Introduction to

Environmental Engineering

D. Navaja
EENV101
What is Environmental Engineering?

Definition: The application of science and

engineering knowledge and concepts to care
for and or restore our natural environment
and or solve environmental problems.
 Who does it affect?
• Everyone & Everything!
– plants
– insects
– animals
– humans
– ecosystems
– our planet
What are
environmental issues?

• Three areas:
– air quality
– land quality
– water quality
 Air Quality

Why is air quality such a problem?

Poor air quality can lead to:

• smog
• respiratory & other illnesses
• acid rain
• global warming
From where do air pollutants come?

Air pollution in China

 Air Quality

• Air pollutant: A known

substance in the air that
can cause harm to
humans and the
environment. Effects of acid rain on plants

– nitrogen oxides (NOx)

– sulfur oxides (SOx)
– carbon monoxide (CO)
– carbon dioxide (CO2)
Greenhouse Gases & Global Warming
• Global warming: An increase in the average air
temperature of the Earth.
• Greenhouse effect: Heat from the sun gets trapped
inside the glass of a greenhouse and heats up its air.
• More carbon dioxide (CO2) being released in the
atmosphere traps more heat.
 How do we reduce air pollutants?

• carpool
• hybrid cars
• EPA government
regulation
• NEW: geologic carbon
sequestration
• alternative fuels
• walk, bike or use
public transportation
 Land Quality
• Land pollution: Destruction of the Earth’s surface
caused by human activities and the misuse of
natural resources.
• Natural resources: Land and raw materials that
exist naturally in the environment undisturbed by
humans.
• Renewable resource: A natural resource that can
be replaced by a natural process.
• Non-renewable resource: A natural resource that
cannot be produced or re-grown or reused.
 Examples
Renewable Resources Non-Renewable Resources
What problems arise from land pollution?

Acid mine drainage Pesticides and herbicides Landfills

How do we reduce land pollution?
10 Environmental Organizations in
the Philippines You Can Join
 1. World Wide Fund for Nature
The name of the organization says it all. Their projects don’t only focus on
food, water, and climate, but on wildlife as well. In fact, they exert effort to
ensure the survival of the rarest and most endangered species in the country.

•Email: eampanda@wwf.org.ph
•Website: wwf.org.ph
 2. Waves for Water
Imagine the country running out of water – a drought would take over
leading to a shrinking food supply, damaged habitat, crop damage, and
more. If the thought of this makes you cringe, then you may want to work
with Waves for Water.
The organization works with leaders and partners to provide clean and
potable water for communities here and abroad.

•Email: info@wavesforwater.org
•Website: www.wavesforwater.org
 3. Save Philippine Seas
Part of the advocasea of Save Philippine Seas is to promote community
empowerment, environmental education, and shark conservation.
The org also initiates citizen-led programs to empower Pinoys towards
behavioral change.

•Website: www.savephilippineseas.org
 4. Earth Island Institute
Earth Island Institute is an international org that jumpstarts programs focused
on hyperlocal and grassroots environmentalism.
Their local arm implements the International Monitoring Program (IMP) which
ensures that the country’s top tuna companies conform to industry standards
and practices.
The organization also hold campaigns against dolphin captivity and killings.

•Website: www.earthislandph.org
 5. Greenpeace Philippines
The main goal of Greenpeace Philippines is to protect natural landscapes, species,
and more from environmental threats such as perilous waste imports, coal
projects, and illegal logging.
Aside from promoting ecological farming, this volunteer-based group also holds
campaigns against land, air, and water pollution.

•Email: info.ph@greenpeace.org
•Website: www.greenpeace.org.ph
 6. Haribon Foundation
Haribon Foundation uses their widely known platform to save different bird
species and to conserve their habitats as they empower and educate people.
They also partner with various groups and local government units to conserve
biodiversity.

•Email: act@haribon.org.ph
•Website: www.haribon.org.ph
 7. Rare
Rare is an international organization that promotes campaigns focused on
sustainable fishing and resource management. They work with local groups to
educate people on the best and proper fishing practices.
Through their efforts, we can all hope for healthier seas and bountiful oceans.

•Email: info@rare.org
•Website: www.rare.org/philippines
 8. Mother Earth Foundation
Garbage is among the top enemies of nature. To address this alarming concern,
Mother Earth Foundation campaigns zero-waste advocacy to local authorities.
They hold programs in schools and barangays to promote environmental
education and proper waste management.

•Website: www.motherearthphil.org
 9. Philippines Biodiversity
Conservation Foundation
Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation works to restore natural habitats
and aims to educate the public on how to protect wildlife from feasible harm.
So far, they have completed programs to conserve rare species such as Philippine
bats, Calamian deer, and cloud rats.

•Website: www.pbcfi.org.ph
 10. Marine Wildlife Watch of the
Philippines
With its strategic location, the Philippines could be
considered the heart of marine biodiversity in the
world.
We have quite a number of sea creature species that
can be extinct soon if we don’t act on it today.
Thankfully, Marine Wildlife Watch exerts strong
efforts to protect these creatures from illegal trading
and capture.

•Email: info@mwwphilippines.org
•Website: www.mwwphilippines.org
 Assignment

1.Identify a local environmental Problem

2. Analyze the environmental problem in #1
3.Provide possible solution

**Submit on short bond paper. Handwritten or type written.