand. The country is highly vulnerable to oil price volatility
because it imports nearly half of its primary energy supply. Meanwhile,
the Philippines’ energy infrastructure is threatened by frequent tropical
storms. The Philippines now has the highest electricity costs in
Southeast Asia as a result of its continued reliance on foreign fuel. It
also has the lowest per capita GDP and consumption per kilowatt hour.
This has been attributable to factors such as, imported fuel;
electricity surcharges; archipelagic geography, ; and government
investment and regulatory mistake, as well as massive red tape.
According to the IBON Foundation’s 2018 data, oil and coal are the two
major sources of energy in the country,
Coal is expected to account for 53 percent of the energy mix when the
22 proposed plants come online in 2030.
Last year, coal prices increased by 60%, demonstrating how the
Philippine economy is vulnerable to price volatility and uncertainty.
Nonetheless, because most domestic coal is low-grade, the country
needs to import 75% of its coal supply.
On October 27, 2020, the DOE issued a moratorium on greenfield coal
projects, which is covered by the The Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040.
Despite the new moratorium, the Philippines continue to exploit its coal
resources.
The Philippines, along with Indonesia, have Asia’s highest concentration
of geothermal power generation.
. Meanwhile, Hydropower provided over half of the energy which is 4.3
gigawatts, with solar energy providing another 896 Megawatts. Solar
demand is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. Solar
energy in the Philippines is expected to reach 3 GW this year, in 2022.
.
The Department of Energy recently announced that the Philippines is
ready to transition to alternative energy, with a focus on renewable, low-
carbon, and zero-carbon energy sources to meet the country’s energy
needs.
.
As energy is vital to quality human life and the country’s economic
growth, the Philippines proposed National Renewable Energy
Program (NREP) 2020-2040. It sets a goal of 35 percent renewable
energy in the power generation mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

LAW
The Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 is
PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT, UTILIZATION AND
COMMERCIALIZATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES.
this law is codified to affirm that the government should have
commitment and should prioritize to reduce the harmful emissions and
minimize our dependence on burning fossil fuels.
- The Department of energy is mandated to lead in the implementation
of this Act to ensure the execution and formulations of policies,
mechanisms and actions in effective to achieve the goal.
- Through the formulations of this law, the National Renewable Energy
Program seeks to attain and embodied the objectives of this act and
implemented to create building blocks that would help our country in
attaining energy self-sufficiency. And expected to reach the participation
of stakeholders and private sectors and make the Philippines as an
attractive destination for renewable energy projects and development.
JACOBINE
SUMMARY & CONCLUSION
According to a study titled Analysing Renewable and Non-renewable
Energy Sources for Environmental Quality: Dynamic Investigation in
Developing Countries, most developing countries are facing
environmental degradation challenges as these countries use energy
from fossil fuels to boost economic activities, which leads to
environmental issues such as natural resource depletion and carbon
emissions. This study looks at the role of renewable and non-renewable
energy use in environmental quality in 21 developing countries, including
the Philippines, from 1970 to 2018.It also discussed how renewable and
non-renewable energy sources affect carbon emissions. Hydropower, as
a renewable energy source, is good for the environmental quality. Solar
energy is also beneficial in the resolution of the energy crisis, particularly
in developing countries.
In terms of non-renewable energy sources, coal can still be used as an
energy source in these developing countries, which is more harmful to
the environment. However, when compared to coal, using natural gas
may be preferable because natural gas consumption is not as bad as
coal consumption. Petroleum energy has increased the sample
countries’ carbon emissions. These findings show that oil is still used as
an energy source, which will reduce the quality of the environment. The
study revealed that, when compared to non-renewable energy,
renewable energy improves environmental quality. In this regard, the
study suggests that policymakers and governments in these countries
must advocate for high-level initiatives and a shift away from non-
renewable energy in order to protect environmental quality while
pursuing economic growth. And, that carbon emissions be reduced by
reducing the use of fossil fuel energy. Most importantly, increase
investment in renewable energy sources to avoid non-renewable energy
and acquire new technologies that can attract foreign investors who
provide green production technologies and capital.
Since, some of developing countries urgently require economic growth,
the more fossil fuel energy is used to support economic and
developmental activities. However, financial development in the sample
countries has been identified as a weak determinant, which requires
attention. Thus, economic and financial development must be prioritized
in order to overcome the energy crisis and protect the environment. The
results and findings of the study will help countries develop policies to
reduce carbon emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuel energy
sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which increase carbon
dioxide emissions, and to develop technologies that may help reduce
environmental impact.

THE EARTH (4.54 billion Years Old)

◦ It started its existence without humans.
◦ What guarantee do we have that the Earth needs us to continue its e
SCIENTISM
By CLIVE STAPLES LEWIS
◦ Scientism – the misguided effort to apply science to areas outside its
proper bounds. Accordingly, methods of natural science should be bar
by which every other discipline is judged (E. G. World wars were rooted
in abuses of science).
◦ CS Lewis shared his views on bioethics, eugenics,evolution, intelligent
design, and what he called Scientocracy (Public policy in Science)
◦ John G. West – probe Lewis’s warnings about the dehumanizing
impact of scientism on ethics, politics, faith, reason, and science itself.
Lewis referred to science and magic as Twins for three reasons:
1. Religion – CS Lewis defines it as something out there that is
extraordinary. It can give you a sense of meaning. It can strikes a
deep cord in people of grandeur in the universe,something higher
than ourselves.
2. Credulity – Lewis believes that in modern world, people will
believe almost anything if it’s dressed up in the name of science.
3. Power –Magicians wanted to have power over world in order to
control it. Modern science is far more dangerous because magic
doesn’t work at the end of day, whereas modern science can
control and manipulate people. So if you don’t have an ethical
basis that is outside of the realm of science to control it, you have
a dangerous future.
WHY THE FUTURE DOES NOT NEED US
BY BILL JOY
◦ The author resolved himself as a non-luddite. The word ‘luddite’ is an
American colloquial term to those who profess that they are anti-
technology.
◦ Genetics, nanotech, and robotics (GNR) are threatening to make
humans an endangered species. (KMD – ‘knowledge-enabled mass
destruction)
◦ Human nature may be corrupted when the powers of our mind, our
rationality, and out science and technology become manifest.
◦ If we are not able to rein in the vanity and arrogance that such powers
unleash, then we are on our way to destroying the world – an ecophagy
(“eating the environment’), or what others called as ‘gray goo’ – a sad
realization of the author by the first part of his article.
◦ But still, he convinced himself that there is still a possibility that humans
will be able to maintain their control in the future. The author is not sure
which of these two possibilities will prevail.
◦ I have long realized that the big advances in information technology
come not from the work of computer scientists, computer architects, or
electrical engineers, but from that of physical scientists.
◦ George Dyson warns: “In the game of life and evolution there are
three players at the table: human beings, nature, and machines. I am
firmly on the side of nature. But nature, I suspect, is on the side of the
machines.”
◦ The dream of robotics is, first, that intelligent machines can do our work
for us, allowing us lives of leisure, restoring us to Eden… And second,
that we will gradually replace ourselves with our robotic technology,
achieving near immortality by downloading our consciousnesses.
◦ How does the concept of common sense relate to science and
technology?