Answer the following questions with facts and figures.

1. Briefly discuss the major problems and concerns in the Philippines environment.
ANSWER: The major problems Filipinos have been experiencing over the years concerning
our environment include: climate change, which leads to more frequent extreme weather events;
pollution (air, land, water, plastic, etc.) due to industrial activities, poor waste management, and
vehicle emissions; deforestation driven by logging, mining, and agricultural expansion that leads to
loss of biodiversity which is also a major environmental issue; marine degradation because of
destructive fishing practices and ocean pollution; and global warming which results to the level of
the sea rising.
2. Identify the possible causes of these environmental problems.
ANSWER: All the environmental issues present and continuing to happen today are
commonly caused by this thing we call humans. More specifically, due to the irresponsible actions
done by human beings. For instance, carbon emissions by humans in riding vehicles intensify
climate change which also accelerates the warming of the surface of our planet; due to improper
waste and chemical disposal, pollution of any kind ascends; and in connection with the hasty
cutting of trees, some regions and places in the Philippines became susceptible to flood and other
disasters. Lastly, because of poverty. Now that the population of our country has grown more and
more, it leads to a lot more risk in the environmental aspect. As we tend to rely more on the
resources that nature can give us, it becomes too much that we unconsciously destroy our
environment.
3. Cite instances that suggest that environmental degradation has indeed become a major
social concern.
ANSWER: The reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological
objectives and needs is described as environmental degradation. As of 2022, UNCCD stated that
up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of humanity, and threatening
roughly half of global GDP. According to Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-
2030, this degradation and the associated decline of ecosystems are driving disaster risk.
Changes to the environment can influence the frequency and intensity of hazards, as well as our
exposure and vulnerability to these hazards. In the Philippines, the most evident example that
environmental degradation has indeed become a major social concern is the increasing frequency
and intensity of natural disasters, such as typhoons, floods, and landslides. These disasters result
in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and destruction of infrastructure, emphasizing the
vulnerability of people and the environment. Environmental degradation is, therefore, a serious
issue that needs to be addressed as this affects people worldwide, with impacts that are not just
physical, but also social and economic.

4. What measures will you undertake to help and enhance the environment in terms of:
a. Environment-friendly practices and behavior:
As an individual, I will encourage and educate myself about the importance of applying 3Rs,
most especially recycling in our everyday lives; practice reducing energy consumption by simply
turning off appliances if I am not using them; promote sustainable transportation by minimizing in
riding vehicles, instead, just do walking; raise awareness about the advantages of renewable
energy; educate myself and other individuals as well, on the importance of conserving water and
on how to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly habits like using eco-bags instead of plastics.
b. Collective efforts in the community
As part of the community, I will help and even participate in facilitating and supporting local
clean-up initiatives and tree-planting programs; encourage the creation of community gardens to
grow their own foods not only in order to save money but to beautify our community and make it a
cleaner and greener society; support local environmental organizations and volunteer to its
activities; help implement educational programs on environmental issues; engage myself in
discussions with other community members for environmentally friendly policies; and be an
advocate for change.
5. What is an ecosystem?
ANSWER: The ecosystem is derived from the Greek word ‘oikos’ which means home and
‘systema’ means system. An ecosystem includes all the living things (plants, animals, and
organisms) in a given area, interacting with each other, and with their non-living environments
(weather, earth, sun, soil, climate, atmosphere).
6. Identify the components of an ecosystem and give the roles/functions of the components.
ANSWER: There are two major components of an ecosystem namely: biotic and abiotic
compounds. Biotic components are the living factors of the ecosystem. Functionally, biotic
factors can be classified as producers, consumers, and decomposers. Producers basically include
trees that fulfill the requirements of other organisms for food and oxygen. Through photosynthesis,
they gain the energy required by them under the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight. While
consumers include carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores. Carnivores depend on flesh for their
food requirements; herbivores eat plants and get energy from them; and omnivores eat both plants
and flesh. They help maintain the balance in the ecosystem by following the food chain.
Decomposers are the organisms that feed on dead and decay and convert them into organic
compounds. They are important for the nutrient content in the soil. With more will be nutrients
more species and trees can be able to grow. On the other hand, the abiotic component consists
of non-living or physical components like water, light, temperature, humidity, soil, nutrients, etc.
which affect living beings in terms of growth, development, maintenance, and reproduction. These
are also known as ecological factors which affect the life of species in all forms of environmental
conditions such as in water or on land.
7. What are the uses of the different kinds of ecosystems and communities and the problems
confronting them?
ANSWER: Ecosystems are divided into terrestrial and aquatic types. Terrestrial
ecosystems, which cover 30% of the Earth's land, include forest ecosystems, grassland
ecosystems, and desert ecosystems. Forest ecosystems provide essential resources like food and
medicinal plants, provide shelter to a number of organisms, and help mitigate climate change, but
deforestation, logging, and urbanization threaten them. Grassland ecosystems, dominated by
grasses and herbaceous plants, support grazing animals, and maintain the water cycle but due to
overgrazing, conversion for agriculture, and climate change, these have led to the degradation of
grasslands, resulting in desertification and loss of biodiversity. Desert ecosystems that are arid
regions with minimal rainfall enable plants and animal species to adapt to extreme conditions but
also face challenges from climate change, overexploitation of water resources, and unsustainable
land use practices. On the other side, aquatic ecosystems, including marine and freshwater
habitats, cover 71% of the Earth's surface and contain diverse life like coral reefs, mangroves, and
estuaries. However, marine ecosystems that are beneficial in providing food, livelihoods, and
recreational opportunities for humans, face threats like overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction,
and ocean acidification, which contribute to the decline of fish stocks, loss of biodiversity, and
degradation of coral reefs. While, freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and
ponds, provide drinking water, irrigation, water purification, flood mitigation, and habitat for various
species. However, pollution, habitat loss, water extraction, and invasive species threaten
freshwater ecosystems, causing degradation of water quality, biodiversity loss, and reduced
freshwater resource availability.
8. What are the seven environmental principles? Articulate your understanding of the seven
environmental principles and the principle of sustainable development.
ANSWER: The seven environmental principles are: (1) Nature knows best - it emphasizes
the importance of respecting and learning from nature's intricate processes, rather than attempting
to control or dominate them. ; (2) All forms of life are important – this recognizes the intrinsic
value of all living organisms, that every species, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant,
plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, and that they deserve respect, preservation, and protection.;
(3) Everything is connected to everything else - all elements within an ecosystem are
interconnected, and the changes, whether positive or negative in one part of the environment, can
have far-reaching consequences elsewhere. This principle reminds us of the web of life and
encourages us to consider the broader implications of our actions.; (4) Everything changes – this
acknowledges the dynamic nature of the environment, as natural systems are in a constant state
of instability, and change is an inherent part of life on Earth, recognizing and adapting to these
changes is significant for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our planet.; (5) Everything must
go somewhere – this highlights the concept of waste management, meaning that everything we
produce or discard has a destination, whether it is recycled, decomposed, or accumulates as
pollution. This principle encourages us to minimize waste generation, recycle and repurpose
materials, and prevent the release of harmful substances into the environment.; (6) Ours is a
finite earth – this principle reminds us that our planet has limited capacity to support an ever-
growing human population and its demands for resources, thus, calls for responsible resource
management, sustainable practices, and a shift towards an economy that minimizes waste and
maximizes resource efficiency.; (7) Nature is beautiful, and we are stewards of God’s creation
– this principle encompasses both aesthetic and ethical considerations which acknowledge the
evident beauty and great value of the natural world, emphasizing the need to appreciate and
protect it, and at the same time, highlights the moral responsibility humans have as stewards of
the Earth, entrusted to take care and protect the planet and its diverse life forms. The principle of
sustainable development emphasizes the need for cooperation and immediate action not only of
different organizations but also of the citizens benefiting from the environment. Sustainable
practices and responsible decision-making are being pursued to achieve a harmonious balance
between economic development, social equity, and environmental conservation, ensuring that our
actions today do not deplete natural resources or harm one’s well-being in order to create a
prosperous, equitable, and environmentally sustainable world for current and future generations.
9. How these seven environmental principles can be used to protect the environment while
pursuing a better quality of life for the citizens of this planet?
ANSWER: These seven environmental principles stand as key guidelines for understanding
and addressing the delicate relationship between humans and the environment. These principles
also offer insights into how we can sustainably interact with the natural world. By integrating these
principles into decision-making processes and policies to our communities, at the same time to
each of our lives, we will be able to provide a comprehensive approach to protecting the
environment while pursuing a better quality of life for all. Embracing interdependence,
sustainability, the precautionary approach, environmental justice, and public participation ensures
that environmental concerns are effectively addressed in all sectors of society. Therefore,
altogether, we can develop a harmonious relationship with nature and work towards a more
balanced and prosperous planet.

10. In a separate sheet, express your commitment to perform your role and prepare action
plans in your community for sustainable development.
ANSWER:

I, RYZAJANE MERWAR DALING, solemnly pledge to wholeheartedly commit myself as a member of

this community in our pursuit of sustainable development. I recognize the significance of my role and
the responsibility I hold in contributing to the betterment of our society. With this oath, I affirm my
dedication to taking action that will benefit not only the present generation but also future generations
to come.
To fulfill this pledge, I envision the following action plans:
1. Education and Awareness: I will actively engage in educational initiatives and awareness
campaigns to promote sustainable practices within our community. By organizing workshops,
seminars, and awareness programs, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools
necessary to adopt sustainable behaviors in their everyday lives.
2. Environmental Stewardship: I will take a proactive role in preserving and protecting our
environment. This will involve participating in clean-up events, tree planting drives, and advocating for
the reduction of waste and pollution. Additionally, I will encourage sustainable practices such as
recycling, composting, and the use of renewable energy sources.
3. Sustainable Consumption: I will strive to be a responsible consumer by making conscious choices
that promote sustainability. This includes supporting local and eco-friendly businesses, reducing my
personal carbon footprint, and encouraging others to adopt sustainable consumption habits. I will
prioritize purchasing products that adhere to ethical and sustainable production practices.
4. Community Empowerment: Recognizing the strength of collective action, I will collaborate with
community members to initiate projects that promote sustainable development. By actively engaging
with local organizations, businesses, and government bodies, I will work towards the implementation
of policies and practices that foster environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
5. Advocacy and Policy: I will advocate for sustainable policies at local, regional, and national levels. I
will join forces with like-minded individuals and organizations to amplify our voice in policy-making
processes. This includes lobbying for renewable energy initiatives, advocating for green
infrastructure, and promoting legislation that supports sustainable practices.
6. Collaborative Partnerships: I will actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with diverse
stakeholders, including community groups, educational institutions, businesses, and government
agencies. By fostering partnerships, we can pool resources, share knowledge and expertise, and
work towards common sustainable development goals.
7. Responsible Leadership: I will lead by example, demonstrating integrity, compassion, and a
commitment to sustainable development in all aspects of my life. I will inspire others through my
actions, encouraging them to embrace sustainability and take an active role in creating positive
change within our community.
8. Continuous Learning: Acknowledging that sustainability is a dynamic field, I commit to continuously
educating myself about new developments, innovations, and practices in sustainable development. I
will stay updated with the latest research, engage in ongoing learning opportunities, and share my
knowledge with others to ensure we are constantly evolving and improving our efforts.
By upholding this pledge and diligently implementing these action plans, I aim to contribute towards
the vision of a sustainable community. I am committed to fostering a harmonious balance between
environmental preservation, social equity, and economic prosperity. Together, we can create a
community that thrives not just for ourselves but for generations to come.
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