Module 5

Evaluating Local Environmental Problems and Issues Including Climate Change

Module 5: Evaluating local environmental problems and issues including climate

change

Course
Course Outcome
Outcome

Learners who can evaluate local environmental problems associated with human
interactions, their causes, and associated risks.

Making Connections: The world is experiencing various contemporary

environmental problems and issues that affect the socio-economic, socio-cultural, and
biophysical environment. Some environmental problems and issues In the Philippines
particularly in the province of Palawan are deterioration of forests, coastal erosion,
degradation of terrestrial and aquatic habitat, rapid land-use change, local climate change
impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and upland and coastal communities, etc. These
contemporary environmental problems and issues may lead to unavoidable effects and risks
such as food insecurity, decline fish and crop production, disasters, health issues, poverty,
and many others. Thus, evaluation of local environmental problems is needed including their
causes, effects, outcomes, and associated risks.

Course
Course Overview
Overview

In this module, you will learn about contemporary local environmental problems and issues
in the Philippines. Also, you will learn how to evaluate local environmental problems and
issues in your local area.

Initial Activity:
Activity Local Environmental Problems

Table 5.1 presented the list of some contemporary environmental problems and issues.

Table 5.1. Local Environmental Problems and Issues

Coastal Erosion Local Climate change
Deforestation Improper Land Use Change
Pollution Over-extraction of natural resources
Habitat Degradation Disaster

Learning Check: Look for the given local environmental problems and issues
presented in Table 5.1, select two problems based on your interest or existing in your
community and provide three primary causes (upper boxes) and three primary effects (lower
boxes) of the selected environmental problems and issues.
Problem 1:

Problem:

Problem 2:

Problem:

Learning Enrichment: To enrich your knowledge on local contemporary

environmental problems, watch these videos:

[Link]
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 Learning Check: Given what you have watched in these videos, compare the
causes and effects of selected local environmental problems that you have initially listed
above and those explained in the videos. Are they similar? You may clarify your answer
below:

Problem 1:

Problem:

Problem 2:

Problem:

Lesson Proper

Local Environmental
Concept Problems and Issues
of the Environment

Pollution

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Environmental problems and issues are categorized into three main types which include:
pollution, over-extraction of natural resources and wicked problems. As defined by National
Geographic (2020), pollution is the introduction of toxic or harmful materials into the physical
environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such
as volcanic ash, sediments, etc. The types of pollution are water, air, land, noise, thermal,
and light pollution. Human-induced activities like industrialization, wastes generation and
disposal, burning materials like fossil fuels are major causes of pollution. Noise, thermal and
light pollution are the contemporary types of pollution due to urbanization and
industrialization and usually experiencing by metropolitan or dense cities in the country like
Metro Manila. Noise pollution refers to the excessive level of noise in the local area caused
by transportations and machines from industrial zones. Light Pollution refers to the presence
of too much lights available in the area, especially during early and late nights. Air pollution
refers to the contamination of air quality due to the emission of toxic and harmful gaseous
wastes from agricultural and industrial areas. Land pollution is the contamination of soil
quality which resulted from excessive run-off, deposition of wastes and toxic substances
from farming and industrial activities. Thermal pollution refers to the sudden increase or
decrease of temperature in water bodies like lakes, rivers and oceans due to the disposal of
wastes waster from factories and power plants. Water pollution refers to the contamination of
water caused by the dumping of chemical and toxic wastes from residential, agricultural,
commercial and industrial areas. In Coron Bay, Palawan, the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources conducted an assessment of water quality and found out that the
water is polluted due to a high concentration of total coliform with 25, 269 most probable
number (Formuso, 2018). Also, the result of water quality assessment in El Nido, Palawan
particularly in Bacuit Bay stated that the water is polluted due to disposal of wastes from the
tourism establishments which led to the issuance of cease-and-desist orders to some
tourism establishments (Mayuga, 2019). The impacts of pollution are health issues, fish kills,
morphological changes of plants and animals, reproduction incapacity and many others.

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 Source: National Geographic, 2020

Exploitation of Natural Resource

Another type of environmental problem is the over-extraction of natural resources. The

increase in the human population and economic development activities drives the increase
in resource utilization. The current world population reached 7.8 billion in 2020 in which 7.59
billion in 2018 with a rapid increase compared to 7.34 billion in 2015 (Worldometers, 2020).
As a result, the consumption of natural resources rapidly increasing. For instance, the
energy demand grew by 2.9% in 2018 which is the fastest growth since 2010 (BP Statistical
Review, 2019). Based on the results of the 2015 Family Income and Expenditures Survey
(FIES) of the Philippines Statistics Authority (2015), the Philippines ’ expenditures summed
up to 4.88 trillion in 2015, higher by 18.36 percent compared with 2012 record at 4.12 trillion.
Similarly, food expenditures per person rose to P20,144 in 2015. This was 11.37 percent
more than the 2012 estimates. This shows that the increase in the population drives the
increase of natural resources utilization that may lead to exploitation once exceeded to
carrying capacity. Each natural resource has its carrying capacity- the ability to support a
given quantity in a population without causing degradation.

Source: Pinterest, 2019

Wicked Problem: Climate Change in the Philippines (Palawan)

Climate change is one of the contemporary severe environmental problems that we are
facing in which it affects not only the biophysical environment but also our economy, culture,
health, security, and others. It is a change in the state of climate over time, whether caused

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by natural variability or anthropogenic activities. This phenomenon is caused by the
continuous emission of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere from different anthropogenic
activities such as agricultural production, mining operations, power plants, factories, and
other industrial activities. Based on the 2019 Global Gas Emission Data of Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), the CO2 emission has increased by about 90% since 1970 from
fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes, which contributes 78% of the total
greenhouse emission. The emitted gasses served as a trap to the outgoing longwave
radiation that drives to change the earth's surface temperature and other atmospheric
processes. The new findings on the study of Fahey and others (2017), says that aside from
changes in the emission of greenhouse gasses, small airborne particles like aerosols
produced from small-scale human activities is now a significant driver of climate change. In
the Philippines, the total greenhouse gas emissions based on the USAID current report were
157.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent to 0.33% global greenhouse gas
emissions (GHG). 54% of GHG in the country came from the energy sector followed by
agriculture (33%), industrial processes (8%), wastes and land-use change (7%), and forestry
sectors (1%). This phenomenon has ecological, social, and economic impacts not only in the
Philippines but also in the entire world that needs immediate attention and actions by all
stakeholders.

The Philippines is significantly experiencing impacts of climate change such as sea-

level rise, storm surge, destruction of habitat, extinction of flora and fauna species, life cycle
changes, changes in surface water availability, and changes in aquatic and terrestrial
productivity. Based on the current report of PAG-ASA, the annual mean temperature in all
areas in the country, the increases have been from 0.57ºC and are expected to increase by
0.9 ºC to 1.1 ºC in 2020 and 1.8ºC to 2.2 ºC in 2050. The World Meteorological Organization
2019 report shows that year 2019 is likely the second warmest in instrumental records. Also,
the country experiences average of 20 tropical cyclones formed per year and extreme
rainfall of higher than 300mm rainfall that damages peoples’ lives and properties as well as
wildlife.

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 Source: The Guardian, 2019

The Luzon areas in the country experienced a decline in the production of rice, corn,
and other agricultural products, a decline in water supply for agricultural and domestic use,
typhoons, volcanic eruption, changes in biodiversity, and habitat. Central Luzon is known as
the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines” and ranked high to very high on risk based on the Risk to
Typhoons and risk to Projected Rainfall Change maps of the Manila Observatory. There are
over 3,000 farmers in Central Luzon who experiences damages of crops due to extreme
weather and decline of water supply for irrigation. Also, in the case of Isabela province, corn
production was declined from the past years due to extreme weather conditions, an increase
of annual temperature, and changes in rainfall patterns based on the study of Alcaide et al.
(2019). Also, the Taal volcanic eruption affected at least 151,386 families and caused
disturbances of wildlife and their habitat like Tawilis (Sardinella tawilis). These phenomena
affect the realization of the long-term goals of our nation for the general welfare of the
people.

The Palawan experience impacts of climate change such as extreme weather,

storms, floods, destruction of habitats like mangroves, pest and diseases, disturbances of
flora and fauna species, changes in water availability, and changes in aquatic and terrestrial
productivity and others. The small islands in the province of Palawan are affected by the
typhoon. Like in the case of Calauit Island, after the hit of Typhoon Yolanda last November
8, 2013, the island was profoundly devastated that caused damage to the coastal
community, mangrove area, and coastal biodiversity based on the study of the Malabrigo
and others (2016). It has approximately 500-ha of mangrove forests in Ilultuk Bay. There are
60% of the mangrove forests in Cluster 1 of Sitio Calauit, Bgy. Buluang was profoundly
devastated by Typhoon Yolanda, and 5% were felled, and the majority was defoliated. The
recorded for total damage is Excoecaria agallocha with a diameter breast height of 12 cm.
Rhizophora apiculata has the highest percentage of defoliated trees with 53.13%, and most
of the trees have a diameter class of 3cm.

The livelihood farming activity of Palaw’ans in Bunog, Rizal, Palawan, is highly

affected by climate change. The study of Roa and others (2015) shows that climate change
has notable effects on the crop harvest of tribe members, especially rice. The tribe members
observed several changes in the past years, like the 90% decrease in the harvest and rapid
increase of pest occurrence in their farmland, kaingin. The food security of the tribe for the
whole year is at risk due to the decline of crop harvest. However, the tribe has traditional

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knowledge on the adaption of climate change impacts like “Pagpapausok” or the burning of
the roots as their adaptation measures to lessen pest and diseases. Also, to have an
alternative source of income, they engaged in handicrafts like the making of baskets that
they can sell to the local market.

Source: IRRI, 2019

Now, let us examine the cause and impacts of environmental problems and issues.

Learning Check: Fill out the table below with the causes and impacts of the two
environmental problems you identified in table 5.1 and identify the type of impacts if positive
or negative.

Table 5.2. Causes and Effects of Local Environmental Problem

Environmental Type of Impact

Impacts
Problem Causes (Positive/Negative)
1. 1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

2. 1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

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 5. 5.

From Table 5.2, explain briefly your answer on the type of impacts (negative/positive).
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Learning Enrichment: To enrich your knowledge about the causes and impacts of
environmental problems and issues, watch these videos
[Link]
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[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
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Learning Check: Given what you have watched in this video, is your explanation
above the same or related to the one presented in the video? You may clarify your answer
below:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Types of Environments
Evaluation of Local Environmental Problems and Issues

In the previous lesson, you have learned about the causes and impacts of some
contemporary environmental issues and concerns such as pollution, exploitation of natural
resources and climate change. Then, you are now ready to evaluate these environmental
problems and issues.

In this lesson, you will learn on how to evaluate local environmental problems and issues in
your community.

The simplest evaluation of environmental problems and issues composed of three major
steps:
1. Identification of causes of environmental problems and issues

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 2. Identification of impacts
3. Assessing the level of significance of the identified impacts.

You have learned in the previous lesson the causes and impacts of some major
environmental problems that are common to different places in Palawan such as, pollution,
resource exploitation and climate change.

The simplest way of assessing the environmental problems and issues is using a Leopold’s
matrix. This matrix is a qualitative method of assessing the local environmental problems
and issues using a scoring matrix for magnitude, frequency and duration. Magnitude
refers to the perception of the evaluator on the possible level impact to the affected
communities if low, medium or high. Frequency refers to the perception of the evaluator on
how the impact occurrence frequent if less frequent (annually), frequent (monthly) and more
frequent (weekly). Duration refers to the perception of the evaluator on how long the impact
lasts once occurred, if long-term (more than 1 year), medium-term (more than a month and
up to 1 year) and short-term (up to one month).

To evaluate each local environmental problems and issues, rating of 1, 2, and 3 for
frequency, magnitude and duration need to be provided (see the scoring matrix below).

Table 5.3 Scoring Matrix

Rating Frequency Magnitude Duration

1 Least Frequent Low Short Term
2 Frequent Medium Medium Term
3 More Frequent High Long Term

After you provided rating for each local environmental problem impact in terms of frequency,
magnitude and duration, get the sum of scores. The level of significance of local
environmental problem will be low (sum of scores: 3), moderate (sum of scores: 4-6) and
high (sum of scores: 7-9).

Table 5.4 Rating Scale

Scale Level of Significance

3 Low
4-6 Moderate
7-9 High

Learning Check: Using the table below, evaluate the two local environmental
problems/issues that you selected in table 5.1.

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Table 5.5 Evaluation of Local Environmental Problems and Issues

Problem Impacts Significance of Impact Remarks

Frequency Magnitud Duration Low, Moderate
e or High
1. 1.
2.
3.
2. 1.
2.
3.

Learning Enrichment: To enrich your knowledge about the concept and

components of the environment, watch this video:
[Link]
[Link]

Leave a message here to your teacher if you have questions:

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Assessment
Assessment:

Select two environmental problems and issues experienced by your immediate community
or barangay and then evaluate them using the format presented above. Explain your answer
(Mark: 50).

Rubric
Mark
Criteria
10 6-9 3-5 1-2
Integration of The output The output The output The output does
knowledge demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates not demonstrate
that the student that the student, that the student, that the student
fully understands for the most part, to a certain understands the
the scientific understands the extent, scientific
concepts being scientific understands the concepts being
utilized. These concepts being Scientific utilized.
concepts are utilized. concepts being
integrated and These concepts, utilized.
contextualized to a certain
into the student’s extent, are
own insights. integrated and
contextualized
into the student’s

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 own insights.
Clarity of content In-depth In-depth The student has Cursory or hasty
discussion and discussion and omitted important discussion in all
elaboration in all elaboration in processes of a the processes of
the processes of most processes biogeochemical a biogeochemical
a biogeochemical of a cycle that cycle that
cycle that biogeochemical supports life’s supports life’s
supports life’s cycle that proper proper
proper supports life’s functioning. functioning.
functioning. proper
functioning.
Clear and Simple and very Simple but not Complex and Impossible to tell
attractive easy to easy to tell what difficult to tell what process is
illustration understand what process is what process is being illustrated.
process is being illustrated. being illustrated.
being illustrated.

Suggested Reading:

Antonio, A., Bass, S., & Gasconia, D. (2012). Philippines Experience, Lessons and
Challenges in Environmental Mainstreaming.
[Link]

Briones, N. (2012). Environmental Sustainability Issues in Philippines Agriculture. Asian

Journal of Agriculture and Development, 2 (2), pp. 67-78
[Link]

Jazib, M. J. (2018). Basics of Environmental Sciences, 1st edition. pp. 1-35.

[Link]
AL_SCIENCE

Sovacol, B. (2014). Environmental Issues, Climate Changes, and Energy Security in

Developing Asia. Asian Development Bank.
[Link]

Main References:

Alcaide, K., Buncag, M.J, Mendoza, R.E., and Santos, B. 2019. Developing a Rainfall-based
Index for Corn Crop Insurance in Isabela, Philippines. International Journal of Science
and Management Studies. 2 (6), 77-84.

Carson, R. (1960). Silent Spring. Fawcett Publications, Inc., Greenwich, Connecticut, USA.
Retrieved from [Link]

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Formuso, C. (2018). High Coliform Detection in Coron Bay, Palawan. Philippine News
Agency. Retrieved at [Link]
%20PRINCESA%20CITY%2C%20Palawan%20%2D%2D,in%20Mimaropa%20on
%20Saturday%20afternoon.

Malabrigo, P. L., Umali, A. G. A., & Replan, E. L.(2016). Damage assessment and recovery
monitoring of the mangrove forests in Calauit island affected by Typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan). Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 2016(Special Issue 2).
39–46. Retrieved at
[Link]
_of_the_Mangrove_Forests_in_Calauit_Island_Affected_by_Typhoon_Yolanda_Haiyan

Mayuga, J. (2019). DENR Shuts Down 10 Establishments For Polluting El Nido and Coron
Bays. Retrieved at [Link]
establishments-for-polluting-el-nido-coron-bays/

Roa, S., Domingo, K., Fedillaga, K., Hechanova, I., Natividad, J. and Docto, R. (2015).
Climate Change Vulnerability of the Palaw’ans in Bunog, Rizal, Palawan, Philippines.
BIMP-EAGA Journal for Sustianble Tourism Development. 4 (1). ISSN 2232-10603.
146-157. Retieved at [Link]
4-no-1-special-edition

Worldometers (2020). Current World Population. Retrieved at

[Link]

Other Online sources:

[Link]
economics/statistical-review/[Link]
[Link]
%20the%20introduction%20of%20harmful%20materials%20into%20the%20environment,air
%2C%20water%2C%20and%20land
[Link]
%20population%20is,currently%20living)%20of%20the%20world.

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