Environmental Science Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary concern of environmental science?

The study of plant growth in diverse ecosystems

The financial impacts of natural disasters

The historical development of forest resources

The effects of human activity on the environment (correct)

Which of the following is a significant effect of rapid population growth?

Improved living conditions for all

Significant strain on natural resources (correct)

Reduced strain on natural resources

Increased biodiversity in urban areas

What does deforestation primarily threaten?

Industrial development

Biological variety and abundance (correct)

Technological advancements

Urban population growth

How does poverty affect people's interactions with natural resources?

It leads people to rely entirely on natural resources for basic needs. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'environment' encompass?

Solar energy, living and non-living entities Signup and view all the answers

What role does the atmosphere play for the Earth?

It is a protective layer of gases. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'forest'?

A partnership of trees, shrubs, vines, and animal life Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant threat to agricultural production as indicated in the content?

Contamination of water supplies Signup and view all the answers

What are intangible values associated with forests?

Cultural significance and recreational opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted consequence of the rapid depletion of fossil fuels?

Adoption of new technologies Signup and view all the answers

What classification is prohibited for areas with slopes of 18% or over?

Alienable and disposable (A&D) Signup and view all the answers

According to PD 705, what must happen if an area declared as A&D is titled to a person?

The title must be cancelled or amended Signup and view all the answers

Which organization ranks the Philippines for its increase in forest area?

Food and Agriculture Organization Signup and view all the answers

What determines if an area must revert to forest land in the case of illegal title issuance?

Slope percentage and public interest Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of slope must land exceed to not be classified as grazing land?

18% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the four declared Watershed Forest Reserves mentioned?

Malagos WFR Signup and view all the answers

What must be completed for any ecologically critical project located in an environmentally critical area?

Environmental Impact Statement Signup and view all the answers

Which type of projects are required to undergo an EIS according to the content?

Petroleum and petrochemical industries Signup and view all the answers

What does an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluate?

Potential environmental impacts of the project Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Category D projects?

They do not require an EIS. Signup and view all the answers

Which structures are included in the definition of 'Roads and Bridges'?

Expressways and tunnels Signup and view all the answers

What types of processes are covered under iron and steel mill projects?

Manufacturing from raw iron ores Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes reclamation projects from others mentioned?

They fill or drain areas such as marshes and lakes. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for many coastal projects not explicitly listed?

An EIS at the discretion of DENR Signup and view all the answers

Which document outlines the policy for achieving a balance between socio-economic needs and environmental protection?

Presidential Decree 1586 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the PEISS Coverage Screening Guidelines?

To revise project lists and thresholds under PEISS. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to mineral reservations that have had their mining operations suspended for more than 5 years?

They will return to forest land unless designated otherwise. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) used for?

To exclude a project from the EIS System. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes environmentally critical activities (ECAs)?

Projects expected to have a high risk of negative environmental impact. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key focus of PD 1151?

Creating conditions for harmony between man and nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for projects that are evaluated under the EIS System?

Issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). Signup and view all the answers

If a mining operation is halted due to mineral exhaustion, what will happen to the land?

It will be returned to forest land unless otherwise designated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criterion for projects not to be covered by the Philippine EIS system?

Being located in a non-environmentally critical area Signup and view all the answers

Which areas are specifically identified as key biodiversity areas (KBAs)?

Areas identified by BMB as significant for biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of areas require projects to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)?

National parks and wildlife preserves Signup and view all the answers

What document may proponents of non-covered projects opt to secure from the EMB?

Certificate of Non-Coverage Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges mentioned regarding implementation strategies among agencies?

Overlapping and conflicting strategies Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes a project that is required to secure an ECC?

A project affecting the habitat of endangered species Signup and view all the answers

What type of habitat is mentioned as significant under the guidelines?

Endangered species habitats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following applies to areas declared as national wildlife preserves?

They are protected under environmental laws Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environment and Environmental Science

The environment refers to everything that surrounds us, including living and non-living entities.
Environmental science focuses on human activity's impact on the environment, including long-term implications for living organisms.

Issues in the Environment

Rapid population growth puts strain on natural resources and reduces the benefits of development, with the global population in 2024 exceeding 119 million.
Poverty heavily contributes to environmental degradation, as many rely on natural resources for basic needs.
Water shortages and contamination are a significant threat to agricultural production, domestic and industrial uses.
Depletion of non-renewable fossil fuels is a consequence of increased industrialization and a growing population's overuse.
Deforestation and its threat to biodiversity are alarming, leading to a loss of species and a reduction in biological variety.
Improper disposal of solid and hazardous waste poses a significant environmental threat.

Forest Resources

Forests are ecosystems where trees, shrubs, vines, herbs, and animal life live together in interdependence.
The Philippines ranked 5th in the world for the largest increase in forest area between 2010 and 2015, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Specific areas are designated as Wildlife Forest Reserves (WFRs), including the Andap, Bagangga, Malagos, and Mati WFRs.
Presidential Decree 705 (PD 705) revises the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines, outlining requirements for classifying lands, including slopes, as alienable and disposable.

Environmental Impact Assessment System (EIS)

The Environmental Impact Assessment System (EIS) aims to achieve harmony between humans and nature.
PD 1586 promotes a balance between socio-economic growth and environmental protection.
The EIS System categorizes projects based on potential environmental impacts, requiring an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for projects deemed highly risky or with significant negative environmental impacts.
The system includes thresholds for various project types, such as iron and steel mills, petroleum and petrochemical industries, smelting plants, reclamation projects, roads and bridges, and golf courses.
Projects deemed unlikely to cause significant adverse impacts on the environment fall under Category D and are not covered by the Philippine EIS system.
The EIS System requires the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the development of an EIS report for environmentally critical projects.

Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs)

Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) are designated under Proclamation 2146 based on specific criteria.
Areas classified as ECAs include national parks, watershed reserves, wildlife preserves, sanctuaries, areas set aside as potential tourist spots, Class 1 and 2 caves, habitats for endangered species, key biodiversity areas, and areas of unique historic, archaeological, geological, or scientific interests.

Challenges and Issues of the EIS System

Overlapping and conflicting implementation strategies among interrelated agencies pose challenges for the effective implementation of the EIS System.

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Description

This quiz explores fundamental concepts in environmental science, including human impacts on ecosystems and resource management challenges. Key issues such as population growth, poverty, water shortages, and deforestation are examined in detail. Test your knowledge on how these factors contribute to environmental degradation and affect biodiversity.