Climate Change and Environmental Awareness: The Responses and Actions of the Mapúans

A RESEARCH PAPER PRESENTED TO THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CLUSTER OF THE SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GED 104- SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

PATRICIA LAINE DAVID

PALMER OSTON ESTOLE
ARVIN HERNANDEZ
EOSEFF DANIEL IRLANDEZ
DIANE PAMELA PALMERO

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

Introduction

Some people do not believe in Climate Change because they do not perceive it to be man-made. They
believe that the Climate of the Earth has been slightly changing throughout history which is caused by the
minimal variations in the orbital of the Earth. While others do believe in Climate Change, they don’t do anything
about it. In the present day, the temperature of the Earth had an abrupt increase, from 1.2 to 1.4 Fahrenheit
warmer. Climate Scientists argue that this was not anymore cause by the Orbital Variations but rather caused
by Human Activities.

Climate change has been vastly affecting the daily lives of people and other organisms, even without
them noticing. The ocean, the weather, and even the food to eat and the health of people are suffering the
consequences brought about by the Climate change. One of the identified culprits of Climate Change is
Deforestation. Recently, an occurrence in Brazil caught the attention of a huge number of people in various
countries, especially the netizens, giving birth to the hashtag #PrayForAmazon. The Amazon Rainforest which
has been considered as “the lungs of the earth” is burning. This event was not due to a hot climate, but rather,
investigations revealed that the fires were caused by intentional controlled fires to clear the land, which can be
used for business purposes. This is the act of Deforestation. It could benefit some, but it highly impacts the
biodiversity and result to destruction of wildlife habitats. Not only Deforestation damages the environment but
there are more countless human activities that causes Climate Change.

Technology is another great factor. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, there had been remarkable
technological advancements that paved the way for the world that people live in today. As the people living in
the millennial era, technology engulfs the society and significantly plays an important role for the majority,
where one can hardly imagine living without it. Technology has helped in bridging cultural differences,
connecting people from different places and has been of good use in saving lives. But, basing on the current
lifestyle brought about by technology to humans, it is defined as freedom and limitless possibilities. With this
kind of mentality, people often think there are no boundaries in utilizing technology. However, this usage of
technology also leads to overconsumption of natural resources, which in turn, release a lot of greenhouse gases,
which absorb and emit infrared radiation, such as carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons, from Earth's surface
which retains the heat in the lower atmosphere of the Earth.

Technology can not only bring bad impacts to the environment but it is also a great tool in combating
and taking action against Climate Change. If Climate change was driven by various human activities, then
humans are also responsible for saving the Earth from it.

Significance of the Study

Due to the abrupt increase in the Earth’s temperature, Climate change has been developing and
enormously affects the daily lives of people. With this research, Climate Change and Environmental Awareness
of the students in the Mapua University can be determined, as well as their possible course of actions and
proposed environmental solutions as future engineers of the world. This will be beneficial to the society,
especially the scientific community, to come up with possible solutions regarding the issue, as well as to the city
government for it can provide feedback and future criticisms of their proposed projects and expansions.

The researchers chose to conduct this qualitative research because it is believed to aid in the
development of the environment. It has a significant contribution, especially in the lives of the following:

Mapua University Students

They are the main respondents of this study and the ones affected by the negative impacts of Climate
Change. With this research, their knowledge and awareness about Climate Change can improve, thus, they will
be able to be more environmentally-friendly in their every action in their daily lives. Furthermore, as Engineering
students, this study can give them the information they need in order to come up with solutions and projects in
the future.

Department of Science and Technology

Department of Science and Technology is the executive department of the Philippine Government that
is in charge for the science and technology-related projects in the country. With this research, they will have an
idea on the knowledge and awareness of some engineering students regarding the issue of climate change, as
well as their responses, actions, and proposed solutions. This will help them to formulate projects in the fields
of science and technology for the large-scale and national development.

Government of Manila

The government is also part of the people that are affected by the negative impacts of Climate Change.
Also, they are the ones in charge in making decisions regarding the projects to be approved or conducted within
the city, including the issue of Climate change. This study will help the government to perceive the knowledge
and awareness of the students within in Mapua University, thus, giving them an idea on how to handle the
problem.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of the study is to assess and analyze the responses of the Mapuans when it comes to climate change
and environmental awareness. Additionally, from the responses, the researchers will be able to know if the
Mapuans are aware of the current issues underlying climate change and if they are doing specific actions to
mitigate its effect. Consequently, the following questions must be answered through this research:

1. What are the efforts made by the Mapuans to aid the environmental issues, especially climate
change?
2. How do the Mapuans view climate change?
3. What are the proposed solutions by the Mapuans in order to resolve climate change?

Nature of Research

The category of this paper is participatory action research. According to PPSC (2016), participatory
action research is a method of study that has been a practice since the 1940s. This nature entails researchers
and proponents working to understand and assess a certain problematic situation or issues present in a certain
community or area. Additionally, a participatory action research targets a need of a specific group and it suggests
plans or actions needed to be executed. The research may be qualitative or quantitative.

This research’s goal is to assess the actions and responses of Mapuans regarding climate change and
find ways to improve by giving recommendations. This paper focuses on making a social change and advocate
for environmental citizenship. Through interviewing the respondents, the researchers will be able to gather
qualitative data and assess them based on the analytical method chosen. From this, recommendations for the
mitigation of climate change can be formulated.
 Review of Related Literature

Climate Change

According to the Goosse H., P.Y. Barriat, W. Lefebvre, M.F. Loutre and V. Zunz (2010), climate is
traditionally defined as the representation of atmospheric variables such as temperature, precipitation, and
wind. Climate is the average weather in a place and this can change depending on the season and because of
this, we can define climate as the expected weather conditions in a certain location over time. Climate can be
measured using geographical scale such as cities, countries, or the entire globe by average temperatures,
average number of rainy days, and frequency of drought.

According to the National Research Council (2012), climate change is the change in these statistics over
the years, decades, and centuries. Climate change is the change is the usual weather of a certain place. This
phenomenon is not uncommon because the Earth’s climate changes all of the time. The climate now is way
different from the climate 40 years ago and the climate 300 years ago. There were times in the past where the
Earth’s overall climate was cooler and there were times when it was warmer and these said times can last for
thousands or millions of years (NASA, 2014). However, the past climate states is quite different from the current
one. The term climate change has changed over the past few years mainly as a result of human behavior.

As of the 1820s, scientists began to appreciate certain gases that regulate the temperature of the Earth
which are known as greenhouse gases. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxide, and water
vapor and they act as a blanket that keeps the Earth warm enough to sustain life. The absence of the said gases
will cause the Earth’s temperature to be below freezing. Svante Arrhenius discovered that excess carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere will also result to global warming. We can correlate that the warming of the Earth’s global
temperature is caused by us humans due to our tremendous carbon footprint and for cutting resources that
help lessen the amount of carbon dioxide in the air like the recent burning of the Amazon forest which is known
as the lungs of the Earth due to it emitting a considerable amount of oxygen in our atmosphere with a number
of about 10-20%.

Current Status of Climate Change

There is a general cooling in the Earth’s temperature if we look at its past. The turn from the generally
warm Paleozoic and, especially, Mesozoic epochs to the Quaternary is a marked example of this general cooling
(Mokhov & Eliseev, 2013). However, as of the present day, the Earth’s global temperature has gone up about
1.4°F (0.8°C) over the past 100 years. This change may be so small in number but the effect of this change is big.
The warming of the Earth caused the ice caps to melt which will result in higher sea level and the formation of
more typhoons. The global surface temperature of 2019 is now on track with the second and third highest
temperature ever since the 1800’s with the following years to be 2016 and 2017.

The Arctic sea ice is also reaching the low end of the historical range which is due to the rapid increase
of methane and carbon dioxide concentration in our atmosphere, the ice caps are melting and because of this,
the sea level has risen 8.5 centimeters (cm) compared to that in the early 1900’s (Hausfather, 2019). The increase
in sea level and ocean temperature will result in more tropical storms. The present day has witnessed some of
the strongest typhoons ever recorded in history such as typhoon Yolanda and these typhoons result in the
destruction of houses, crops, and death. The change in climate and water temperature has negative effects for
sea life which is evident due to the drastic amount of coral bleaching. Corals are marine invertebrates who acts
as houses for some marine life and they provide carbon dioxide to algae which will result in marine
photosynthesis.

Scientists agree that there’s oxygen from ocean plants in every breath that we take. The ocean plants
that creates oxygen are called phytoplanktons who live near the surface. They are mostly responsible for the 50-
80% oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere. The ocean traps most of the Earth’s excess greenhouse gases which
causes the planet to warm up and because of this, the ocean’s temperature begins to rise which will result in
some of the said phytoplanktons to die. The decrease in the amount of oxygen in our oceans result in the death
of a lot of marine life which has subsequent impacts on marine fisheries which are people’s livelihood and food
security (Nicolás E. Talloni-Álvarez, U. Rashid Sumaila, Philippe Le Billon, William W.L. Cheung, 2019).
 Climate change and global warming result in the present day to be the third warmest start to the year,
ocean heat content at record high, sea level rising, rapid increase in methane concentration in the atmosphere,
and for the Arctic sea ice at record low. These changes are mainly caused by human behavior due to our
improper waste disposal, high carbon footprint, non sustainable way of living, and the burning of fossil fuels
which emit huge amounts of carbon pollution that warms up the Earth even more. Humans are producing more
carbon than what the planet can absorb

Laws Associated with Climate Change

Environmental law is a frame that implements a number of complex and interconnecting statutes,
regulations and policies, common law, treaties, and conventions which regulates the laws to attain
environmental objectives. Environmental law is an intricate body of law made up of global and international
treaties, conventions, statutes, regulations and policies which try to protect the natural resources and
environment from the abusive actions made by human activities. In line with this, international law has played
an important and significant part in protecting the environment. To deal with these problems of climate change,
global warming and all other environmental problems, international treaties and protocols have been made and
enacted. In the 1970s, a significant number of organizations were formed to combat climate change. Also,
emerging policies and laws concerning human society has become vital in the growth of environmental issues.

Within the areas of environmental law, climate change is considered as significant. The environmental
problem is an enormous growing concern. Worsening of the natural environment and the destruction of
numerous species have been constantly observed because of human activities throughout the years. The
pollutants that are discharged is very dangerous in the environment. The international society has already
moved forward to tackle the matter and different measures in the form of laws have been taken to guard the
increasing problem on climate change and global warming.

Global warming is a tendency in which there is an increase in earth’s surface temperature which is
caused by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The occurrence of this dilemma is the change of global
climate, the increase in sea level, and the melting of ice cap. On the other hand, climate change confers to
changes in the earth’s climate over the last hundred years. Climate change can cause extreme weather
conditions, including hotter summers and colder winters. In line with this, as an awareness and preventive
action, international laws have been made in order to satisfy the needs to eradicate and lessen the effects of
climate change.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1984

UNFCCC was a non-binding responsibility on developed countries to stabilize their greenhouse gas
concentrations and reduce its emissions to the environment. This convention came into force on March 21, 1984
and was ratified by 191 countries. This convention allowed for prospect amendments and additions over time
as it was a “framework” document. It was the first adding up to the convention known as “the Kyoto Protocol”
which was adopted in 1997 and was implemented in February 2005.

Kyoto Protocol 1997

As the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1984 was not compulsory
on the countries but the Kyoto Protocol is legally necessary agreement upon the countries to reduce greenhouse
emissions by standard of 5% below 1990 levels over a 5-year period of 2008 to 2012 as compared to the UNFCCC.
The mandatory obligations are based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” which
takes into account the differences in the contributions of developing and developed countries to global
environmental problems. This Kyoto Protocol is seen as a significant first step near a truly global emission
reduction regime and arrays a strong basis for future international agreements on climate change. It has been
envisioned that when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol will end in 2012, a new international
framework or agenda will be developed to bring greater emissions reductions as recommended by the
International Panel on Climate Change.

The Bali Road Map 2007

 In December 2007, the member countries to both the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol came across Bali and
set out a road map for the formulation of a new climate agreement by the end of 2009. The Bali Road Map
discourses important issues including undertaking deforestation and sets out further measures on climate
change. It also delivered a forum for countries to share experiences and ideas on national policies on climate
change. Four major UNFCCC meetings to implement the Bali Road Map took place in 2008, followed by the
United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland in December 2008. The conference addressed
continuing issues for the full implementation of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol including capacity building
for developing countries. It developed work and agreed a plan of action for developing a new climate agreement
that could be adopted in 2009 in Denmark.

Copenhagen Accord, December 2009

The Copenhagen Accord is a voluntary agreement that was agreed at the UN Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009 to take action in order to halt the average global temperature
rising by more than 2 degrees Celsius. The Accord also offers for funding to help poorer countries to adapt to
the impacts of climate change.

European Law on Climate Change

The EC played a major role in the growth of the binding Kyoto emissions reduction targets and took the
lead in trying to secure a determined new climate agreement in Copenhagen in December 2009. The European
Community (EC) is at the top point of international program on climate change. Both the European Community
and its members are parties to the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. The EC has met its goals under the UNFCCC
to stabilize its emissions at 1990 levels by 2000, it has also to a significant degree met 50% of its Kyoto emission
reduction targets.

International environmental law has been centered on the relationship between independent states
that exercise exclusive national independence over their territories. Global change is shifting this vision by
causing states to realize that they are sealed together in sharing the use of a common global environment. The
international environmental law has established by limits, the fact that the legislation and application of
international environmental law is still facing a situation and that there are many difficulties requiring prompt
solutions cannot be concealed in any way.

Philippine Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009

In the Philippines, under Republic Act No. 9729 or an act mainstreaming climate change into
government policy formulations, establishing the framework strategy and program on climate change, creating
for this purpose the climate change commission, and for other purposes. This act is known as the “Climate
Change Act of 2009”. As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Philippines
adopts the ultimate objective of the Convention which is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in
the atmosphere. In line with this Republic Act No. 9729, there should be a creation of the climate change
commission. This commission should be an independent and autonomous agency in policy-making body which
shall be tasked to monitor, coordinate, and evaluate the programs and action plans of the government relating
to climate change pursuant to the provisions of this act.

Climate Change and Waste Disposal

A lot of human activities contribute to global warming in today’s world which results to climate change.
One of the major human activities which worsens the climate change is improper waste disposal. As a general
knowledge, the products that we consume everyday will become a waste in the end and this is a cycle.
Manufacturers process in order to convert them to good, then we use/consume them, and then finally we need
to dispose them. However, as the population increases, the wastes produced are being piled up and most of the
people don’t segregate and dispose of them properly. As a result, it openly decomposes in the environment and
excretes gases which are quite harmful to the atmosphere. One trash may not be that significant but due to the
billions we produce, its effect is really felt.
 According to Artiola (2019), most of the wastes of today are produced by modern societies which are
inevitable since companies and other producers/manufacturers need to address the demand of the citizens. The
fast-growing economies and countries have already established systematic and regular process wherein they
convert the raw materials to products. In the 19th to 21st centuries, most of the plants are more concerned in
producing high quality products which are derived from chemicals or materials that produces harmful
byproducts as well as non-biodegradable products. Consequently, the disposal of the residues and wastes
became more perplexed in the manufacturing process. Such processes accumulate and the wastes aren’t
managed well. Additionally, this had harmed the environment through pollution of the bodies of water,
contributing to wastes that takes a long time to biodegrade, and processes which contribute to the greenhouse
gases. If such isn’t addressed as soon as possible, it could be very harmful to the environment and the citizens.

It is very observable in today’s setting that environmental deterioration is prevalent, especially in rural
areas. Such phenomena occur since the household wastes produced are pollutants which are causing harm to
the eco-socio development of developing countries. As assessed from a survey of 100 villages from five provinces
in China, the factors that affect and influence rural residents’ solid waste disposal behavior are determined. It
was known that only a few percent of villages were offered with garbage collection and disposal services. As a
result, residents aren’t able to dispose their garbage well since the distance to the nearest dumping/trash
disposal site is far from their respective households. Also, they tend to develop a negative attitude when it comes
to trash disposal. However, those who are offered with the garbage collection services are said to develop a
good habit of disposing trash properly. From this, it could be drawn that structural factors and government
implications are necessary to ensure the proper waste disposal of the residents. If such isn’t provided, it is
difficult to encourage them to dispose their wastes properly and this just adds to the prevailing pollution in the
society (Wang, 2018).

A good number of scientists, government officials, and engineers had already collaborated in order to
assess and create plans to mitigate the effects of waste with regards to climate change. They are uniting to
achieve a goal which is to promote proper waste disposal for all sectors. Also, they are aware that this is one of
the biggest concerns in today’s society however nobody recognizes it. If they don't act about this current issue,
they predict that seas and lands will be covered with piles of trash which could stand up to a height as same as
hills or mountains. They had proposed that in order to aid such, methods to treat, dispose, and reuse by-products
are very vital. The methods will vary depending on the area, nature, and a waste of a certain subject. By assessing
the wastes produced by industrial and municipal sectors, it would be easier to develop plans of action in order
to manage the byproducts produced and dispose them in a proper manner (Wilson, 2010).

Actions and Plans to Mitigate Climate Change

As the effects of climate change are peaking, it is necessary to find ways in order to mitigate and reverse
its effects. According to Suzuki (2018), there are various ways to deal with the issue. The first thing he mentioned
in his article is that people should demand climate solutions during elections. If the citizens work hand in hand
and advocate for environmental solutions, the running officials would be taking into consideration platforms
which agrees with the demand of the people. This is very powerful since if the leaders of the country are in to
solving climate change, it would be easier to carry out plans and proposed methods. Another solution he
proposes is that we should use energy wisely. With the use of more energy, we produce more carbon footprint.
To lessen such, we must switch to more energy efficient technologies, be more conservative with use of
unnecessary devices/gadgets, and ensure to unplug those things that are not being used. Furthermore, he is
encouraging the youth to take a huge step forward and engage themselves in climate conversations. Through
having climate conservation, we are able to express our stands and possible proposals to solving the problem.
Also, if we engage in such, we contribute to the pro-environment movement and if everybody follows this, in no
time we will be able to solve the issue. Another possible solution to climate change is to encourage the
government to invest in renewables and divest from fossil fuels. By switching to renewable resources, we are
able to have a stable source of power and energy without depleting our natural resources as well as harming
the environment.

Yu (2019) argues in his article by stating that if we wait for the government subsidies and actions to
solve climate change, the work could be in vain because it will take a very long process. Rather than waiting for
the government, he proposes that schools should have green education, regards the recycling intentions in
response to climate change as pro-environmental behaviors, and restructure the existing citizen pro-
environmental models. Also, his research tries to maximize recycling as the primary mitigation strategy along
with analyzing the most dominant elements which affect recycling intention to tackle climate change. He further
explains that through green education programs, it would be easier to understand, communicate, advocate,
activate, and internalize the environmental citizenship through various recycling methods. To add, they will be
hands-on in promoting and advocating environmental citizenship then they will personally generate their own
methods and plans of actions with regards to environmentally sustainable recycling intentions and other
programs. Through green education the young people of this generation will have a common goal which is to
improve the environment and mitigate climate change.

To generalize the solutions to climate change, the most common suggestion to resolve the issue is by
planting trees and promoting a greener world. Despite the negative stereotypes about climate change, it is said
that such phenomena may help in increasing the forest productivity due to the carbon dioxide they absorb.
However, these trees can only hold so much carbon dioxide as compared to the amount we produce daily. By
planting more trees and lessening the carbon dioxide emission, there is a good chance to lessen the greenhouse
gases trapped in the atmosphere. One solution proposed is rather than riding a private vehicle every day, it
would be a big help if people would commute and take the public more often. This would lessen the carbon
dioxide emitted by cars by a huge number. Also, if your workplace is just nearby, it is suggested for you to walk
or ride a bike on the way to your respective destinations. The main key in solving climate change is by being
disciplined and being aware of the environmental issues present in the society. Also, by being active in your
communities, choosing the right leaders for the country, and beginning in your own households are few stepping
stones for a bigger solution. Climate change isn’t solved in a matter of days and months. Rather, it requires
persistence, discipline, and continuous daily efforts in order for it to be mitigated and reverse its effects (Gurrero,
2018).

Researches and Technologies Made to Aid Climate Change

Over the past 150 years, there have been major increases in the concentration of “greenhouse gases”
in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases causes climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, which is likely
to raise the average temperature of the planet. The context of the climate change problem is that if current
trends remain, future global emissions of greenhouse gases will grow significantly in future decades in response
to growth in economic development, world population, and other factors that increase GHG emissions.
International laws and policy goals for global climate change were established in 1992 under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). To date, there are 192 nations that have adopted the
UNFCCC goal of “stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent
dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”.

The technological implications and challenges of meeting a sustainable environment and reducing the
effects of climate change are formidable. Technological change on a massive scale will be needed to attain large
decreases in global GHG emissions. Globally, our general strategies accessible to transform the energy system
of a country or region: 1. reduce the demands for energy in all major sectors of the economy (industry, buildings,
and transportation), thus lessening the demand for fossil fuels; 2. improve the efficiency of energy utilization so
that fewer fossil fuel is required to meet “end use” energy demands, resulting in lesser CO2 emissions; 3. change
high-carbon fossil fuels such as coal and oil with lower-carbon or zero-carbon alternatives such as natural gas,
nuclear, and renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind and solar; and, 4. capture the CO2 emitted by the
combustion of fossil fuels to prevent its release to the atmosphere.

The improvement and adoption of new technology is an essential element of any comprehensive
response to global climate change. But technological change or aid by technology on the scale required cannot
happen overnight. Moreover, a lot of the technologies needed do not yet exist commercially or are too costly.
Some alternatives, such as carbon capture and sequestration technologies for power plants, have yet to develop
widespread social and political acceptance and awareness. Because the rates of development and adoption to
new technologies pertaining to climate change respond to government policies as well as to market forces such
as energy prices. The critical role of government policy is very significant since a lot of factors need to consider.
For example, one of the most prominent approaches in lessening carbon emissions in the environment is the
use of electric vehicles. Electric vehicle costs much more than a conventional automobile. In line with this, the
problem is that how will the government of each country face this kind of change. How many individuals are
willing to buy these advanced electric vehicles? Consequently, technological advancement and innovation will
require increase number of funds, professionals like engineers and scientists that would cater all the solutions
to climate change, and the participation of the general population.

Consequences of Climate Change

As the sea levels rise due to the melting polar ice caps, change in weather patterns gradually occurring
and increase in temperature due to the large amount of greenhouse gases, the effects of climate change to
today’s world is now visibly observed. A comparison between satellite images taken of the earth during 1997
and 2017 showed that a huge portion of the earth’s forests are gone, some bodies of water have dried up and a
huge chunk of ice has melted. As these effects are now present, their impacts may vary from region to region.
According to the IPCC (2007), the extent of climate change effects on individual regions will vary over time and
with the ability of different societal and environmental systems to mitigate or adapt to change. The IPCC also
predicted increases in global mean temperature of less than 1.8 to 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit above 1990 levels
would be beneficial in some regions and harmful ones in others. If the factors causing climate change continues
at its current rate, the consequences it will bring upon will either be irreversible or difficult to save.

Sanabria (2017) discussed about the impacts of global climate change to urban areas with regard to the
urban island effect, human health, natural disasters, urbanization trends and socioeconomic factors. The urban
island effect is a warming effect in the atmosphere surrounding urbanized areas. This effect makes cities more
vulnerable to climate change since they are subjected to hotter, longer and more frequent heat waves. Rural
areas feel less of this effect than that of urban areas due to the presence of increased vegetation and
impermeable surfaces. As for human health, climate change is expected to intensify a number of existing health
effects. The mortality and injuries from extreme weather events increase the risks to health and as well the
illnesses from the after-math of these extreme weather events. As urbanization continues, city infrastructures
are tested by extreme weather conditions and directly impacts the availability of food and water, human health
and facility operations. Natural disasters can be difficult to attribute to global climate change due to its
unpredictability and what damage it may cause. However, as the built environment continues to expand,
vulnerability and risk exposure will increase in urban areas. The combination of a higher population and increase
in infrastructure means that when a disaster strikes in cities it has a greater potential to cause more damage.
The damage is costly in both monetary value and human lives. Urbanization can take place in two ways:
expansion of inner cities or rural communities’ growth towards an urbanized environment. As urban areas
continue to expand, more infrastructures are built in order to accommodate the influx of people. Thus, an
increase in waste and greenhouse gases will be evident. Cities act as population hubs, often resulting in greater
diversity. As a result, there exist some social and economic pressures. Inequities among socioeconomic groups
are expected to become more evident as climate change progresses (Mehrotra et al. 2011).

Methodology

Data Type

According to Polkinghorne (2005), the purpose of qualitative research’s inquiry is to describe and clarify
human experiences as it appears in people’s lives. The two main kinds of data sources are primary and secondary
sources. Qualitative data are gathered primarily from words, both through speaking and writing rather than
statistical and numerical data. Possible sources of data interviews with participants, observations, documents
and artifacts.

In the research that will be conducted, the researchers will use the primary method in gathering data
which is to interview the participants. They will be gathering all information which are necessary and then the
gathered data will be analyzed to classify which information are essential and sufficient from the data sources.

Using the method selected by the researchers, the participants will be interviewed separately for them
to express their personal opinions regarding the given questions that will be asked to the interviewees. The data
that will be presented in this study will primarily be coming from the results of the answers of the chosen
interviewees.
Procedures

Research Design

This study is a phenomenology under qualitative approach. Phenomenology is the study of the growth
and development of the individual’s awareness and consciousness (Merriam Webster Dictionary). With the use
of phenomenological research, a human experience is the focus wherein the researchers will analyze their
experiences in certain situations.

Qualitative approach of research has been defined diversely by different researchers. According to
Cresswell (1994), a qualitative study is defined as an inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem,
based on building a complex, holistic picture, formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and
conducted in a natural setting. Additionally, qualitative approaches to research are based on a “world view”
which is holistic and has the following beliefs: 1.) there is not a single reality, 2.) reality based upon perceptions
that are different for each person and change overtime, 3.) what we know has meaning only within a given
situation of context. Furthermore, phenomenology study in an empirical standpoint are structures of
consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view and focuses on studying human experiences
on an empirical level. Phenomenology requires a certain level of comprehension from the researcher as the
respondents are giving first hand data from their personal experiences.

Among all the research designs, phenomenology is the most appropriate since the researchers intend
to gather data from the status quo of the participants. The study focuses on getting different responses from
the students and professionals of Mapua University about their views and responses about climate change. The
study also seeks to gather information on how they act or find solution to mitigate such situation through surveys
and interviews. Since the study will discuss the experiences as well as the views of Mapuans, phenomenology is
the most suitable design for it. Through this method, the researchers will be able to maximize the data needed
for the research and produce a quality output. As a result, the study may be used for future references due to
its credibility.

Data Collection

What qualitative seeks to convey is why people have thoughts and feelings that might affect the way
they behave. There are varieties of methods of data collection in qualitative research, including observations,
textual or visual analysis and interview (individual or group). In this study, the researcher used in – depth
interviews for the collection of data (Cristobal A. & Cristobal M, 2017).

As the researchers, they are aware that they should complete a step – by – step procedure in order to
obtain the data they need.

First, researchers will be finding participants which are students and professionals from Mapua
University.

Second, the researchers will be conducting an in – depth interview, record the audio and transcribe it.

Lastly, the researchers will dissect necessary information, extract major themes and analyze.

Data Analysis

After the data collection, the researchers will be transcribing the documented data from the in-depth
interview verbatim. After the transcription, the participants will be given copies of their transcript for further
corrections, revisions and proof-reading.

When all the documents are transcribed and checked by the participants, the researchers will proceed
to the analysis of the transcripts since the purpose of the study is to determine the responses and views of
Mapuans with regards to climate change. The transcripts will then be organized to core ideas, from it the
researchers will extract the major themes, explain each and write under each topic. Relevant citations that will
be taken from the interviews will also be written in the results as support to the themes found.
Respondents

In this research, the data will be collected from five (5) participants. This number of participants is
enough for this study since the researchers aim to reach saturation. According to Creswell (1998), saturation
means that the quality of data is not focused on the sample size but rather on sample adequacy; therefore, five
to twenty-five (5-25) participants is sufficient for a qualitative research.

The chosen respondents for the research will be from the population of students and professionals of
Mapua University, Intramuros. The researchers will gather data from every participant about their different
perspectives, beliefs and ideas. Interviewing various types of participants will produce different answers and
information parallel to their field; therefore, producing more data and come up with better results.

They will perform various roles for the success of the research. The researchers will conduct the
interviews to be held. They will also gather first hand data given by the respondents. After doing such, the
researchers will be recording the interview through the use of an audio recorder to provide the right mix of
proof and anonymity. Lastly, the researchers will conduct and facilitate the data analysis.

Role of the Researchers

Since the study involves a long process, the labor must be divided. The process includes sampling,
interviewing, data gathering and analysis and facilitation. This design of the process is an initiative of the
researchers in order to have an efficient and effective flow. In this research, the researchers will conduct an
interview with different participants and gather all the necessary data under our study. They are the ones who
will look for the participants, and personally send them a letter asking permission to conduct the study.
Furthermore, the researchers will conduct an orientation to them, especially regarding their opinion of the study
as well as the procedure. The researchers will then facilitate them throughout the research so that the flow of
the process will be smooth. In addition, the researchers will be the one who will gather data from the discussion,
observation and documenting the individual in – depth interview of the participant’s response through taking
notes. Each member will be delegated with a certain task based from the parts of the research paper and is
required to accomplish it in a given timeframe.

Trustworthiness of the Study

In qualitative research, trustworthiness means being reliable on evaluating the study and provide
evidence as the result reported to support the argument made based on the results. Lincoln and Guba (1985) as
cited by Cohen and Crabtree (2008) posit that trustworthiness of a research study is important to evaluating its
value. Here, researchers seek to satisfy four criteria. In any qualitative research project, four issues of
trustworthiness demand attention: credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability.

Credibility

Investigator attempts to show the true picture of an event under scrutiny is being presented. Credibility
is an evaluation of whether or not the research findings represent a “credible” conceptual understanding of the
data shown from the participants’ original data. Thus, to be compatible in directing the literature cited by Lincoln
and Guba (1985), the person cited herein was the evaluator of the data.

Transferability

This means showing that the findings have relevance in other contexts (Cohen & Crabtree, 2008). They
provide plenty of details of the context of the fieldwork for a reader to be able to determine whether the existing
environment is identical to the situation he or she is familiar with whether the findings can be applicable to other
settings.

Dependability

Dependability refers to the assessment of the quality on how the data collection, data analysis, and
theory generation are connected to each other (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). It focuses on the chemistry of these
processes and how they work together to make sense to the study. It tells that these processes will not work if
at least one (1) of them are not present.

Confirmability

According to Trochim (2006), in a qualitative research, confirmability refers to the extent to which the
results could be guaranteed by others. It also tells how each researcher has their own point of view of
perspective to the study. The researcher can document the procedures for checking and rechecking the data
throughout the study.

Ethical Considerations

According to CIRT (2017), the main ethical considerations in qualitative research are respect to the
people, beneficence, justice and respect for communities. This means that in researching, the researchers must
be critical about the way they act, ask and how they carry out their study. Merriam-Webster further
strengthened the meaning of ethics since they stated that they are the norms followed in discerning whether
something is correct or not. In the procedure in making of the study, the researchers must consider the
possibilities of the ethical issues that may emerge during the process of the study. One example of these issues
are the safety of the participants. The researchers need to ensure that the participants are away from harm in
undertaking the study (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). The participants must be protected to show that the study is a
safe process in order to gain trust from the participants and avoid circumstances that would lead to a negative
feedback from the people involved in the study. Moreover, the participants must be informed with a little
background of the project and see to it that the participants will be part of the study with their consent. The
participants have the right to either take part in the study or not. The researchers may prepare signature papers
for the participants as authentication and evidence to prove that the participants took part in the project with
their permission. Also, the researchers must ensure the confidentiality of the participants. According to Human
Subjects Review, the researchers must take steps to protect the identity of the participants. The information
about the respondents must be secured to grant respect to the respondents. All in all, the researchers must
show utmost concern to the researchers in order to make the study a full success and steer clear from
complications along the way.

RESEARCH BUDGET

The table below shows the tentative budget for the research conducted by the students. The token is
a simple act of gratitude for the interviewees for participating in the interview and data collection of the
research. The budget for the printing of the research paper is tentative for it is an approximate cost depending
on the number of pages to be printed for the final paper. To sum it up, the initial projected cost for the research
is amounting to Php 550.00.

Table 1. Projected Research Budget

Description Cost Quantity Amount

Token for Interviewees 100 5 500

Printing 50 1 50

Total : 550

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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Appendix A

Central Question: How do Mapuans respond with regards to the issue of Climate Change?

Sub Questions:

 What is your idea about climate change and what can you say about its current status?
 Do you believe that we have less than 18 months to act before climate change’s effect couldn’t be reversed?
 In your opinion, is it important to act against such issue? Give reasons why.

Central question: What are the actions being done by the Mapuans to help mitigating Climate Change?

Sub Questions:

 Do you always ensure that your waste/trash is disposed properly?

 Do you influence others to become more environmentally conscious through social media or through your
profession?
 Other than advocating and disposing your wastes properly, what other efforts do you make in order to solve
environmental issues, especially climate change?

Central question: What are the proposed solutions by the Mapuans in order to resolve climate change?

Sub Questions:

 In your current status in this university as well as the community, what do you think is the most feasible solution
to mitigate climate change?
 In your opinion, how should the government act against climate change?
 Based from your experiences and observations, what would you advocate to resolve climate change?

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH COMPETENCIES/

 CAPABILITIES OF EACH MEMBER

Appendix B

Name of Researcher Competencies and Capabilities

David, Patricia Laine She does what is assigned for her to do and she ensured that she time before the deadline to do the
paper. She ensures that what she has written is informative and detailed so the reader can
understand the research paper. She is capable of doing the task in a short amount of time and
ensures that the research paper is in good quality.

Estole, Palmer Oston He ensures that the assigned task to him is done on time and is given in a well-organized manner.
He also carefully picks out data and information related to the research. He is determined to provide
quality services to his fellow researchers. Lastly, he gives his 100% on the tasks assigned to him.

Hernandez, Arvin He makes sure that the assigned task to him will be made on time in order to finish the paper. Once
he started doing his part or his assigned task, he is focused and well-determined to significantly
gather data and information that would be part of the research paper. Consequently, he is capable
of working hard and finishing tasks even in a short period of time.

Irlandez, Eoseff Daniel He ensures that everything is organized and planned before carrying out a certain action. Also, he is
very time-oriented and detail-oriented. This researcher always wants to finish everything on time
and ensure the quality of the job is not substandard. Furthermore, he has average to above average
proficiency in terms of people skills as well as communicative skills. Nonetheless, he is well-rounded
and flexible when it comes to working with others.

Palmero, Diane Pamela She is a detail-oriented person. Before doing her part in the research, she ensures that she has
enough knowledge about the topic, such as the Causes and Effects of Climate Change as well as the
statistical data of previous studies by reading articles and watching videos from credible sources
such as National Geographic and others. With that, she was able to produce an informative, credible,
and unbiased content in this research. Lastly, she ensures to get the assigned task done with the
highest quality possible with all the best that she can do.

INFORMED CONSENT

Appendix C

We, the researchers, are undergraduate students of Mapua University, Intramuros. We wish to involve you as a
respondent in our research study. Being part of this study is by choice and you may or may not choose to be part of the
study. General information will be imparted to you as soon as you choose to participate. Feel free to ask any questions for
any concerns about our study; we would be glad to clarify and explain it further for you.

We are interested in the responses and actions of the Mapuans regarding one of the most relevant environmental
issues which is climate change. You will be tasked to provide information through answering the interview questions. This
will take approximately 30 minutes of your time. Your anonymity and confidentiality in this study will be guaranteed as part
of the ethical considerations for this research study. Being anonymous means that your identity won’t be known and the
only thing visible about you are your answers. If confidential, we will assign a number to your response, and only we will
have the key to indicate which number belongs to which participant. In any publishing work we write or any presentations
that we make, a codename will be used in replacement of your real name, and we will make sure that your personal
information will remain unknown from the public.

This research will help us, the researchers in classifying and interpreting the different views and perspectives of
the Mapuans regarding the issue aforementioned. Gathering enough opinions will help the citizens be aware of the situation
of Davao City through the perspectives of other people. Therefore, this information would help us to collect and accumulate
data results for our study. The risk to you for participating in this query is only your time that will be spent in this interview.
The risk will be minimized by conducting the interview systematically within your free time. If you do not wish to participate,
you have the right to decline.
 Participant – “All general information has been disclosed to me and voluntarily choose to be part of the study as a
respondent. I certify that I am at least 18 years of age”.

_____________________________

Print name of participant

____________________________ _____________________

Signature of participant Date

___________________________________

Signature over printed name of investigator

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR THE CASE STUDY PARTICIPANT

Appendix D

Title of the Study: Climate Change and Environmental Awareness: The Responses and Actions of the Mapuans

Name of Researchers: Patricia Laine David, Palmer Oston Estole, Arvin Hernandez, Eoseff Daniel Irlandez, and Diane Pamela
Palmero

1. I volunteer to participate in the above research study and I understand that this research is designed to gather information
about the viewpoints about Climate Change. I am aware that my participation is voluntary and I am free to withdraw or
discontinue my participation without giving any reason.

2. I do not have any hesitation if my conversations with the group we video-taped or audio-taped and transcribed for
analysis. And I am also aware that the copies of the transcripts will be returned to me.

3. I understand that the researcher will not identify me by name in any reports using information obtained from the in-
depth interview, and that my confidentiality as a participant in this study will remain secure by assigning me an alias.

4. I have read and understood the explanation provided to me, and I am free to ask questions and be answered to my
satisfaction.

5. I have been given a copy of this consent form.

Name of Participant Date Signature

_________________ _______________ ____________________