ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

IN THE PHILIPPINES
Natural Resources and Biodiversity explain
why the Philippines is a rich country.
Putting our home into the rare list of
nations which have both a hotspot and
mega diversity area for over 6000 plant
species and also numerous animal species
inhabited this area. However, despite- or
perhaps because of- their richness and
massive importance to the environment and
humans as well, the forests face continuing
destruction and possible extinction.
 The most pressing environmental problems
in the Philippines today
DEFORESTATION is the destruction of big areas
of forests.
The Philippines is among the countries with
the fastest loss of forest cover around the world.
It ranks 4th among the world’s top 10 most forest
hotspots
If the 157,400 ha per year rate of deforestation
continues, our remaining forest cover will be
wiped out in less than 40 years.
FLASHFLOOD is a sudden flood of great volume, usually
caused by a heavy rain.
ILLEGAL MINING is defined as the extraction of
valuable minerals or other geological materials from the
earth from an ore body, lode, vein, seam or reef which
forms the mineralized package of economic interest to
the miner in the absence of land rights, mining license,
exploration of mineral transportation permit or of any
document that could legitimate the on-going operations.
 The Mining Act of 1995 aimed to help the domestic
mining industry regain its competitiveness by allowing
companies (Contractors) to obtain an exploration
permit for a specific area for up to four years.
  The Philippines is one of the most highly mineralized
countries in the world with a mineral wealth estimated at
US 840 billion , of which most of the mineral reserves are
still untapped.
SOIL EROSION happens when soil and rock are moved from
one place to another by wind, water, and gravity.
 Causes of Soil Erosion:
 Deforestation
 Building of Roads
 Agriculture
 Urbanization
 Mining
 From oil tankers, with equipment faults
 From water sports
 From drilling works carried out in the sea
CORAL REEF DEGRADATION is a significant problem
throughout the world. It has been acknowledged that 27 %
of the world’s reefs have been affected. Gardener (2003)
pointed out that:
 11% has been completely lost
 16% has been damaged
 Coral Reefs- are diverse underwater ecosystems built from
calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs can be
categorized into the following coral cover estimate thru line
intercept transect method :
 1. Category 1- Poor (coral reef with > 0 to 10% coral cover)

 2. Category 2- Fair (coral reef with > 11 to 30% coral cover)

 3. Category 3- Good (coral reef with > 31 to 50% coral cover)

 4. Category 4- Very Good (coral reef with > 51 to 75% coral

cover)
 5. Category 5- Excellent ( coral with > 76 to 100% coral cover )
Pollution
A destructive change in the
environment which harms
health.
It may be any substance or
energy into the environment,
resulting in toxic effects
endangering human health,
living resources and ecosystem.
Different types of Pollution
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Noise Pollution
Air Pollution
Contaminated air with harmful
substances that cause harmful
effects on life and health.
Airborne pollutants can cause
lung diseases, heart diseases, eye
and throat irritation. It can also
weakens the immune system.
Sources of Air Pollution
Fossil Fuels – includes coal, oil,
gasoline, and natural gas. These are
the major source of energy but
produce carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur
oxides and other solid substances
when burned.
Particulates – are tiny particles
in the air including soot, ash,
dirt, dust and pollen.
Particulates can damage deep
into lungs. They cause
coughing, wheezing, asthma
attacks, respiratory infections
and lung cancer.
Motor Vehicle Emission –
substance released from motor
vehicles and burning fuel. It
includes carbon monoxide,
airborne lead, sulfur oxides and
nitrogen oxides. Motor vehicle
emission intake increases the
risk of respiratory diseases.
Smog – is a combination of
smoke and fog which is
increases by thermal changes.
Smog contain harmful gases,
such as ozone. Smog can irritate
the eyes, lungs and throat and
produces headaches, coughing
and shortness of breath.
Indoor Air Pollution – air
polluted indoors which can
even be more concentrated
because they are trapped.
Ways to keep the air clean
Stop smoking. Cigarette smoke
releases carbon monoxide and other
chemicals.
Avoid unnecessary use of motor
vehicles. It burns more fuel and
produces more pollutants into the
air. Use public transport as much as
possible.
Limit use of materials that emit toxic
fumes including cleanser and aerosol
spray.
Do not burn your waste. Practice
waste management like segregation
and recycle.
Use unleaded gas or vehicles that run
less polluting source of energy.
Plant trees. Trees absorb carbon
dioxide and produce oxygen.
Water Pollution
Contamination of water that
causes harmful effects in life and
health. Sewage, chemicals,
radioactive wastes and other
substances mixing with fresh
water cause contamination.
Polluted water can be a source
of many pathogens that cause
hepatitis, intestinal disorders,
amoebiasis and also cancer.
Polluted water is also harmful to
marine diversity.
Sources of Water Pollution
Industrial waste
Human sewage
Water runoff
Thermal pollution
Ways to keep the water clean
Do not pour toxic chemicals
down the drain or on the
ground.
Use phosphate free detergents
and biodegradable soap and
shampoos.
Do not put your trashes or
wastes into lakes, steams, rivers,
ponds.
Report unusual appearance,
smell or taste from faucets to
health departments or water
companies.
Noise Pollution
The excessive sound that
caused hearing loss, stress,
fatigue, irritability, tension,
headaches and high blood
pressures. Noise pollution also
cause accidents by preventing
people to concentrate and
perform.
Sources of Noise Pollution
Most noise sources are measured
in terms of intensity or strength of
the sound field.
The loudness of sound is
measured in units called decibels
(dB). The standard unit of one
decibel is amount of sound that is
just audible to the average human.
Noise Levels about 90 decibels
can damage hearing.
Studies have shown that
prolonged exposure to such
loud noises can cause
temporary and even permanent
hearing loss.
Intensity of Some Common Sounds
Sound Sources Intensity Decibels
Human Whisper 30
Normal 60
conversation 80
City traffic 150
Motorcycle 114 – 140
Rock Band 135 – 150
Jet 170
Rocket
What to do to Minimize Noise Pollution
Always tune TV, radio, karaoke
and other appliances of the same
purpose in modulated mode.
Use thick curtains to filter loud
noise coming from street and
neigborhood.
If necessary, do not build your
house near areas that you think
will noisy such motor shops,
factories, etc.
Research on laws regarding noise
pollution and inform authorities
on violations existing in your
community if any.