(/President Ramon Magsaysay State University

(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)

Iba, Zambales, Philippines
Tel/Fax No.: (047) 811-1683

College / Department College of Arts and Sciences/Psychology Department

Course Code GEE I
Course Title Environmental Science
Place of the Course in GEE Elective
the Program
Semester & Academic First Semester AY 2020-21
Year

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Introduction

The primary objective of this course is to introduce the importance of environmental

science to students, especially its ethics and principles, environmental issues, and concerns. It
introduces the basic ecological concepts and principles such as the basic components of the
ecosystem, the flow of energy in an ecosystem as depicted in food chains, food webs, and
ecological pyramids. It emphasizes the impact of population growth on the environment,
identifies uses and sources of energy and the environmental effects of energy production and
utilization. It aims to increase awareness on various environmental issues such as global
warming, air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, noise and thermal pollution. It also
deals with prospects for the future which gives emphasis on approaches to solving
environmental problems, the global environment situation and sustainable development.
 Chapter I
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an appreciation of the importance of environmental science.

2. Describe different perspectives of environmental ethics and values.
3. Discuss the seven environmental principles.

Definition of Terms:

1. Science is a way of life which uses systematic procedures to obtain facts based on
observation, investigation and experimentation; an organized body of knowledge that
deals with careful observation and interpretation of reproducible facts.
2. Scientific Method consists of physical and mental acts of gathering information to
yield explanation or rules; makes use of science process to gather information and
establish facts about a certain problem.
3. Science Process are actions or behaviors which include observing, inferring,
measuring and controlling variables, as well as analyzing and interpreting data.
4. Environment “environner” (French word): to encircle; to surround
a. the circumstance or condition that surround an organism or group of
organisms.
b. the complex of social or cultural conditions that affect an individual or a
community.
c. includes temperature, precipitation, amount of moisture, and all other
chemical and physical factors to which the organisms are exposed.
d. is everything that affect people or organisms during their lifetime.
5. Environmental Science:
• the systematic study of our environment and our place in it. (Cunningham and
Saigo, 2001)
• an interdisciplinary study that describes problems caused by human use of
the natural world. (Enger, 2001)
• field of study that integrates natural science, social science and humanities
for the wholistic study of the world around us.

Importance of Environmental Science

1. Understanding the natural world both bio-physical and social processes, operating
our world.

2. Appreciating the role of technology in our society and its capacity to alter natural
processes, as well as solve problems caused by human impact.

3. Development of awareness and consciousness regarding environmental issues and

problems.

4. Development of positive attitude towards environmental involvement and

participation in the solution of these environmental problems.

5. Understanding the complex social processes that characterize human population.

NS 4 |Environmental Science| 2
Environmental Ethics

1. Ethics: is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with morals and values.

2. Morals: the distinction between right and wrong.
3. Values: the ultimate worth of action.
4. Environmental Ethics: are the moral relationship between humans and the natural
world; the foundation of sustainable society.

Sustainable Society

• One in which all human activity takes place.

• Maintained over time within the limits set by the environment.
• Based on ethical and operational principles.
• Limits set by the environment to assimilate waste, provide food and other supply
resources.

Sustainable Ethics (Austria)

1. The Earth has a limited supply of resources.

2. Recycling and the use of renewable sources will prevent depletion.

3. Life’s value is not simply the total sum of his bank account.

4. The cost is more than the sum of the energy, labor and materials. External cost such
as damage to health must also be calculated.

5. Man must understand and cooperate with natures.

6. Individual efforts to solve the pressing problems must be combined with laws and
new technologies.

7. Human beings are part of nature, ruled by its principles and respectful of its
components. Man is not superior to nature.

8. Waste is intolerable and every wasted object should have a use.

Operating Principles (4 Pillars of a Sustainable Society)

1. Conservation: cutting back on unnecessary consumptions.

Becoming a more conscientious consumer.
Using the resources more efficiently.
2. Recycling: Means to use the materials over and over again.
3. Renewable Resources: resources that are generated by natural processes (e.g. paper
or wood).
*Non-renewable Resources: like plastics and synthetic cloth.
4. Population Control: stabilization and eventually reduction of the size of the human
population.

NS 4 |Environmental Science| 3
1992 Rio Earth Summit

[Link]
[Link]

The 1992 Rio Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and was attended by nations all
over the world to draft an EARTH CHARTER of PRINCIPLES for ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
and SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

Key Provisions of Earth Chapter

1. Respect the Earth, recognizing the intrinsic value or worth of all living beings
independent of their value to humanity.

2. Protect and restore the diversity, integrity and beauty of the planets ecosystem.

3. Defend the right of all people to life, liberty and security of person with an
environment adequate for human health and spiritual well-being.

4. Share natural resources equitably among nations, between rich and poor, between
male and female and between present and future generations.

5. Cultivate a shared responsibility for the indivisible goals of justice for all,
sustainability, world peace, and respect and care for the entire Earth.

The Seven Environmental Principles

The Environmental Education Project Mariano-Peace has come up with 7 principles, reworded
from principles first expressed by Barry Commoner, a noted American environmentalist.

1. Everything is connected to everything else. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay magkakaugnay.)

2. All forms of life are important. (Ang lahat na may buhay ay mahalaga.)

3. Everything must go somewhere. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay may patutunguhan.)

4. Ours is a finite earth. (Ang kalikasan ay may hangganan.)

5. Nature knows best. (Ang kalikasan ang mas nakakaalam.)

NS 4 |Environmental Science| 4
6. Nature is beautiful, and we are stewards of God’s creation. (Ang kalikasan ay maganda at
tayo ang tagapangasiwa ng lahat na nilikha ng Diyos.)

7. Everything changes. (Ang lahat ay nagbabago.)

References

Agsalud, Priscilla Signey L., et al. 2013. Environmental Science. Malabon City:
Jimczyville Publications.

Bentillo, Eulalia N., et al. 2004. Science and Technology Textbook for Fourth Year.
Quezon City: Book Media Press, Inc. 2004. Teacher’s Guide, Science and
Technology Textbook for Fourth Year. Quezon City: Book Media Press, Inc.

Magno, Marcelita C., et al. 2009. Science and Technology Textbook for Third Year.
Quezon City: Vibal Publishing House, Inc.

Minteer, B. (2014). Environmental Ethics.

[Link]

NS 4 |Environmental Science| 5
Activity 1: Environmental Values

Values play an important role within environmental education. The basic needs of survival
(food, water, shelter, clothing) all place demands on the environment. What other
Environmental Values can you think of that you can do without sacrificing your way of daily
living? List 5 examples. Example: Appreciating the importance of using energy wisely by
turning off the light and fans in rooms when not in use.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Activity 2: The Seven Environmental Principles

Write a summary of what each principle means to you. Give an example for each one.

1. Everything is connected to everything else.

2. All forms of life are important.

NS 4 |Environmental Science| 6
3. Everything must go somewhere.

4. Ours is a finite earth.

5. Nature knows best.

6. Nature is beautiful, and we are stewards of God’s creation.

7. Everything changes.

Activity 3. Critical Thinking

Answer the following briefly and direct to the point.

1. Compare and contrast how different ethical perspective shapes our view of nature
and our role in it.

NS 4 |Environmental Science| 7