Environmental Science Overview

Study Notes

Environmental Factors

Biotic Factors: Living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Abiotic Factors: Non-living physical and chemical elements of the environment, such as sunlight, water, and minerals.

Major Components of Environment

Hydrosphere: Encompasses all water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Lithosphere: Comprises the Earth’s crust, including soil, rocks, and mountains.
Atmosphere: A thin layer of gases surrounding the Earth, primarily consisting of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Biosphere: Known as the life layer, it includes all living organisms and their interactions with water and air.

Principles of Environment

Nature possesses inherent wisdom.
All life forms contribute importance to ecosystems.
Interconnectedness of all elements within the environment.
Constant change is a fundamental characteristic of nature.
Waste and resources need to be cycled within the ecosystem.
The Earth has finite resources available.
Nature holds intrinsic beauty, and humans have stewardship responsibilities.

National Service Training Program (NSTP)

Acronym: NSTP stands for National Service Training Program, established under R.A 9163.
Legal Reference: R.A 9163 is the National Service Training Program Act of 2001.
Components of NSTP:
- ROTC: Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
- LTS: Literacy Training Service.
- CWTS: Civic Welfare Training Service.

Historical Context of ROTC

ROTC officially began in the Philippines in 1912.
The National Defense Act of 1935 is commonly known as Commonwealth Act No. 1.
R.A. 7077: Also referred to as the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act.
Presidential Decree No. 1706 established the National Service Law encompassing:
- Civic Welfare Service
- Law Enforcement Service
- Military Service

Rationale and Coverage of NSTP Law

R.A. 9163 Section 2 outlines the rationale for the law.
Coverage includes male and female students enrolled in baccalaureate or at least two-year technical vocational programs in both public and private institutions.
Course units span a duration of two semesters.

Duties and Responsibilities Under NSTP

Citizenship Loyalty: Obligation to serve the state, uphold the constitution, and obey laws.
Responsibility: Individual rights come with the duty to respect the rights of others.
Human Dignity: Respect for human life and assistance in upholding human rights.
Gainful Employment: Duty to engage in work that supports a dignified life.
Political Participation: Responsibilities include voting and active engagement in public affairs.
Social Justice: Promote equity in homes and communities for societal benefit.
Youth Responsibility: Encourage youth to pursue their social, economic, and moral growth.
Environmental Rights: Exercise the right to a balanced ecology and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Environmental Concepts

Environmental Degradation: Deterioration of the environment due to resource depletion affecting air, water, and soil.
Pollution: The process of contaminating land, water, and air, rendering them unsafe for use.
Causes of Environmental Degradation:
- Air Pollution
- Water Pollution
- Land Pollution
- Noise Pollution
- Light Pollution
Overpopulation: Occurs when a species exceeds its ecological niche's carrying capacity.

Description

Explore the essential components of the environment, including biotic and abiotic factors, and major systems such as the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. This quiz also covers key principles governing environmental interactions and the importance of each component in maintaining ecological balance.