CHAPTER IV:

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
MST 21
 GROUP REPORTING TOPICS: Philippine Setting
1. Environmental Management on Atmosphere and
Hydrosphere Environmental Issues (Laws and Initiatives,
Status and Progress)
2. Environmental Management on Lithosphere and Biosphere
Environmental Issues (Laws and Initiatives, Status and
Progress)
3. 17 Sustainable Development Goals
4. Philippine Initiatives for Sustainable Development (17
SDGs)
FINAL OUTPUT
3D Model of the Environmental Management or Initiatives
to save the Environment
INTRODUCTION

The environment is constantly changing and as it changes

so does the need to become increasingly aware of the
environmental issues that are causing these changes.

With the huge intensification of natural disasters, warming

and cooling periods, and various types of weather patterns,
people need to be a lot more cautious with the way they
lead their lives in conjunction with the types of
environmental issues our planet is facing.
INTRODUCTION
Human activities contribute much to these
environmental issues like pollution, overpopulation,
waste disposal, climate change, global warming,
greenhouse effect, and others.

Although a lot of environmental protection programs

are already being practiced at the individual,
organizational and government level with the aim of
establishing a balance between man and environment,
there is still a large gap that needs to be filled.
INTRODUCTION
Some of the current global environmental problems that
require immediate attention and solution involve the
following:
1. Climate change 6. Global Warming
2. Deforestation 7. Depletion of the
3. Desertification Atmospheric Ozone
4. Rapid Population Growth 8. Acid Precipitation and Air
5. Food Production and Pollution
Equitable Distribution 9. Ocean Pollution
10. Solid waste management
INTRODUCTION
Global Environmental Problems occurs in the Four
Spheres of the Earth:

1.Atmosphere
2.Lithosphere & Biosphere
3.Hydrosphere
1. ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere is the mixture of gases that surround the
Earth. It is made up of 5 layers.
The innermost two of which contain most of
these gases:

A. Troposphere

B. Stratosphere
A. TROPOSPHERE
The atmospheric layer nearest the Earth’s
surface, contains most of the planet’s air-
the mixture of gases that people depend on
to stay alive.

It is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen,

and 1% mixture of other gases like carbon
dioxide, nitrous oxide, helium, and argon.

It also contains water vapor in variable

amounts depending on temperature.

The troposphere is responsible for

maintaining the conducive temperature of
the earth, allowing various organisms to
thrive.
B. STRATOSPHERE
The Earth’s second layer of atmosphere. It
contains much of the atmosphere’s ozone gas
(O ), which lies in a sub-layer of the lower
3

stratosphere known as the ozone layer.

This stratospheric ozone gas serves as a sunscreen

for the planet by filtering out about 95% of the
sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation before it
can reach the Earth’s surface. Unfortunately,
anthropogenic activities are causing problems in
the atmosphere, problems that are affecting us in
a global scale.

There are four major problems involving the

atmosphere namely, climate change (mainly
global warming), air pollution, acid deposition,
and ozone depletion.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
***Climate Change***--very broad
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures
and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but
since the 1800s, human activities have been the main
driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of
fossil fuels (like coal, oil and gas), which produces heat-
trapping gases.
-United Nations
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
1. Global Warming
Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth's
surface observed since the pre-industrial period
(between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities,
primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-
trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.
-NASA
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
1. Global Warming
TRENDS:
• The global average temperature in 2022 was 1.16°C warmer than the
baseline average for 1880-1920. It is the 5th warmest year on record
since 1880.

• The 10 warmest years in the historical record have all occurred since
2010, with the last nine years (2014–2022) ranking as the nine
warmest years on record.

• July 2023 was hotter than any other month in the global temperature
record since 1880
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
1. Global Warming
Here are some of the latest updates on the impacts of global warming:
• Sea level rise: Sea levels rose by an average of 3.2 millimeters per year between
1993 and 2020. This is more than twice the rate of sea level rise in the 20th
century.

• Extreme weather events: Global warming is making extreme weather events, such
as heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires, more frequent and severe. For
example, the heat wave that hit Europe in July 2022 was the most intense heat
wave on record.

• Glacier melt: Glaciers around the world are melting at an accelerating rate. This is
contributing to sea level rise and reducing the availability of freshwater resources.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
MAIN CAUSE OF GLOBAL WARMING:
The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is the way in which heat is trapped
close to Earth’s surface by “greenhouse gases.” These
heat-trapping gases can be thought of as a blanket
wrapped around Earth, keeping the planet toastier than it
would be without them. Greenhouse gases include:

CARBON DIOXIDE, METHANE, NITROUS OXIDES,

FLOURINATED GASES
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
MAIN CAUSE OF GLOBAL WARMING:
The Greenhouse Effect
A.1. CARBON DIOXIDE

-Made of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, carbon dioxide
molecules make up a small fraction of the atmosphere, but have a
large effect on climate. There was about 270 ppm of CO2 in the
atmosphere in the mid-19th Century at the start of the Industrial
Revolution. The amount is growing as burning fossil fuels releases
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The concentration has been
over 400 ppm since 2015.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
MAIN CAUSE OF GLOBAL WARMING:
The Greenhouse Effect
A.2. METHANE (CH4)
-able to absorb far more heat than CO2. This is found in very small
quantities in the atmosphere but is able to make a big impact on
warming. Methane gas is also used as a fuel. When burned, it releases
CO2 into the atmosphere.
A.3. NITROUS OXIDE
-In 2019, nitrous oxide accounted for about 7% of all US greenhouse
gas emissions from human activities like agriculture, fuel combustion,
wastewater management, and industrial processes increasing the
amount of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide is also
naturally present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth’s nitrogen
cycle.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
MAIN CAUSE OF GLOBAL WARMING:
The Greenhouse Effect
A.4. FLOURINATED GASES
-Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and
nitrogen trifluoride are synthetic, powerful GHG that are emitted from
a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated gases are sometimes
used as substitutes for stratospheric ozone-depleting substances
(e.g. chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and halons).
These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because
they are potent GHG, they are sometimes referred to as High Global
Warming Potential (GWP) gases.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
The Greenhouse Effect

The Greenhouse Effect. Source: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/energy-and-the-

environment/greenhouse-gases.php
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
2. Air Pollution
Air pollution can be defined as an alteration of air quality
that can be characterized by measurements of chemical,
biological or physical pollutants in the air. Therefore, air
pollution means the undesirable presence of impurities
or the abnormal rise in the proportion of some
constituents of the atmosphere.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
2. Air Pollution
Extent of Effect:
Local – This concerns the quality of ambient air within a radius
of a few kilometers
Regional – Pollution like acid rain, photochemical reactions and
degradation of water quality at distances of a few kilometers to
a thousand kilometers
Global – Depletion of the ozone layer and global warming
caused by the emission of GHG, mainly CO2.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
2. Air Pollution
Causes and Sources of Air Pollution:

1. Combustion of fossil fuels

2. Emissions from industries and factories
3. Agricultural activities
4. Waste production
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
2. Air Pollution
Major Effect of Air Pollution:

Formation of photochemical smog

Photochemical Smog: is a mixture of pollutants that are formed
when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
react to sunlight, creating a brown haze above cities. It tends to
occur more often in summer, because that is when we have the
most sunlight.
PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG

Shanghai Towers above the Smog

The tallest towers of Shanghai, China,

rise above the haze. Shanghai's smog is
a mixture of pollution from coal, the
primary source of energy for most
homes and businesses in the region, as
well as emissions from vehicles.

Source: National Geographic

Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
3. Acid Deposition
Acid deposition, also called acid rain, is a broad term
that includes any form of precipitation with acidic
components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the
ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. This
can include rain, snow, fog, hail, or even dust that is
acidic.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
3. Acid Deposition
Causes and Sources of Acid Deposition:

-This results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides

(NOx) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind
and air currents. The SO2 and NOx react with water, oxygen,
and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
1. Burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity. Two-thirds of SO2 and
¼ of NOx in the atmosphere come from electric power generators.

2. Vehicles and heavy equipment

3. Manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries

Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
3. Acid Deposition
Acid rain can have a number of harmful effects on the environment
and human health. Some of the most significant effects include:
Damage to forests and plants: Acid rain can damage trees and other plants by
leaching nutrients from the soil and making it difficult for them to absorb water. This
can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death.
Harm to aquatic life: Acid rain can also harm aquatic life by making lakes and
streams more acidic. This can kill fish, amphibians, and other aquatic animals.
Corrosion of buildings and materials: Acid rain can also corrode buildings and
materials, such as metal, stone, and concrete. This can lead to costly repairs and
replacements.
Health problems: Acid rain can also cause health problems in humans, such as
asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease. This is because the pollutants that cause acid
rain can also irritate the lungs and worsen existing respiratory conditions.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the
Earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused due
to the release of chemical compounds containing
gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries or other
human activities.
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
Cause of Ozone Layer Depletion:
1. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Man-made CFCs are the main
cause of stratospheric ozone depletion.
2. Man-made halocarbon refrigerator
3. Other ozone layer depleting substances like propellants and
solvents
4. Ozone depleting chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and
trichloroethane; Nitric oxide, chlorine radical and bromine
radical
Environmental Problems under the Atmosphere
4. Ozone Layer Depletion
Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion:
1. Effects on humans – Skin irritation, skin cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer), rashes, immune
inhabitation, cataracts
2. Effects on plants – plant processes such as periodism, circulation of plant nutrients, metabolic
rate, is affected adversely
3. Effect on ecosystems – Variation in UV levels are identified to upset the growth and progression
of phytoplankton
4. Effect on biogeochemical cycles – Fluctuations in UV levels can result in biosphere-
atmosphere feedback causing atmospheric buildup of gases
5. Effect on climate – More UV absorption that leads to increase in global temperature; Increase
of H2O2 in the troposphere
2. LITHOSPHERE & BIOSPHERE
Lithosphere- The lithosphere is the solid,
outer part of the Earth. Soil is one
component of the lithosphere. This is
formed from disintegration of rocks by the
action of running water and weathering.
Their decay produces organic fractions of
soil, collectively called humus. Humus
mixed with sand and clay constitutes the
soil.

Biosphere- the biosphere is made up

of the parts of Earth where life exists—
all ecosystems. The biosphere extends
from the deepest root systems of trees,
to the dark environments of ocean
trenches, to lush rain forests, high
mountaintops, and transition zones
where ocean and terrestrial
ecosystems meet.
2. LITHOSPHERE & BIOSPHERE
There are major environmental problems that our lithosphere is
experiencing. These include:

1. Desertification 5. Land conversion

2. Soil erosion 6. Urban sprawl
3. Soil pollution 7. Soil salinization
4. Deforestation
Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere
1. Desertification
Defined as a process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid and sub—
humid areas due to various factors including climatic variations and
human activities. Desertification affects topsoil, groundwater reserves,
surface runoff, human, animal and plan populations. Water scarcity in
drylands limits the production of wood, crops, forage, and other services
that ecosystems provide to our community.
Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere
1. Desertification
(a) Causes of Desertification
1. Overgrazing
2. Climate change
3. Urbanization
4. Overuse of groundwater
5. Deforestation
6. Natural disasters
7. Overpopulation and excessive consumption
8. Mining
Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere
1. Desertification
(b) Effects of Desertification
1. Farming becomes next to impossible
2. Decrease in crop yields
3. Hunger
4. Flooding
5. Poor water quality
6. Overcrowding and overpopulation – When areas start to become
desert, animals and people will go to other areas where the can actually
survive. This will end up continuing the cycle of desertification
7. Poverty
8. Biodiversity loss
9. Destruction of habitats
10. Migration
Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere
2. Deforestation
Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture,
logging, or mining. It is a major environmental issue because it has a
number of negative impacts on the planet, including:

Climate change
Loss of biodiversity
Soil erosion
Water quality
Impacts on human communities
Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere
2. Deforestation
The Philippines has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. In
2022, the country lost 62.9 kha of natural forest, equivalent to 39.8 Mt of
CO₂ emissions.

This is a significant decrease from the 1990s, when the Philippines was
losing an average of 100 kha of forest per year. However, deforestation
remains a major problem in the country, and it is important to continue
efforts to address this issue.
Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere
3. Urban Sprawl
This refers to the migration of
a population from populated
towns and cities to low density
residential development over
more and more rural land. The
end result is the spreading of
a city and its suburbs over
more and more rural areas.

Urban Sprawl. Source: https://essc.org.ph/content/view/655/163/

Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere

3. Urban Sprawl
Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere
3. Urban Sprawl
(a)Causes of Urban Sprawl:

1. Population Growth
2. Rising Incomes/High standard of Living
3. Lack of urban planning
4. Government Policies
5. The desire for better schools
Environmental Problems under the Lithosphere & Biosphere
3. Urban Sprawl
(b) Effects of Urban Sprawl:

1. Increased traffic
2. Health Issues
3. Sanitation issues
4. Solid Waste
5. Impact on social lives
6. Habitat loss
7. Increase in energy demand increases the use of fossil fuels,
that increase GHG emission
3. HYDROSPHERE
The hydrosphere is the total
amount of water on the planet. The
hydrosphere includes water that is
on the surface of the planet,
underground, and in the air.
Surface water - found in lakes,
rivers, streams, wetlands and
watersheds. As streams flow
downhill, they combine with other
streams and form rivers. The more
streams that run into a river, the
largerthe river becomes. As streams
and rivers move across the land,
they form a flowing network of
water called a rivers system. The
area of land that is drained by a
river is known as a watershed.
Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere
1. Water Pollution
The World Health Organization says that polluted water
is water whose composition has been changed to the
extent that is unusable. Water pollution is the
introduction of chemical, physical, or biological agents
into water that degrade water quality and adversely
affect the organisms that depend on the water.
Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere
1. Water Pollution
There are two types of sources:

(1) Point-Source Pollution - Pollution discharged from a single source such as a

factory, a wastewater treatment plant, or a leaking oil tanker. Point-source
pollution can often be identified and traced to a source. But even when the
source of pollution is known, enforcing cleanup is sometimes difficult; and

(2) Nonpoint-Source Pollution - Pollution comes from many different sources that are
often difficult to identify. For example, a river can be polluted by runoff from any of
the land in its watershed. If a farm, a road, or any other land surface in a watershed
is polluted, runoff from a rainstorm can carry the pollution into a nearby river, stream,
or lake.
Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere

Principal water pollutants. Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Descriptions-of-principal-water-pollutants_tbl1_227451798

Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere
2. Eutrophication
Eutrophication is an enrichment of
water by nutrient salts that causes
structural changes to the ecosystem
such as:

1. Increased production of algae and

aquatic plants
2. Depletion of fish species
3. General deterioration of water
quality and other effects that
reduce
Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere
2. Eutrophication
Some of the effects of eutrophication include:
Reduced water quality: The decomposition of algae and other aquatic plants can consume large
amounts of oxygen, leading to hypoxia or even anoxia (no oxygen). This can make it difficult for fish
and other aquatic organisms to survive.
Increased algal blooms: Algal blooms can block sunlight from reaching submerged plants, which can
lead to their death. Algal blooms can also produce toxins that can harm fish and other aquatic life.
Loss of biodiversity: Eutrophication can lead to a loss of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. This is
because some species are more sensitive to changes in water quality and oxygen levels than
others.
Fish kills: If the oxygen levels in a body of water drop too low, it can lead to fish kills. Fish kills can
also occur if fish are poisoned by toxins produced by algae.
Reduced recreational value: Eutrophication can reduce the recreational value of lakes and other
bodies of water by making the water murky and unpleasant to swim in.
Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere
2. Eutrophication
Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere
3.Ocean Acidification
When carbon dioxide (CO2) is dissolved in seawater, chemical reactions
occur that reduce seawater pH, carbonate ion concentration, and
saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate minerals.
Ocean acidification occurs when CO2 is absorbed into the water at a
high rate.
Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere
3.Ocean Acidification
****Coral Bleaching or Coral Reef Bleaching is the whitening of diverse
invertebrate taxa which results from the loss of symbiotic zooxanthellae
and/or reduction in photosynthetic pigment concentration in
zooxanthellae residing within corals.
Environmental Problems under the Hydrosphere
3.Ocean Acidification
****Coral Bleaching or Coral Reef Bleaching is the whitening of diverse
invertebrate taxa which results from the loss of symbiotic zooxantheallae
and/or reduction in photosynthetic pigment concentration in
zooxantheallae residing within corals.
What is the most Environmental Issue then?