Alcaide, Nina Camille R.

2015-01151
Environmental Science 1

It is not every day that you get to know about the environmental issues our country is facing
as well as its condition, and the presented case studies in the class really helped, not only me, but the
whole class to be aware of these. Five topics were given and each were thoughtfully discussed by
each group, giving their insights and knowledge. Coal-fired power plants, coastal reclamation, golf
courses, and mining are only some of the many fields currently faced with environmental issues.

The first group, our group, discussed about coal-fired power plants and the issues it is facing.
From the idea of how a coal-fired power plants works, up to the disadvantages and advantages it
carries, we get to know more about the pros and cons of these power plants. The abundance of coal
and its low cost reproduction played a vital role in the growing industry of coal-fired power plants.
Locally, it is known that 23 new plants will be introduced in the Philippine industry by 2020, but it
comes with a higher price of higher external cost from health effects that could arise from climate
change as well as coal burning. Thats why, efficiency of these plants is yet another issue that was
discussed. A call for higher efficiency, and low emission coal technology for the local and international
plants could just be the solution for the health and environmental effects that these plants contribute
to.

Coastal reclamation or land fill is another case presented in the class. Known as the process
of creating new land from different bodies of water near the coast, or rehabilitating and returning
disturbed lands into its recovered state. This is one significant topic that includes issues in habitation,
agriculture, and as well as commercial activities and concerns. Philippine coastal reclamations are at
vital deliberations in the current government as coastal reclamations are to increase. Although it
addresses the problems in land and space shortage, flooding, and economic prospects, its
environmental impacts as well as in human activities should be considered. Coastal reclamations is
followed by habitat destruction which could further lead to biodiversity devastation. It was pointed
out that the net societal benefit as well as the cost of coastal reclamations as well as the red line
system could be some of the solutions in the dilemma on the extent of pushing coastal reclamations.

From coal-fired power plants to coastal reclamation, the industry of golf course is yet another
field facing its environmental issues. Although it promotes recreational activities, its environmental
impacts are undeniably alarming and should be given attention. To maintain a high class golf course,
use of pesticides and fertilizers are necessary, which we know could lead to pollution, impact on
species in their natural habitat, and toxic waste production. Also, golf courses demands high level of
water supply only to be polluted afterwards. Not only that, establishing golf courses leads to loss of
natural areas further effecting the wildlife. Although there are already designs for better and greener
golf courses, we should still ask ourselves, is it worth it to sacrifice our environment, wildlife, and
biodiversity, for the recreational activities of the high class society?

Last but certainly not the least, is the issue of mining. We all know that mining in the
Philippines is a huge concern as less than 2% have permit in legal mining. Our country is one of the
richest country in terms of minerals and metals, which makes us vulnerable in people with so much
interest. Our mining industry is continuously growing and more knowledge and technologies are
coming, but it is hard to deny that there are also more problems now that we are facing, specifically,
environmental ones.

All of these issues, they all contribute to our ecological footprint. We should all be aware of
our regions/countrys/planets condition and sustainability. We should be aware of our actions
impact on the environment. We should know how to optimize our use of our natural reserves. We
should know our planets worth. Because in the end, there might be too much emissions in the air, or
no more coast to reclaim to. There might be a time when we have no more natural areas, and wildlife,
and minerals to mine. We should know our planets worth, and we should give back the care and
protection it deserves.