Dec 2, 2021 · Write an essay about the environmental issues in the Philippines. It should contain the three most important parts of the paragraph: the topic sentence, the supporting details, and the concluding sentence. Be guided by the rubric below. (30 Points) Possible Topics 1. Pollution 6. Landslides 2. Illegal Mining 7. Global Warming 3. ... Apr 6, 2022 · Research the different environmental problems that we are experiencing nowadays Make an informative essay about the effects of environmental problems in the life of the Filipinos especially in this time of pandemic. How important the value of cooperation and responsibility for us to overcome these problems. ... Oct 1, 2021 · The environment plays a significant role to support life on earth. But there are some issues that are causing damages to life and the ecosystem of the earth. It is related to the not only environment but to everyone that lives on the planet. Besides, its main source is pollution, global warming, greenhouse gas, and many others. ... Dec 8, 2020 · The Philippines also suffers major human-caused environmental degradation aggravated by a high annual population growth rate, including loss of agricultural lands, deforestation, soil erosion, air and water pollution, improper disposal of solid and toxic wastes, loss of coral reefs, mismanagement and abuse of coastal . ... Feb 23, 2024 · Among the environmental issues in the Philippines is also plastic pollution, a particularly severe problem for the country. Evident by the World Bank’s use of the word ‘staggering’ to describe the situation in the Philippines, an insufficient waste management system, coupled with a high dependence on single-use plastics set the scene for ... ... One of the problems of environmental issues is about the sea level rise. Sea level rise is an increase in the level of the world's oceans due to the effects of global warming. Burning fossil fuels is one of the causes of global warming because it releases carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gasses into the atmosphere. ... May 25, 2022 · The country experiences many different environmental issues but the on thing that is a major contributor is the loss of biodiversity in the country. In regards to the issues in the Philippines itself, people always try to connect that because the country is poor itself, they do not look further into the idea that there are also other issues ... ... Major current environmental issues may include climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. The conservation movement lobbies for protection of endangered species and protection of any ecologically valuable natural areas, genetically modified foods and global warming. Explanation: Thanks Me!! ... The essay on "Environmental Issues in the Philippines" will explore the various ecological problems that the country faces, such as deforestation, air and water pollution, and marine degradation. Through an analysis of published materials and research, the essay will provide a comprehensive understanding of these issues, their causes, and ... ... Oct 28, 2020 · What are the environmental problems in the Philippines? blems that you have encounterenwhat's are the environment problems in the philippines See answers ... ">
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4 Biggest Environmental Issues in the Philippines in 2024

4 Biggest Environmental Issues in the Philippines in 2024

In the run-up to COP28, the urgency intensifies for the world to address the ongoing climate crisis. Although activities in the Global North herald the climate crisis for the most part, some nations in the Global South also contribute to a host of environmental issues like air and plastic pollution. Here are the top 4 environmental issues in the Philippines and the government’s approach to curtailing them. 

1. Air Pollution

Over the course of the year, air pollution has become particularly problematic in the Philippines. Going by World Health Organization’s (WHO) health and environment scorecard , the country records an annual mean of 24 micrograms per cubic metre (µ g/m³) for fine particulate matter, significantly surpassing the recommended maximum level of 5 µ g/m³. For the most part, air pollution in the Philippines stems from the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil. Considering that 53% of the population is without access to clean fuels and technology for cooking, this is bound to further exacerbate air quality in the long run. 

Air pollution in the Philippines is also caused by vehicular emissions, particularly in areas like Metro Manila. In 2022, other recorded surges in air pollution outside Metro Manila include the San Fernando City Station in Pampanga, Antipolo City Station, Biñan City Station, Puerto Princesa City Station, and the Davao City Station. 

According to William Cuñado , Environmental Management Bureau Director at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), lifting Covid-19 restrictions particularly deteriorated air quality in Metro Manila . For the most part, this was due to an acute surge in the number of vehicles on the street, which had fallen to 10% in the country’s National Capital Region during the lockdown period. 

Another factor was the prevalent use of firecrackers during new year celebrations. Given that the particulate matter ( PM 10 ) in firecrackers contains a mixture of carbon, sulfur, and other fine particles that pose a danger to public health, the DENR affirmed its commitment to controlling air pollution spikes of this nature. However, for this approach to be successful, it would require local government units to enforce the available Executive Order 28 on the controlled use of firecrackers. 

On another note, although the government introduced the Clean Air Act of 1999, groups like Greenpeace Philippines and the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) point out its outdated nature in the international community. For this reason, there have been pressing calls for the government to update its standards to meet the reality of air pollution in the country. 

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2. Plastic Pollution

Among the environmental issues in the Philippines is also plastic pollution , a particularly severe problem for the country. Evident by the World Bank’s use of the word ‘staggering’ to describe the situation in the Philippines, an insufficient waste management system, coupled with a high dependence on single-use plastics set the scene for the country’s annual generation of 2.7 million tons of plastic waste.   

Much like any rapidly developing country, the Philippines faces unsustainable plastic consumption due to an inefficient recycling system. Estimates show that the country loses around US$890 million to unrecycled plastic products. However, despite the considerable scale of plastic pollution in the Philippines, residents of the country and some companies have been at the forefront of recycling efforts so far. For instance, companies like Infinity Eight Trading and Marketing Corporation buy plastic waste from scrap dealers, turn them into pellets, and resell them as raw materials to remake food cartons and bottles. 

Waste handling site in Patayas, Manila, philippines

While critics trace the Philippines’ plastic pollution problem to the poor enforcement of laws, the government, nonetheless, introduced its Extended Producer Responsibility Act   (EPRA) in 2022. With this new law in play, companies are mandated to create EPR programs for plastic waste reduction, recovery, and diversion. Accordingly, by 2028, companies are expected to have achieved an 80% offset or recovery of their plastic product footprint. 

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3. Marine Pollution

As the third-largest contributor to marine plastics, marine pollution accounts for one of the most pressing environmental issues in the Philippines. Considering that the country generates over 2 million tons of plastic waste every year, the World Bank reports that an estimated 20% of this waste ends up in the sea. Depicting the state of marine pollution in the Philippines, Theresa Lazaro, the country’s Foreign Affairs Undersecretary, cited reports that “there would be more plastics than fish by 2050 , while oceans would be overheated and acidified if people fail to act now”. For this reason, marine pollution also endangers biodiversity in the Philippines .

In recent years, the government has initiated various measures to curb marine pollution in the country. One of them is the Philippine Port Authority’s signed agreement with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines to address marine pollution around ports. Through this agreement, the objective is to achieve a 50% reduction in plastic waste leakage in the Port of Cagayan de Oro, the Port of Batangas, and t he Manila North Port. 

Another response to marine pollution in the Philippines is the government’s implementation of a National Plan of Action on Marine Litter . Envisioned to achieve zero waste in Philippine waters by 2040, the plan seeks to set a wide range of policies into motion, ranging from public-private partnerships to an improvement of public awareness about marine pollution. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ), the approach’s rationale has to do with a recognition that most of the marine plastics polluting the sea are traceable to land-based sources, such as an improper waste disposal system. For this reason, an integrated effort that also curbs land-based plastic pollution while also educating the public on waste management practices is envisioned to be more effective. 

While the government envisions the aforementioned EPR law as a step in the right direction, there are many other factors that need to be considered. For instance, much like earlier efforts to curb plastic and air pollution in the Philippines, a significant level of commitment will be a crucial determinant of its effectiveness. 

4. Sea Level Rise

Floods have been recurrent in the Philippines in 2022 . On Christmas day alone, erratic rains trigger devastating flooding in Northern Mindanao and the Vasayas region that killed at least 51 people .  

This comes at the back of the country topping this year’s World Risk Index , which assesses sea level rise (a cause of coastal flooding) as one of its indicators. In line with the problem, Earth.Org’s projection shows that residents of the country’s capital city, Manila, will be displaced by 2100 if the current trend continues. At the moment, Manila is already subsiding at 20 millimetres per year , surpassing the mean sea level rise almost tenfold. 

You might also like: Flooding Will Hit Asia the Hardest- Report

So far, mitigation efforts have not been very successful. Nonetheless, in 2022, the DENR announced a plan to install infrastructures like floodgates, pumping stations, box culverts, and additional drainage connection systems. This was in addition to declogging operations carried out across drainage canals in Manila. Accordingly, DENR also plans to particularly focus on the city’s low-lying areas to abate coastal flooding. 

Flood mitigation may be crucial to the Philippines’ strategy on sea level rise, however, there are concerns that the government’s approach fails to consider its long-term threat. For the most part, this is due to solutions such as the decision to wall off the coast only partially. Although the several gaps in the seawall were necessary to provide fishing boats access to the bay, however, Vonne Villanueva, disaster risk reduction and management officer in the City of Navota, said the coastline may have to be closed to truly protect the city from rising sea levels. 

Featured image by Henry Donati/Department for International Development ( Flickr )

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Environmental Issues in the Philippines

The Philippines, the country that is made of ​seven thousand and six hundred forty one islands. It is located in Southeast Asia, surrounded by the huge bodies of water and neighbouring countries. The Philippines is also a part of the group that resides in the ​‘Ring of Fire’ ​which according to ​National Geographic, ​that the Ring of Fire is “​a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.” ​Despite being located in the Ring of Fire, the Philippines is one of the fastest third-world countries that is growing at a fast rate.

But there is also the downside of this growth of the country and the environmental issues that goes along with it. The country experiences many different environmental issues but the on thing that is a major contributor is the loss of biodiversity in the country. In regards to the issues in the Philippines itself, people always try to connect that because the country is poor itself, they do not look further into the idea that there are also other issues that can be addressed and not just the monetary issues as well.

Addressing the idea of the Philippines losing its biodiversity, it is true in our times now. Back then, this issue was only a small issue because the Philippines was rich in biodiversity. The Philippine seas was the home of: “22,000 species of shellfish, 1,600 seaweeds, and 824 specifies of marine macrobenthic algae… Our seas are home to more than 2,500 fish species… six species of big whales… The children’s favorite dolphins has 13 species…” (De Guzman, 2010) According to ​Philstar Global, ​the Philippines is an ​“archipelago known as having the crown jewels of marine biodiversity in the entire planet.

environmental issues in the philippines essay brainly

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” (De Guzman, 2010)​ Knowing from personal experiences because I lived in the Philippines half of my life before coming to the United States, is that it is true that in the early 2000’s, the abundance of the species are in great Loss of Biodiversity: Different Factors in the Philippines Nunez ​3 shape before in some areas that are solely focused on them such as the beaches, islands for vacationing, and others. Now, we are seeing a decrease in biodiversity. It is hard to see a country that is very gifted in marine biodiversity but is decreasing due to human actions, we only have ourselves to blame. Another added action of human beings at the cost of the loss of biodiversity in the Philippines is deforestation. Deforestation happens everywhere in the world, some instances of deforestations are more terrible than others. In an Article by ​Ree.ph, ​that deforestation is the leading cause of habitat destruction and its effects are on an exponential scale. Deforestation is something serious that is needed to be addressed, the illegal cutting down of trees, and other stuff. The image below from Ree.ph shows the decades of the forests decreasing.

Another reason for the loss of forest is from the population growth. According to Convention on Biological Diversity, ​forest ecosystems are threatened by growth of population in Loss of Biodiversity: Different Factors in the Philippines Nunez ​4 order to meet their needs, and commercial exploitation for the developing country and the buildings that it needs. A quick connection to the article at ​Philstar, ​at a similar time as well ​(Ree.ph) “marine habitats such as coral reefs are being destroyed by way of irresponsible and unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices such as dynamite and poison-dependent fishing is harming marine habitats ecosystems all over the country. As a result, only 5% of the Philippine coral reef system is regarded in excellent condition, and over 32% are already severely damaged. The World Resources Institute reports that 60% of coral reefs on a global scale are threatened. However, a staggering 85% of the reefs within the Coral Triangle alone are threatened.” The loss of biodiversity is a broad issue that many different factors are contributing to this. Another issue that is a factor is the misuse of natural resources and wildlife. In the Philippines, the seas is the major source for food, as it is an archipelago and that there are many different fishes that are present. But the tendencies of the human race to exploit what the Earth has blessed us with can go too far and now we are the ones to blame for the damage. Overfishing, illegal use of fishing equipment such as nets (specifically Trawl nets that can lead to overfishing), dynamites, and chemicals. This is the sad reality that is going on not only just in the Philippines but also the rest of the world as well, now we are facing the reality that we are about to lose our fish as there are approximately 10% left in our ocean waters. An article by UnderCurrentNews ​greatly summarizes what can happen if these illegal actions are still not being prevented:​ “​The world’s leading body of biodiversity scientists this year warned that Loss of Biodiversity: Different Factors in the Philippines Nunez ​5 exploitable fish reserves in Asia-Pacific waters were on course to crash to zero by 2048.” (UnderCurrentNews, 2018) The loss of biodiversity is happening because of the introduction of the alien species to their own habitat. These can lead to the endangerment or the extinction of the natives because of the food competition, and dominance in the area. In an Article by R.C. Joshi, this person has listed all the different types of the alien species that was found during the time of the creation of the research, from aquatic plants such as the ​Water hyacinth​, aquatic animals such as the ​Golden apple snail, ​vertebrates such as the rodents and other lizards, and others. The author explains greatly of where they have possibly originated and that we consider them pests. The graph from Ree.ph shows the extinction rates of the animals. Loss of Biodiversity: Different Factors in the Philippines Nunez ​6 Lastly, with the growing population, waste and pollution is bigger than ever and this is a great factor of loss of biodiversity. Waste everywhere can be seen, especially in the waters. Which is the main source in the Philippines. Non-biodegradable plastics are always seen in the waters, factory wastes are being dumped in the waters, and flooding can happen because of the garbage that is blocking sewage systems. Residues can be found on the stomachs of the fishes in the waters because they think that the waste is food that affects marine life as well, leading to deaths of the fish, the predatory animals, and others. The loss of biodiversity is a great issue that is needed to be addressed in the Philippines.

The government is trying their best in order to prevent more damage to their country, but since that issue like these already happened and it can be fixed but it will take a long time. But moving along to the future, the government should implement new plans in order to protect the country, improve marine life, and to return everything in abundance so that there will be no fear of depletion for the future generations.

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The Top Environmental Issues in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Analysis

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