Japan's Lesson on Economy and Environment

Economy and Environment Relationship

Last March 6, 2014, our Environmental Engineering class held a documentary presentation and the movie is entitled Japan’s Lessons on Economy and Environment. It depicts on the scenario that happened after infrastructures has been made in Japan which greatly affect their environment because of the different pollution and chemicals emitted by the factories.

The documentary started by showing that the Japan has a great economy and environment before the rise of the factories. It also showed that their three symbolic items are the TV, Refrigerator, and the washing machine. They also made use of the Doubling of Income Plan which is for the economic growth and consumption. Along with that, construction of Metropolitan Highways was done and the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964 made them consider as a developed country. The second largest GNP attained in Japan was in the year 1968.

But, as their economy grew, they also experienced problems which can be very hard to control because they were facing pollution problems already. First is the Outbreak of the Itai-Itai disease. This disease is the cause of the poisonous substances from the Kamioka mine producing lead and sulphuric acid. This disease hits the women and it has been said that water became the carrier of the deadly poisons coming from the mine. Secondly, the Minamata disease spread throughout the Minamata City in 1908. This disease is a toxic disorder of the nervous system transmitted from the seafoods. The seafoods contain an organic mercury and it was only discovered in 1957. That is how long the people in Minamata suffered because of the disease. The main side effects of the disease is that the person infected will have an epilepsy, damaged sense of balance, and it could even lead to death. Because of that, fishing was banned in Minamata.

Thirdly, the outbreak of the Yokkaichi asthma happened in 1955. When a certain powerplant started its operation, the complaints of those who has asthma increases. It has been said that those affected are inhaling sulphur oxides. Because of the recent events, the government of Japan tried to make a law which would lessen the pollution in their country. They proposed the Basic Law for Environmental Pollution Control. It states that harmonization shall be pursued along with the sound improvement of the economy.

Some important years’ worth remembering was in 1967 when people went to court and it started their own people power. During 1968, the government admit that the disease spreading was also the cause of the cadmium poisoning. In Sept, 1968, Minamata disease is effluent to the factory. In 1970, the anti-pollution diet was formed. During 1971, they already had an established environment agency. In 1973, there is already a law that those who are infected by the diseases will get support even they die already. The government started investing for environment efficiency.

In the Philippines, we are also experiencing economic growth especially during the time of Ferdinand Marcos. It was also our concern that the environment is also getting a lot worse. Marcos proclaimed the Presidential Decree 1152 and this program can only assume tangible and meaningful significance only by establishing specific environment management policies and prescribing environment quality standards. The main purpose of this decree which is also known as The Philippine Environment Code states that it achieve and maintain such levels of air quality as to protect public health and to prevent injury or damage to plant, animal life, and property, and promote social economic development of the country.

The acts that the leaders made for their country is a highly recommended solution for the prevention of the worsening of the pollution in their respective countries. I salute them because they are not only thinking about the growth of the economy of their country but they are also considering the condition of the environment. For us students, we should also do a move in helping our environment even in the small ways possible because when all of us do such small ways, it can already affect greater things in the future. We should contribute in the growth of our economy and the environment. 

Buguey Wetlands

Understanding the Buguey Wetlands

What is the physical description of the Buguey wetlands?

-    -    The Buguey Wetlands can be located in Cagayan Province. Its coordinates are 18^o17’N, 120^o50’E on the North Coast of Luzon. The approximate area of the Buguey Wetland is 14,400 hectares and approximately 80% of the Buguey municipality consists of wetlands. It also has an altitude of sea level. The climatic condition of this wetland is that it has a humid tropical climate with an average yearly rainfall of about 2,200mm more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. Buguey wetlands has a complex of coastal lagoons which means it is a shallow body of water separated from larger bodies of water because of barriers or reefs. It is also a freshwater marsh, brackish and saline marshes meaning that the water content is salty. This wetland has mangrove swamps and intertidal mud fiats, with some fish ponds and shrimp ponds and it has a very large area of rice paddies. It is considered to be a mangrove swamp because it is a coastal marine swamp of tropical region which is dominated by the presence of the mangrove trees. Aside from that, the Buguey wetland is also a fauna which is an important area for migratory waterfowl, especially ducks and shore birds.

What can we find in Buguey Wetlands?

-       We can find different population of animals in the Buguey wetlands. Some of them are the following:

aa)  Duck Anas Luzonica – They are dabbling ducks with blackish crown, nape, and eye stripe. They have rusty cinnamon rest of head and neck. They are now considered as vulnerable because they are undergoing a rapid decline owing to extreme over hunting.

bb)  Schrenck’s Bittern Ixobrychus eurhythmus – They have a large range but their population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction.

cc)   Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx Intermedia – They have an unknown trend because their population has stable fluctuation.

dd)  Philippine Hawk Eagle Nisaetus philippensis – It is considered to be a raptor but vulnerable because of its small population. Its rapid decline is due to the lowland forest loss, exacerbated by hunting and trade.

ee)  Great Egret Casmerodius albus

f.f)    Little Tern Sterna albifrons

How do we conserve the Buguey wetland?

-       We can find out that the Buguey wetland inhabitants’ population are rapidly decreasing because of many disturbances and threats. There is the destruction of mangroves especially the trees. Waterfowl hunting is widespread even though it is illegal and there is an extensive use of pesticides by the rice farmers. Ducks and egrets frequently feed in the rice paddies and there have been incidents of birds dying fro poisoning. As a student, the only ways that we can help in conserving the wetland is through restoring the grasslands. This is helpful for the inhabitants because the grasslands help the ducks in concealing their nests and increases their chances of successfully hatching a clutch. Another way is through replanting forests especially the mangrove trees to prevent flooding due to overflowing riverbanks and that the habitat may not be destroyed. We can also restore the water sheds because when water sheds are disturbed, contaminants may be washed down into mainstream wetlands, impacting the fauna of the wetland. Finally, we can just talk to the landowners that they must not use pesticides on their rice paddies so that the ducks and egrets will not get poisoned thus maintaining their population.

Why do we need to conserve our wetlands?

-       There is a need for us to conserve our wetlands because if we fail to do so, all biotic creatures living on a particular wetland like the Buguey will decrease on its population and the plants and trees would soon wither. They contribute so much for the environment so there is no point in hunting down and destroying the habitat of the living creatures. We need to conserve the Buguey wetlands because it is also a part of God’s creation. Everything that Our Father has created shall be taken care of. God created us humans so that there would be someone who will preserve and conserve the wetland so it is a big mistake if we turn down the task that God appointed to those concerned. Anything which can be an integral part in the beautification of our environment shall not be wasted and should be considered as a blessing.

Shell Eco Marathon

Shell Eco Marathon - A Better Future

The first week of February marks the start of the event Shell Eco Marathon. For the first time in this competition, the event was held in the Philippines in Pasay City. This activity was attended by different countries from all over the globe and they are sporting their respective vehicles with different designs and concepts that would help their team in winning.

Last February 6, 2014, our school attended the first day of the event. For my part, I have personally experienced the marathon even if I am not a part of the team. During the first day, the special event that took place was the technical inspection and the test drives of the vehicles. I witnessed how the technical inspection happened. The judges were scanning every detail of the vehicle and they are really making sure that the vehicle would pass the requirements needed. Our school, Don Bosco Technical College, showcased their own vehicles and they are the concepts Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Battery Electric Vehicle. Both of the cars passed the initial inspection and the cars did not let down the students during the test drive that is why all hope was risen up from the members.

While we are loitering on the site, my attention was shifted into the race track which was set-up by the organizers. It is a race track for the free mini vehicles that they have given us. The car's electricity and power came from salt water and it is a highly regarded innovation that is why there is a lot of students gathered around the track and they were building their own model. For my part, I was just contented in watching my fellow students in building their mini cars because I plan to build mine at home. My curiosity was strongly setting in while watching the cars because it really is a wonder that the salty substance can generate electricity once in contact with the metal plate. After spending some time on the race track, we proceeded to the energy laboratory wherein different machines related to science and engineering were present. There was a technology wherein they can compute the number of joules when people are running inside a plastic ball. There was also a dance floor which can store energy from the students who are jumping up and down on the platform. There was also an exhibit for the oil and gas industry specifically the presentation for the Manampalaya Project. Different learning can be gathered on that laboratory that is why it was really fun going around the laboratory.

After going out of the laboratory, we already prepared ourselves to head home. The day that we spent there was really a special and exciting one for all of us especially that the event and the activities are really closely related with our course which is Mechanical Engineering. I realized that there are still more innovations that can be done especially in different countries wherein the technology is not limited. It would be a good thing that the engineers graduating in the Philippines would just remain in our country so that they may be of help in innovating different mechanisms and in return, our country can produce so much more.Shell Eco Marathon made me realize that anything is possible through critical thinking and that once we use our learning from this activities, it can certainly lead us into a better future.

Zero Waste Christmas party

A Zero Waste Christmas Party

                 
                We had our Christmas party on the last meeting of our subject which is Environmental Engineering before our Christmas break. Preparations for the food assignments were done a few days before the activity. Unlike any other Christmas parties, the one that we had was slightly different because it features zero waste during the party. Because we are taking up Environmental Engineering, the goal of the party is to maintain a zero waste surrounding. How is it possible? The students were asked to bring foods which leaves no trace of wastes like bones and seeds. For our food, we had Pancit Bihon, roast chicken, Lumpiang toge, mais con yelo, and gelatin. There would be the presence of bones and cans so the students were requested to pile up all wastes and segregate them on garbage plastic bags for biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Aside from segregating the wastes, the students also made sure to maintain the cleanliness of the room by sweeping the floor after the party. All kinds of trash were piled once again after eating. We had different kind of games after the party.

                    After this party, I have realized that this simple act of having a zero waste party can have an impact among us. In just a short period of time, we have been able to take care of the environment and to appreciate the act of cleaning up. I have realized that there are some scraps that can still be recycled and it would eliminate wastes as well as it can also serve another purpose once finished using. This impact of having a zero waste party can still be carried even outside the campus at any given time. This is just a small step for a bigger change in our near future. We need to preserve our environment before its too late because drastic changes are about to happen once we do not take the necessary precautions

11th Hour

1. Describe some of the emotions you felt during the film. Which aspects of the video had the greatest impact on you and why?

            - The film 11^th Hour is a documentary film which features the present issues that our world is dealing with now. It also gives an emphasis on what the next generation will experience once we continue the destruction of our environment. As the film goes on, the emotion that I had was concern and disappointment. I am concerned for the future humanity because what is transpiring on our surroundings in this present time is really alarming and it might have a dangerous setback on the lives of the people who will live on the near future. Aside from that, I also felt disappointment especially to our leaders. Instead of leading their countries into a clean and green place, they continue to act as if nothing is happening and their ignorance might lead to the extinction of many species. One aspect of the video that has the greatest impact on me is that instead of scaring the viewers on the possible outcome of their ignorance in the surrounding, they emphasized that we should be more concerned with ourselves. The film is quick to point out that the viewers need to act quickly before everything is too late. We all know that our natural resources are only finite and once it runs out, we would be in great trouble.

2. What information contained in the video was new to you?

            - An information contained in the video which was new to me is about the problem on politics. As of now, we are experiencing great effects on the wrath of nature. There are floods, earthquakes, famines, hurricanes, intensity on the increase and decrease of the temperature, and many more. I found out that the governments on some countries are depleting the environment for economic gain. As a human being who works for the government, they have great influence and power over their nation. They also make sure that they will be responsible in the survival of their community and thus it leads in to the development of science and technology. The governments are making advancements in technology without thinking what effects and changes it will bring to the environment just so they have an edge in economic gain.

3. What topics presented in the film would you like to explore further? Do you know what you need to continue learning about environmental issues? If the answer is no, how can you find out what you need to know?

            - I would like to explore further the topic on how the government can build an economy sustainable for economic development. It would be interesting to find out whether it is possible to have a sustainable economy while preserving the existence of the human race with the aid of science and technology. I think that my understanding regarding environmental issue is not yet enough and it would be appropriate for me if I would be curious and start on asking questions to persons who have experience and more than enough understanding when dealing with issues on the environment.

4. Discuss the ways that eating locally produced food is an environmental issue. What can individuals do to support the local production and consumption of foods?

            - Eating locally produced food is an environmental issue. In our modern age, we use different additives and preservatives on our food which would raise concern on the quality and cleanliness of the food. Individuals on a certain community must relay to their neighbours that they should consume their local produced food. They should be able to convince each other that they should eat locally produced food for better health; it would also reduce global warming because it will lessen the pollution caused by the transportation in exporting and importing the goods and it would also help one’s economy when they start eating their local food.

5. Who should see this film and for what purposes? Who might be unreceptive to the ideas in the film and why?

            - Everyone who is a resident of the planet Earth should see this film. It is because more men who are willing to make a change for the environment would be a lot better. The young, the adult, the rich or the poor people, should be a part in facing this crisis so that in due time, we may be able to reap great harvest for the next generations to come.

6. Share one issue or item that you wrote on your index card while you were watching The 11^th Hour.

            - An issue that I wrote while watching the film is about the issue on the water and the land. The film presented that some countries are experiencing food poisoning especially after eating resources from the sea. This is happening because toxins and chemicals are forming on the sea and it is because of the presence of plastics and other sources. The simple and harmful act of throwing garbage into the sea can lead to different sickness and even death to a life of a human being. The film also presents an issue concerning the land. Seventy countries do not have forests already. Illegal deforestations have been made without replanting the trees. Once this happens, land becomes dry due to absence of trees and deserts are formed.

7. As a result of your having seen this film, what, if any, specific actions do you think you will take?

            - After watching the film, I should start on understanding my surroundings. When I find out what problems I am dealing with my community, I would start on relaying to others the picture which I am seeing. I would begin on recycling some materials to lessen the waste which would affect the sustainability of an environment. Picking up trashes from the sea or the land can be of great help also to avoid pollution which are harmful to health. These are some small steps which can be a big help when done by many every day. We should learn to love the place that we live in to save the world.

Sustainability

             Before our generation started, our ancestors experienced what we call a sustainable environment. They experienced clean waters from lakes, a suitable air for breathing, and a surrounding with less waste than we could imagine. Sustainability has been the key for this kind of surrounding. Now, what is sustainability?

The ability of an ecosystem to function and maintain productivity for a prolonged period is what we call sustainability. As a human being, we are truly dependent on our environment for us to survive. Almost everything that we need comes from natural resources. Often times, it is a mistake for a human being to view that the natural resources from the environment are valuable only if they are useful to humans. It means that when we think that one of the natural resources is not significant for living, there is a tendency that humans will waste those resources, thus we are going to have a degraded ecosystem and a diminishing biodiversity.

Sustainability is the capacity to continue to exist. If something is not sustainable, it will cease to exist. For example, a community can be considered as sustainable if whatever resources it consumes should be no more than into what it produces. This is because sustainability is a balance between supply and demand, between what is produced and consumed. A sustainable population ensures that the population of all other species who share the land where they live is also sustained. A population that causes the extinction of another species is not sustainable. It means that human population and the population of the natural resources are dependent on each other so they need to take care of each other and assure the preservation of each.

Some of us think that by being a student we only have limited ways to contribute to sustainability. We can have different and plenty of ways to contribute for the sustainability of our environment. We know that production of sustenance is difficult for large population because of the climate change and increased levels of pollution. It worsens environmental conditions.

As a student, I can prevent the worsening of pollution by joining different activities specifically tree planting. It is clearly obvious that we lack trees especially in the rural areas. Flooding destroys the environment and the natural resources that we need. Just as what I mentioned, we can achieve sustainability by having a balance between supply and demand. Aside from this, we also need to decrease the amount of waste produced so as not to exceed the waste absorption capacity of the environment.

As a student, we can decrease the amount of waste by recycling. It is the process of separating, collecting, and remanufacturing or converting used or waste products, it reduces pollution and helps mitigate global warming, and more importantly, it saves our planet Earth. A population’s ability to sustain itself is not dependent on the number of people, but the relationship between the people and the land they live on. If the people exploit the land, taking more from it than they give in return, then regardless on the number of people, they will soon reach a point where the land no longer sustains them.

As a student, I can contribute to sustainability by thinking and restoring into my mind that there is no unlimited consumption of resources. I will make others realize that resources are finite and will run out at present rates of consumption. 

Sustainability is important because all the choices and actions that we do today will affect everything in the future. The lives of the future generations will count on us so that there would be enough natural resources for them. Let me end by stating a quote from Frank Buchman, “There is enough in the world for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed”. It means that even as a student, we should be responsible enough in handling and maintaining sustainability.