GROUP 1

NATURAL RESOURCES AND

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
Aerial refers to the airspace above the territorial lands
and waters of the Philippines, but excluding outer space.

Atmospheric resources are resources found in the

atmosphere which are of benefit to man, animals, and
plants.
Cuius est solum, eius est usque ad coelum et ad inferos
(Latin for "whoever's is the soil, it is theirs all the way to Heaven
and all the way to Hell")
It is a principle of property law, stating that property holders
have rights not only to the plot of land itself, but also to the air
above and (in the broader formulation) the ground below. The
principle is often referred to in its abbreviated form as the ad
coelum doctrine.
These resources include wind, water, sunlight, and gases.
Types of atmospheric resources :
(i)Atmospheric gases: oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water
vapour, ozone layer, neon, argon, helium etc.
(ii)Wind
(iii)Rain
(iv) Solar energy
Importance:
 Oxygen is used by plants and animals for respiration
It also supports burning of materials (i.e. combustion)
Oxygen supports animal life
Oxygen combines with water vapour for chemical weathering
Oxygen is also used for industrial purposes.
Importance:
It is required by plants for photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide combines with water to produce weathering
(carbonation)
Green plants take in carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide absorbs heat to control atmosphere
temperature in the carbon cycle
Importance:
Nitrogen is required by plants for the manufacturing of proteins
It combines with water to provide food for plant growth
Nitrogen in soil can be converted to nitrate in the soil
Nitrogen gas is used in electrical industry
Importance:
It acts as a blanket to the earth
It protects the earth from the ultra-violet rays
It protects the earth and its living things from the effects of the
ultra-violet rays such as skin irritation and cancer.
Importance:
It is important for rain formation
The resultant rain is used by plants and animals in the process of
chemical weathering
Water vapour moderates atmospheric temperature
Importance:
It provides water for human consumption
It provides water for agriculture
It reduces temperature and feeds rivers with water
It is a source of underground water
Importance:
It provides solar energy for drying
It is used for heating, cooking, and cooling processes
It is used for generating electricity
It is required by plants for photosynthesis
It is a source of vitamin D
It is useful in food chain
It is useful for desalination
Importance:
Wind can be harnessed for windmills and used for pumping
water
It aids drying
It is used in meteorological studies
It aids sailing of ships and aviation
It is useful for sporting e.g. yachting
It is used for dispersal of seeds
It is useful in winnowing and pollination
Endemic Birds
Emission of carbon dioxide through burning fossil fuels such as
coal, petrol, and gas
Deforestation
Use of chemical, biological, and nuclear warfare
Release of toxic waste
Bush burning
Pollutants emitted from industrial activities
Pollutants emitted from mining and construction works
Currently, there are existing laws and programs that protect the
environment, particularly the aerial domain.
Examples are:
R.A 8749 (The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 which
outlines the government’s measures to reduce air pollution and
incorporate environmental protection into its developmental plans)
PHILGARP (The Philippine Greenhouse Gas Accounting
and Reporting Program- Identifies Greenhouse Gas reduction
opportunities and participate in programs and projects to reduce
GHG emissions.)
R.A 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste
Control Act of 1990- This act regulates, restricts or prohibit the
importation, manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use and
disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present
unreasonable risk or injury to health or the environment, prohibit
the entry, even in transit of hazardous and nuclear waste and their
disposal to the Philippine Territorial limits for whatever purpose,
and provide advancement and facilitate research and study on
toxic chemicals.)
• Strict implementation of laws that protect the environment at the
local level.
• Participation in programs that educate and bring awareness
about the status quo, and the future problems.
• Provide incentives to people and government units who play an
active part in these programs and the protection of the
environment.