Geelec 1: People and Earth Ecosystem PDF

St. Joseph’s College of Baggao Inc. GEELEC 1: PEOPLE AND EARTH ECOSYSTEM PREPARED BY: RHICA VELASCO- HERRERA [email protected] HUMAN ROLE IN  ECOSYSTEMS Humans play a significant role in ecosystems, both as participants in natural processes and as agents of...

St. Joseph’s College of Baggao Inc. GEELEC 1: PEOPLE AND EARTH ECOSYSTEM PREPARED BY: RHICA VELASCO- HERRERA [email protected] HUMAN ROLE IN  ECOSYSTEMS Humans play a significant role in ecosystems, both as participants in natural processes and as agents of change. Our activities can have profound impacts on ecosystems, often leading to both positive and negative consequences. Transforming Lives,  Positive Human Roles in 1. CONSERVATION EFFORTS: Ecosystems Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine sanctuaries to protect biodiversity.  Endangered Species Protection: Laws and regulations to protect threatened and endangered species.  Habitat Restoration: Rehabilitating damaged ecosystems, such as reforestation Transforming Lives, Positive Human Roles in Ecosystems 1. CONSERVATION EFFORTS:  Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine sanctuaries to protect biodiversity. - The Philippines is home to numerous protected areas, managed under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 and the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018. Here are some notable protected areas: 1. Apo Reef Natural Park - Occidental Mindoro 2. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park - Sulu Sea 3. Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park - Bukidnon 4. Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park - Isabela 5. Mayon Volcano Natural Park - Albay 6. Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park - Negros Oriental 7. Mount Pulag National Park - Benguet 8. Mount Arayat National Park - Pampanga 9. Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape - Zamboanga Sibugay 10. Tirad Pass Protected Landscape - Ilocos Sur Transforming Lives,  Positive Human Roles in Ecosystems 1. CONSERVATION EFFORTS: Endangered Species Protection: Laws and regulations to protect threatened and endangered species. 1.Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act No. 9147): This law provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats. 2.National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act: Establishes protected areas to conserve biodiversity, including habitats of endangered species. Transforming Lives,  Positive Human Roles in  The Philippines is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, but many Ecosystems species are endangered due to various threats such as habitat loss, pollution, poaching, and climate change. Here are some of the most notable endangered species in the Philippines: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES 1. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi): Also known as the Haribon, this majestic bird is one of the largest eagles in the world. 2. Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis): A small, wild buffalo found only on the island of Mindoro. 3. Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis): One of the most endangered crocodile species in the world. 4. Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons): Native to the Visayan Islands, this pig is critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. 5. Negros Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba keayi): A bird species endemic to the island Transforming Lives,  Tamaraw (Bubalus Visayan Warty mindorensis Pig (Sus cebifrons) Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) Philippine Negros Crocodile Bleeding-heart  Positive Human Roles in ENDANGERED SPECIES Ecosystems 1.Philippine Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi): Found in the rainforests of the Visayan Islands. 2.Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta): One of the smallest primates, known for its large eyes. 3.Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Found in the coastal waters of the Philippines. 4.Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Critically endangered due to illegal trade of its shell. 5.Rufous-headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni): Transforming Lives, Endemic to the islands of Negros and Panay.  Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Philippine Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi): Rufous-headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni) Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta)  Positive Human Roles in VULNERABLE SPECIES Ecosystems 1.Philippine Deer (Rusa marianna): Found in various islands across the Philippines. 2.Philippine Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus philippensis): A bird of prey found in the forests of Luzon and Mindanao. 3.Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus): The largest fish in the world, found in the waters around the Transforming Lives, Philippine Philippine Hawk- Whale Shark Deer eagle (Nisaetus (Rhincodon (Rusa philippensis) typus) marianna)  DEFINITION OF TERMS: 1. CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR): A species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. 2. ENDANGERED (EN): A species considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. 3. VULNERABLE (VU): A species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. The specific criteria for each category are based on factors such as the number of mature individuals globally and the geographic range of the species  Positive Human Roles in Ecosystems 2. Sustainable Practices:  Sustainable Agriculture: Practices that minimize environmental impact, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and agroforestry.  Sustainable Fishing: Fishing methods that prevent overfishing and protect marine life.  Renewable Energy: Using solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Transforming Lives, Positive Human Roles in Ecosystems 3. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION:  Environmental Research: Studying ecosystems to understand their functions and the impact of human activities.  Environmental Education: Raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable behaviors. Transforming Lives,  Negative Human Roles in Ecosystems 1. HABITAT DESTRUCTION:  Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture, urban development, and logging.  Urbanization: Expanding cities and infrastructure that fragment and degrade natural habitats.  Wetland Drainage: Converting wetlands for agriculture or development, leading to loss of biodiversity. Transforming Lives,  Negative 2. POLLUTION: Human Roles in Ecosystems  Air Pollution: Emissions from industries and vehicles that contribute to climate change and acid rain.  Water Pollution: Contamination of water bodies with chemicals, plastics, and waste.  Soil Pollution: Degradation of soil quality due to pesticides, heavy metals, Transforming Lives,  Negative Human Roles in Ecosystems 3. OVEREXPLOITATION:  Overfishing: Depleting fish populations faster than they can reproduce.  Overhunting: Hunting wildlife to the point of endangerment or extinction.  Resource Extraction: Mining and drilling that destroy habitats and pollute the environment. Transforming Lives,  Negative 4. CLIMATE Human Roles in CHANGE:  Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Ecosystems Emissions from burning fossil fuels that contribute to global warming and climate change.  Global Warming: Rising temperatures that disrupt ecosystems and weather patterns.  Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 levels causing ocean pH toTransforming drop, affecting Lives,  Negative Human Roles in Ecosystems 5. INVASIVE SPECIES: Introduction of Non-native Species: Introducing species that outcompete or prey on native species, disrupting ecosystem balance. Invasive species is a non-native organism that significantly modifies or disrupts the ecosystems it colonizes. It can cause ecological, environmental, and/or economic damage. Invasive species can be introduced through natural migration or human activities Transforming Lives,  HUMAN-ECOSYSTEM 1. Ecosystem Services: Humans depend INTERACTIONS on ecosystems for services like clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. 2. Resource Use: Harvesting natural resources for food, materials, and energy. 3. Cultural Value: Ecosystems provide recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic benefits. Transforming Lives,  MITIGATING NEGATIVE IMPACTS 1. Policy and Regulation: Implementing and enforcing laws that protect the environment. 2. Technology and Innovation: Developing cleaner technologies and sustainable solutions. 3. Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation and sustainable practices. 4. International Cooperation: Collaborating globally to address environmental challenges. Transforming Lives,  STEPS IN CONDUCTING CASE ASSIGNME STUDY: 1. Select a Case: Choose a subject  NT! Make a case study or that provides new or unexpected insights. studies highlighting unique challenges and 2. Build a Theoretical opportunities for urban Framework: Establish the concepts ecosystems in different and theories that will guide your mega-cities of the analysis. world. 3. Collect Data: Gather information through various methods like interviews, observations, and document analysis. 25 Example: 1. Select a Case: Choose a subject that provides new or unexpected insights. Example: Case Study: Green Initiatives in Tokyo, Japan State the Introduction and Background of the Topic 2. Build a Theoretical Framework: Establish the concepts and theories that will guide your analysis. Example: What is all about the Green Initiatives in Tokyo, Japan. What is/are the project they build? How they developed? What are the benefits of these projects to the people of Japan? Identify the negative and positive impact and outcomes of the project? 3. Collect Data: Gather information through various methods like interviews, observations, and document analysis, and read related news or articles. 4. Analyze the Case: Describe and interpret the data to draw meaningful conclusions. 26  Case Study: Green Initiatives in Tokyo, Japan Introduction Tokyo, Japan, is renowned for being one of the most densely populated cities globally. Despite its urban density, the city has made significant strides in implementing green initiatives to enhance its ecosystem. This case study explores Tokyo’s efforts in promoting sustainability through green roofs and walls, urban parks, and river restoration projects. Background Tokyo’s rapid urbanization has led to challenges such as the urban heat island effect, air pollution, and limited recreational spaces. To address these issues, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced various green initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable and livable city. Green Initiatives 1.Green Roofs and Walls 1. Implementation: Tokyo has encouraged the installation of green roofs and walls on buildings throughout the city. These installations involve growing vegetation on rooftops and building facades. 2. Benefits: Green roofs and walls help reduce the urban heat island effect by cooling the surrounding air. They also improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and provide insulation, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. 2.Urban Parks 1. Development: The city has developed numerous urban parks, such as Yoyogi Park and Ueno Park, which offer green spaces for residents and visitors. 2. Benefits: Urban parks provide recreational spaces, promote physical activity, and serve as habitats for various species. They also contribute to the overall aesthetic and environmental quality of the city. 3.River Restoration Projects 1. Initiatives: Tokyo has undertaken river restoration projects, such as the restoration of the Sumida River and the Kanda River. These projects involve cleaning and revitalizing river ecosystems. 2. Benefits: River restoration helps improve water quality, supports biodiversity, and provides scenic areas for leisure activities. It also enhances flood control and resilience against natural disasters. Impact and Outcomes Tokyo’s green initiatives have yielded positive outcomes, including: Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effect: The increased greenery helps lower temperatures in urban areas, making the city more comfortable during hot weather. Improved Air Quality: Vegetation absorbs pollutants, leading to cleaner air and better health outcomes for residents. Enhanced Quality of Life: The availability of green spaces and recreational areas contributes to the well-being and happiness of Tokyo’s inhabitants. Conclusion 27 Tokyo’s commitment to sustainability through green initiatives demonstrates how urban areas can balance development with environmental