Contemporary Issues in the Philippines PDF

**Contemporary Issues** **Current Issues** **Waste Disposal** **How do we dispose hazardous waste? Radioactive waste?** Ex. radioactive waste (medicines, industries , and research) A poster of a nuclear waste management Description automatically generated Though nuclear power is criticized for...

**Contemporary Issues** **Current Issues** **Waste Disposal** **How do we dispose hazardous waste? Radioactive waste?** Ex. radioactive waste (medicines, industries , and research) A poster of a nuclear waste management Description automatically generated Though nuclear power is criticized for having a large waste output, one of the Philippines' many uninhabited islands can host a technological solution -- deep boreholes -- where nuclear waste can be deposited to ensure it doesn't impair the country's development or its citizens. 1. Fenced Disposal Site: It serves as the entry point for the nuclear waste that will be transported to deep boreholes for permanent storage. 2. Transport, conditioning, and disposal vehicle: Specialized vehicles that safely transport, prepare, and place waste into the borehole. 3. Waste Package: Durable, sealed containers designed to safely contain nuclear waste for long term isolation 4. Borehole: A deep, narrow hole (over 2km) drilled into stable rock formations, sealed with bentonite to prevent contamination 5. Stratigraphic Units: Layers of rock chosen for geological stability to ensure waste remains isolated underground How do we communicate to future generations this process? **Urban Sprawl** **Urban Expansion:** Rapid expansion of the cities and towns. Usually due to low density housing (i.e. small residential homes) How does this put a strain on space? What habits are reinforced? **War over water** Water is very valuable and scarce resource.  **Notable Conflicts:** **Euphrates -- Tigris River** - Countries involved: Turkey, Syria, Iraq. - Issues: Water flow and access to the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, both critical for agriculture and water supply in the region. Turkey's dam projects reduce downstream flow, resulting to disputes with Syria and Iraq, which rely heavily on these rivers for irrigation and drinking water. **Jordan River** - Countries involved: Israel, Lebanon, Jordan - Issue: Water scarcity and competing claims usage of the Jordan River. The river is a vital water source in a water-scarce region. Political tensions, combined with population growth, exacerbate conflicts between Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon over how much water each country should receive. **Indus River** - Countries involved: India, Pakistan - Issue: Allocation and control of water resources along the Indus River System. The Indus Water Treaty in 1960 allocated river waters between India and Pakistan, but ongoing tensions and disputes arise due to dam construction and water sharing. **Syr Darya River** - Countries involved: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan - Issue: Water usage and energy production. Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan (upstream countries) use the river for hydroelectric power, which limits downstream water availability for Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, who rely on it for agriculture. **Nile River** - Countries Involved: Egypt, Sudan, Ehiopia - Issue: Water rights and dam construction. Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has caused tension with downstream nations Egypt and Sudan who fear reduced water flow and its impact on agriculture and livelihoods. **Senegal River** - Countries Involved: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali - Issue: The Senegal River is vital for irrigation, hydropower, and fishing, Disputes arise over equitable sharing and management of water resources among the countries. **Mekong River:** - Countries Involved: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam - Issue: Construction of dams in upstream Laos and China affects water flow, fisheries, and agriculture in downstream countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. **Sustainable Development Goals** A group of colorful squares with icons Description automatically generated 1. **No Poverty** 2. **Zero Hunger** 3. **Good Health and Well-being** 4. **Quality Education** 5. **Gender Equality** 6. **Clean Water and Sanitation** 7. **Affordable and Clean Energy** 8. **Decent Work and Economic Growth** 9. **Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure** 10. **Reduced Inequalities** 11. **Sustainable Cities and Communities** 12. **Responsible Consumption and Production** 13. **Climate Action** 14. **Life Below Water** 15. **Life on Land** 16. **Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions** 17. **Partnerships for the Goals**