Green Roofs

GREEN ROOFS

by Anton Antonio

June 3, 2015

“Environmental advocates study and research on environmental matters and issues and come up with plans and programs and the necessary legislation to effect such recommended changes and strategies.  Environmental advocates lobby for the repeal of irrelevant and out-dated environmental laws, look into the possibility of harmonizing present rules and regulations, and assist in crafting new legislation that shall be responsive to the pressing environmental needs and attuned to changes of time.”  (Antonio, 2014)

In most of the progressive countries in the world, “green legislation” is often a product of environmental lobbying.  More often, if a piece of legislation is being pushed by environmental advocates (usually organized in groups) who normally follow the participatory and consultative approach, these laws are easier passed.  A citizen/civil society-driven lobby is a very effective way of getting things done.

Lately in France, a new legislation mandated that all new buildings that are constructed in commercial areas must be partially covered by either plants or solar panels.  This new law was met with a high level of approval by the French as it conformed with their wish and desire to get involved in climate change mitigation efforts.  This new building design is called green roofs.

Green roofs help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a building during winter or cool it in the summer.  Roofs covered by different species of flora also become sanctuaries for birds in the middle of an urban jungle.  On the other hand, for building owners who opt to install solar panels instead, they help provide the buildings with renewable energy… which contributes to less carbon footprint.

Here are some (of the many) benefits of green roofs or living roofs (http://csglobe.com/france-declares-all-new-rooftops-must-be-topped-with-plants-or-solar-panels/):

1. Adding natural beauty and major aesthetic improvement to buildings, which in turn increases the investment opportunity.
2. Helping contribute to landfill diversion by prolonging the life of waterproofing membranes, using recycled materials, and prolonging the service of heating, ventilation, and HVAC systems through decreased use.
3. Green roofs assist with storm water management because water is stored by the substrate, then taken up by plants, and thus returned to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation. They also retain rainwater and moderate the temperature of the water and act as natural filters for the water that does run off. They delay the time at which runoff occurs, which results in decreased stress on sewer systems during peak periods.
4. The plants on green roofs do a great job of capturing airborne pollutants and other atmospheric deposition. They can also filter noxious gasses.
5. They open up new areas for community gardens, commercial and recreational space in busy cities where this space is generally quite limited.

France is definitely on the right track in being a model in synergizing public clamor into workable pieces of legislation.  Environmental problems are better addressed through the enactment of laws to institutionalize the desired solution.  These need not be complex laws… they just need to be effective… like the green roofs.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)

REFERENCE:

Antonio, A. C. (2014).  “Environmental Advocacy”.  Retrieved on June 3, 2015 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/09/environmental-advocacy.html

CS Globe. “France Declares All New Rooftops Must be Topped with Plants or Solar Panels”.  Retrieved on June 3, 2015 from http://csglobe.com/france-declares-all-new-rooftops-must-be-topped-with-plants-or-solar-panels/

Coal Narratives

COAL NARRATIVES

by Anton Antonio

June 10, 2015

Here are some narratives from government personalities in the Senate hearing on climate change conducted Monday, June 8, 2015:

• Sen. Loren Legarda (on coal and coal power plants: “The worst source of carbon is coal.  So why did we approve 21 coal power plant Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) despite their impact on the environment?  This scenario scares me.”
• Sen. Loren Legarda (on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR] and Department of Energy [DOE]):  “When I realized our own government could approve additional coal plants, it scares me further.  It seems that there are certain government agencies detached from human reality.”
• USec. Jonas Leones of the DENR (on why 21 coal power plants were granted ECCs):  “ECCs are a set of conditions wherein the proponents comply with environmental mitigations and enhancement.”  (USec Leones added that the DENR issued ECCs to support the thrust of the DOE.)  Before ECCs are issued, the power plants should first have an operating agreement with DOE, consultations with local government units (LGUs) and communities.  Then the proponents are required to make an environment impact statement.  If it’s an IP (indigenous people) or protected area, we consult the Biodiversity Management Bureau.”
• Intergovernment Panel on Climate Change:  “Carbon dioxide is now at unprecedented levels, unseen for at least the last 800,000 years.  In fact, 9 of the 10 warmest years in the last 134 years have occurred since 2000.”
• Sen. Loren Legarda (on the obvious haste in issuing the ECCs):  “It’s like there’s a race to build coal plants in two years.”
• USec. Raul Aguilos of the DOE (on coal plants being the cheapest technology available):  “A far as coal plants are concerned, the DOE actually remains technology-neutral.  What we need are stable, reliable, and affordable energy or electricity to be provided to the people.  As far as application of coal power plants are concerned, yes, we endorse this because we need to improve and increase the capacity, especially for problematic areas like Mindanao, where massive brownouts occurred because they’re so dependent on hydroelectric power plants.  Since the Philippines is now in a privatized environment, the government cannot invest in power generation, se we leave it to the private sector to decide.”
• Sen. Loren Legarda:  “Although coal may be the most affordable in terms of business, its adverse health and environmental impacts are far from cheap.”
• USec. Raul Aguilos:  “That’s why there’s a need for us to work with the Climate Change Commission and other agencies.”
• Sec. Lucille Sering of the Climate Change Commission (on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] mandate to bring down average global temperature by 2 degrees centigrade):  “The Philippines, as the new chair of the Climate Vulnerability Forum (CVF), is also pushing for a 1.5 degrees centigrade reference.”
• Rosalina de Guzman of PAGASA: “Even with 1 degree centigrade (increase in world average temperature), there would be rising intensity of storms.”
• Dr. Gemma Narisma of Manila Observatory: “This (1 degree centigrade increase) could also damage roughly a third of coral reefs, leaving over 500 million people affected by job loss, food security, and hunger.”
• Sec. Lucille Sering:  “GDP growth is almost the same as the carbon dioxide growth in any country, hence the challenge for governments to balance improving the economy while also saving the environment.  Both developed and developing countries should commit to reducing carbon emissions.”
• Sen. Loren Legarda: “Maraming magsasabing ‘di naman tayo [carbon] emitter, ‘di naman tayo makakatuldok sa mundo, so bakit pa tayo magko-comply?” (A lot of people say we’re not emitters, we won’t put an end to global warming, so why do we need to comply?)  “But it makes good business sense, environment sense, health sense to mitigate.”

Last June 1, 2015, I published this coal and coal plant-related article titled “Coal Plant in Palawan?” in my blogsite (http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2015/06/coal-plant-in-palawan.html) and Facebook account and got the following comments from some of my netizen friends:

• Jeannie Manoney: “It’s the worst step backwards for the province, the country, the region, the world.  While coal is being phased out in the US, the Philippines shouldn’t take up the baton in producing the most harmful fossil fuel ever to be lifted and processed off the ground.”
• Nellie San Agustin:  “My Friend, Anton Antonio, this is extremely alarming.  Is it too late to file a petition to Change.org to halt implementation?”
•  Jaztin De Jesus Altea: “Compared to metro manila, palawan’s price of electricity is relatively high.  We also have recurring brown-outs due to power shortage and distribution problems.  Many business activities including the government service are affected just because of power shortage.  It’s really a big issue here in our province and the inconvenience brought by this current reality forces few palawenos to embrace coal and decide out of desperation.  It is very easy to decide on your standpoint.
• Rene Caguapujan Borromeo:  “there are clean energy pursuits that are sadly not economically and technically feasible.  Such as, there are no water falls, no geothermal energy, not enough wind power, or that to be able to generate solar energy, you need to clear up a forest.  The question sometimes end up to:  as we going to shallow the bitter pill of coal power plant or just condemn an area to stunted development because we can’t provide clean power to them?  It’s easy to say not to pursue the power plant, but how do we allow other areas to develop, polluting the environment, while preventing another area to pursue such development?  I guess the task of the environmental manager is to mitigate and minimize the environmental impacts of a pollutive energy source it impacts can’t be prevented.”
• Michelle De Leon:  “Rene Agree!  In fact, we aren’t sure if solar is the cleanest if we consider the system’s LIFE CYCLE… it may be the greenest in the sense that “the end justifies the means” but then considering the procedure it takes to produce one, the result or the disposal, am not sure.. it has to be assess.  Also, in urgency, coal seems to be the (relatively) easier to explore and extract… though it is polluting as it produces energy.  As you said it, sustainability goes with development… with minimal damage on the environment.. even primitive ways are hurting the environment, who doesn’t? which approach doesn’t? with people in the environment consuming its resources, there will always be impact (in any degree).. what we should be aware of is how to minimize these damages. Palawan Tourism Industry can be further developed if they have sufficient power supply and with Pro-poor Tourism the priority is the affair of the society (this can alleviate poverty in the area). Particulate matter and pollutants in moderation can be naturally handled by nature (look at how volcanic eruption pollutes our environment in great amount).  Also, whether we mine the resources or not, if there is an ore body underneath all those processes with negative impact to the people and environment cited will still occur, why is pollution only blamed in the “mine” in fact with responsible mining the effect to the environment can be reduced if not redirected (where there will be less impact to the people.)  Although I know human-induced pollution is like introducing an alien in the natural-system.  With change, there’s adaptation, we need to have responsible and sustainable consumption… anything in moderation… unless humanity leaves nature alone! p.s. I think it is okay to consume what nature provides again it should be sustainably in moderation… then what we must avoid if we want to protect our nature is the production of synthetic things (laboratory products) because this is the real alien in our nature, and what is created will forever be apart of the system we are in now.”
• Carlo Roberto Felix:  “hi sir, I can’t share this post. Im not sure if it’s with the settings or because you shared this post in this group. Can you please allow sharing or post this separately on your wall so that we can share on ours? Thanks”

These commentaries seem to touch on a variety of opinions and worldviews about coal and how coal plants contribute to climate change.  They also represent individual thesis and antithesis.  I leave it up to you to form your own synthesis from these coal narratives.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)

REFERENCE:

Antonio, A. C. (2015).  “Coal Plant in Palawan?” Retrieved on June 10, 2015 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2015/06/coal-plant-in-palawan.html

Rappler, 2015).  Retrieved on June 10, 2015 from http://www.rappler.com/nation/95794-coal-power-plants-ph?utm_content=bufferbce49&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Weather Gods and Goddesses

WEATHER GODS AND GODDESSES

by Anton Antonio

June 9, 2015

Too much rain or the lack of it gives man the impulse, as a natural cultural tendency, to ask help from weather deities.  “A deity is a supernatural being, who may be thought of as holy, godly, or sacred.  Some religions have one supreme deity, while others have multiple deities of various ranks.  Deity is a being with powers greater than those of ordinary humans, but who interacts with humans, positively or negatively, in ways that carry humans to new levels of consciousness beyond the grounded preoccupations of ordinary life.  Deities are depicted in a variety of forms, but are also frequently expressed as having human form.  Some faiths and traditions consider it blasphemous to imagine or depict deity as having any concrete form.  Deities are often thought to be immortal, and are commonly assumed to have personalities and to possess consciousness, intellects, desires, and emotions comparable but usually superior to those of humans.  A male deity is a god, while a female deity is a goddess.”  (Wikipedia, http://weathersleuth.com/WxDeities.html)

The following are the acknowledged weather gods and goddesses in alphabetical order (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rain_deities):

1. ACHUHUCANAC:  African Guanche rain god;
2. AEOLUS:  Greek god; ruler of all the winds;
3. AIDE:  Basque goddess of the air;
4. AETHER:  Primeval Greek god of the bright, glowing upper air of heaven;
5. AMBISAGRUS:  Celtic god of weather;
6. AMUN:  Egyptian god of creation and the wind;
7. APELIOTES:  Greek god of the east wind;
8. ASTRAIOS:  Greek god of the wind and stars;
9. ATEN:  Egyptian sun god;
10. AURA:  Green Titan goddess of the breeze and the fresh, cool air of the early morning;
11. AURAE:  Greek nymphs of the breezes;
12. AURORA:  Roman goddess of the dawn;
13. BARSAMIN:  Armenian god of weather;
14. BINBEAL:  Australian god of rainbows;
15. BOREAS:  Greek god of the north wind called the cold breath of winter;
16. CAELUS:  Roman god of the sky;
17. CAILLECH BHEUR:  Scottish and Irish goddess of weather, earth, sky, seasons, moon and sun;
18. CALLY BERRY:  Irish Celtic god of weather;
19. CHAOS:  Primeval Greek god of the air;
20. DENKA:  African Dinka god of sky, rain and fertility;
21. ENLIL:  Sumerian god of air and storms;
22. EOS:  Greek goddess of the dawn;
23. EREBOS: Greek god of the south-east wind;
24. FAVONIUS:  Roman god of the west wind;
25. FULGORA:  Roman goddess of lightning;
26. FREYER:  Norse god of weather;
27. GAOH:  Iroquois master of the winds;
28. HARPYIAI:  Greek Daimons of the whirlwinds and storm gusts;
29. HEKATONKHEIRES:  Three hundred-armed, fifty-headed giants gods of violent storms;
30. HELIOS:  Greek Titan god of the sun; Brother of Eos;
31. HEMERA:  The primeval Greek goddess of the day; born of Chaos and Erebos;
32. DIES:  Roman goddess of the day;
33. HENG:  Huron spirit of thunder;
34. HERA:  Greek goddess of the air;
35. HERSE:  Greek goddess of the morning dew;
36. HESPERIDES:  The goddess of the sunsets;
37. HINO:  Iroquois sky god of the spirit of thunder;
38. HORAE:  Greek goddesses of the seasons usually named Eunomia. Eirene and Dike;
39. HORAGALLES:  Sami paraphrase of Thora Galles or Thoragalles;
40. HORUS:  African god of the sky;
41. HOTORU:  Pawnee wind god;
42. ISAYWA:  African god of rain, storms, thunder, and lightning;
43. IRIS:  Greek and Roman goddess of the rainbow;
44. JUNO:  Roman goddess of the air;
45. JUPITER:  Roman god of clouds, rain, thunder, and lightning;
46. KAIKIAS:  The greek god of the north-east wind;
47. KHAKABA:  African god of rain, storms, and lightning;
48. LEI SHEN:  Chinese god of thunder;
49. LEUCETIOS:  Celtic god of thunder and storms;
50. LIPS:  Greek god of the south-west wind;
51. LUGH:  Celtic sun god;
52. MUNGO:  African god of rain;
53. NEGAFOOK:  Inuit god of weather systems;
54. NENAUNIR:  African evil god of storms;
55. NEPHELAI:  Greek cloud nymphs;
56. NOTOS:  Greek god of the south wind known as the god of summer rain storms:
57. NUN:  African god of water and chaos;
58. NUT:  Egyptian goddess of the sky who covers the Earth;
59. NYX:  The primeval Greek goddess of the right born of Chaos and Erebos;
60. PERKELE:  Finnish supreme god of thunder;
61. PERUN:  Slavic god of thunder and lightning;
62. POSEIDON:  Greek god of earthquakes, storms, and the sea;
63. RA:  African sun god;
64. ROCK-SENS:  African god of rain, thunder, and lightning;
65. SARANYU:  Hindu goddess of the dawn and the clouds;
66. SEKHMET:  Egyptian sun goddess;
67. SHANGO:  African Yoruba god of thunder, storms, and war;
68. SHU:  Egyptian god of the wind and air;
69. SKADI:  Norse goddess of winter and hunting;
70. SKIRON:  Greek god of the north-west wind;
71. SOL:  Roman god of the sun; also called Phoebus;
72. STRIBOG:  Slavic god and spirit of the wind, sky, and air;
73. SUMMANUS:  Roman god of nocturnal thunderstorms;
74. TAWHIRI:  Maori god of weather;
75. TEFNUT:  Egyptian goddess of moisture;
76. TESHUB:  Hurrian god of sky and storm;
77. THEIA:  Greek Titan goddess of the shining light of the clear blue sky;
78. THOR:  Norse god of sky and thunder;
79. UENUKU:  Maori god of rainbows;
80. UKKO:  Finnish god of sky, weather, and crops;
81. UKU:  Estonian equivalent of Finnish Ukko;
82. URANUS:  Primeval Greek god of the sky;
83. UTIXO:  African god of rain, storms, and thunder;
84. UTU:  Sumerian sun god;
85. VARUNA:  Hindu god of the sky;
86. WELE:  African sky god of rain, storms, and lightning;
87. YU-HUANG-SHANG-TI:  Chinese god of the sky;
88. ZEPHYRUS:  Greek god of the wind; and,
89. ZEUS:  Greek god of clouds, rain, thunder and lightning.

The extremely hot weather condition being felt in the Philippines right now could use rain especially in rural areas where agricultural productivity is being threatened.  Texans in the United States are, on the other hand, asking for the rain to stop so floor waters could begin to recede.  These gods, goddesses and deities must be so confused whether to give in or not to man’s supplications.  It’s really a “damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t” case for these weather gods and goddesses.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)

So What Else Is New?

SO WHAT ELSE IS NEW?

by Anton Antonio

June 8, 2015

“Flooding in Metro Manila has seemingly been accepted as “normal” nowadays.  But Metro Manilans are also coming to grips with the fact that the flooding have somehow worsen this rainy season; and going home after a day’s work is such a pain.  Places like Ayala Avenue have never experienced floods before.  So what is really wrong?  Has the rain water-bearing capacity of rain clouds increased?  Are the rain gods angrier this time?  These may seem comical questions but there has to be a reason for the flooding in Metro Manila.” (Antonio, 2014)

This afternoon, Quezon City was again soaked with a heavy volume of rain which resulted to flooding in some low-lying areas.  The downpour was heavy but short and concentrated only in Quezon City.  The accompanying photo to this article was taken at the Tomas Morato area and was uploaded on social media (Facebook) and instantly became viral on account of the number of shares made by the ever-vigilant netizens. 

Netizens are the most opinionated people around.  Curiously though, netizens (judging from the comments) know today’s issues and problems.  There were so many commentaries but here are those labelled by Facebook as the most relevant ones:

• Lyn Evero:  “Kasalanan ng mga tao yan makapgtapon ng basura ganun na lng.”
• Darrly Don Doc:  “sinisisi natin ang mga tao. e tayo ung mga tao.”
• Cesar Morales:  “talagang busy na busy mga politico ayusin yung bansa.”
• Thess Chuching Mesina:  “Walang mayaman walang mahirap kapag kalikasan ang nagagalit!”
• Karen Tan:  “Grabe d p yan typhoon.. super baha na.”
• Michael Bauzon Concerman:  “Ang katotohanan… ay mga mamamayan din ang walang respeto sa kalikasan.  ILLIGAL LOGGING, TAPON DITO TAPON DUON… MINING… MISMO MGA TAGA CHINA NAKAKAPAG MINA SA ATIN NG BLACK SAND… SANA MATUTO ANG BAWAT ISA NA PAHALAGAHAN ANG KALIKASAN AT DAPAT MAGING ANF METRO AY TAMNAN NA DIN NG MGA HALAMAN AT MAGKAROON NG PUNO.”
• Juan Dela Cruz: “Pulitiko hnd pinaaayos ang mga manhole.”
• Apple D Apps: “Malaking participation dn ng pag baha ang pag ka putol ng mga puno s lugar na yn. 200 matatandang puo ang pinag puputol frown emoticon Nakakaungkot.”
• Paolo Ovejera: “Huwag manisi ng iba. Just do your part. Lahat naman tayo nagcontribute kaya nagkakaganito ngayon.”
• Bautista Menchie: “Wala ng solusyon yan baha sa atin barado basura nagpapatayo ng mga building’s wala ng mga kahoy bundok ginagawang bldgs. Over na ang mga tao sa manila reclamation lagi ang dagat kaya puro lubog paulit ulet ang sakuna.”
• Liza Moss: “Grabe nmn saglit lng na baha.”
• Kim R Monzon: “Sayang ung kotse tsk tsk…”
• Mert Lobitana Docdor: “hala grabeng baha naman to…"
• Cindy Bautista Cunanan: “Malipat na ba ang malabon sa q.c? Dati samen ganyan ng baha… pero ngaun kapag high tide n lng bumabaha at sabay sa buhos ng ulan at kung ulan lng walang ganyan.”
• Jason Ai: “taeng yang wastang sewage sys. Di magawa poteng inang gobyerno to oh., m.”
• Khloe Fae Aznar Tarroza: “who or what agency to blame?”
• Mhei Layn Lovedorial: “Hala and taas agad ng tubig grabeh.”
• Angela Lumibao Penaranda: “Sana dito na lng umulan, ang init saka need ng mga magsasaka ang tubig!”
• Beda Imperial Denina: “Lahat tyo may kontribusyon kung bakit ganyan. Mga walang pakialam na tao basta n lang magtapon ng basura kung saan saan. Tapos ang gobyerno na kulang sa drive at aksyon para magpatupad ng batas patungo sa kalinisan.”
• Angela Dela Fuente: “omg hindi pa bagyo yan ah.”
• Roger Verdillo: “kasalanan ng manga mapepera yan kasi ung mang daanan ng tubig tinatambakan tapos pinatayuan ng bahay o kaya gusali kaya ang tubig sa kalye na punta tapos ang manga bundok pinapatag para pagkaperahan..”
• Francis Pascual: “gara baha agad hnd pa umuulan sa ibang lugar nyan haha.”
• Radley Peralta: “kurakot pa.”
• Evolution King: “Dapat maglabas na ang mga kompanya ng kotse na ala submarine na model.”
• Calingasan Pena Mhac: “pag tag ulan na.. mag start na mag maglinis ng kanal mga pulitiko.. tyak babaha n nmn ng pera sa bulsa nila…”
• Eunice Salen Ang: “Grabe naman.. Konting ulan taas agad ng baha.”
• Analyn Baron: “grabe naman… ganito agad… di pa tag ulan.”
• Ako C Maderu: “hala grabe ang baha..”
• Yethessa May d Santiago: “Grabe naman ulan lang.”
• Xyrus N Anne Hao: “do u see what I see?? Sa area ng fam mart natin dapat alam mo pala if bahain din..”
• Eva Lino Villamor: “wala kasing ginawa ang mga pulitiko kundi ang magpahukay at magpataas ng kalsada eh dapat lang naming gawin eh linisin yung mga baradong drainage kasi mas malaki ang budget kaya mas malaki and kurakot nila.”
• Nemesio Sinsioco: “Sakit sa ulo…”
• Mary Jade Rivera Marquez: “Only in the Philippines.”
• Eleanor Manuquian Esquillo: “Sad nmn! Mabuti nlng di p naulan dito s sta rosa Laguna…”
• Archlegan Fortuna: “dami ginagawa di naman sinasara. Pinatatagal pa, ano ba hinihintay? Para magbara ulit?”
• Ronald Regala Cifra: “asan yung flood control project ng gobyerno?”
• Jayrol Flores: “dapat sa pinas eh puro amphibian car na lng eh.”
• Jess Soriaga: “Improved sila ng improved daw ng drainage pero pataas ng pataas din tubig… Nililiitan ba nila mga daanan ng tubig???”
• Mhei Layn Lovedorial: “Umulan lang BAHA agad-agad…”
• Clarita Viduya Laron: “kawawa tayo dahil ang mga pondo sa drainage kinurakot ng lahat ng mga taga gobyerno.”
• Leiram Moyus: “Paano nalang kung tuloy tuloy na ang ulan lubog na metro manila.”
• Dwin Ubando M: “Calling DPWH anon a mga project nyo dito sa qc? Puros barado at wala nmn kwenta… asa pa kami flood control project nyo malamang busog na nmn bulsa nyo mga bwisit!”
• Reya Silva: “Dmi papaayos nyan.”
• Monaliza Carpio Pascua: “Jan lng sa harap to ah, kala ko pa nan naayos na.”
• Romano Lolong: “iba na talaga ngayon… sana wag na mag mina sa mga kabundukan wala na kc mga puno…”
• Kris Xernan Pasaoa: “Kaunting ulan lubog an agad. Barado na kasi mga ilog at kanal. Binalikan din tyo.”
• Eddie Uy: “Wala pang bagyo baha na.”
• May Abalon: “Un ngang motor kww dn driver halos bewang nya n ung tbg baha. Smin d2 s cavite 10 mints lng umulan.. gnyn n.. panu p kng isang oras d2.. triple n jn taas.. wg nmn poh sna.. omg..”
• Eidderf Anthony: “Grabe talaga sandling buhos ng ulan baha agad.”

There are a lot of other comments that could no longer be accommodated here… or this article will be too long.  But these netizen narratives will be a good insight into the workings of the minds of people and what they have to say regarding our current socio-political, economic and environmental affairs.  At least the level of awareness on the causes of environmental problems is increasing too… although awareness must translate to action.  So what else is new?

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)

REFERENCES:

Antonio, A. C. (2014). “What’s Going On?”. Retrieved on June 8, 2015 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/10/whats-going-on.html.

GMA News (2015). Photo: QC Rain Leaves Parked Vehicles Submerged. Retrieved on June 8, 2015 from  http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/135910/qc-rain-leaves-parked-vehicles-submerged.

NIPAS Act

NIPAS ACT

by Anton Antonio

May 25, 2015

The NIPAS Act stands for National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992.  Also known as Republic Act No. 7586, is “an Act providing for the establishment and management of National Integrated Protected Areas System, defining its scope and coverage, and for other purposes.”

Declaration of Policy of the NIPAS Act is: 

“Cognizant of the profound impact of man’s activities on all components of the natural environment particularly the effect of increasing population, resource exploitation and industrial advancement and recognizing the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural biological and physical diversities of the environment notably on areas with biologically unique features to sustain human life and development, as well as plant and animal life, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to secure for the Filipino people of present and future generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within the classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution.

It is hereby recognized that these areas, although distinct in features, posses common ecological values that may be incorporated into a holistic plan representative of our natural heritage; that effective administration of this area is possible only through cooperation among national government, local government and concerned private organizations; that the use and enjoyment of these protected areas must be consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.

To this end, there is hereby established a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), which shall encompass outstandingly remarkable areas and biologically important public lands that are habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, biogeographic zones and related ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland or marine, all of which shall be designated as “protected areas”.”  (NIPAS Act, 1992)

Under the NIPAS Act, the following categories of protected areas are established:  (a) Strict nature reserve; (b) Natural park; (c) Natural monument; (d) Wildlife sanctuary; (e) Protected landscapes and seascapes; (f) Resource reserve; (g) Natural biotic areas; and, (h) Other categories established by law, conventions or international agreements which the Philippine Government is a signatory.  Under the NIPAS Act of 1992, the following acts are prohibited within protected areas:  (a) Hunting, destroying, disturbing, or mere possession of any plants or animals or products derived therefrom without a permit from the Management Board; (b) Dumping of any waste products detrimental to the protected area, or to the plants and animals or inhabitants therein; (c) Use of any motorized equipment without a permit from the Management Board; (d) Mutilating, defacing or destroying objects of natural beauty, or objects of interest to cultural communities (of scenic value); (e) Damaging and leaving roads and trails in a damaged condition; (f) Squatting, mineral locating, or otherwise occupying any land; (g) Constructing or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosures, conducting any business enterprise without a permit; (h) Leaving in exposed or unsanitary conditions refuse or debris, or depositing in ground or in bodies of water; and, (i) Altering, removing destroying or defacing boundary marks or signs.

As of 2012, there are 240 protected areas in the Philippines covering a total area of 35,700 square kilometers, 11.9% of the total land area of the country, under the NIPAS Act.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)

REFERENCE:

Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. “Republic Act No. 7586”.  Retrieved on May 25, 2015 from http://www.gov.ph/1992/06/01/republic-act-no-7586/

Debunking the Myth of Lenticular Clouds

DEBUNKING THE MYTH OF LENTICULAR CLOUDS

by Anton Antonio

June 3, 2015

Clouds have continuously mystified man.  Perhaps, “mistyfied” more than “mystified” since clouds are a visible mass of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere; typically high above the ground.  Clouds are the most creative and artistic forms of water that never failed to launch human thoughts and imagination to other dimensions of creativity.  One particular cloud formation, the lenticular clouds, has more profound effect on the human mind.  More often they are viewed in the extraterrestrial context.  They, more often, represent or are seen as the majestic but mythic flying saucer.

“Lenticular clouds (Altocumulus lenticularis) are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form in the troposphere, normally in perpendicular alignment to the wind direction.  Lenticular clouds can be classified into altocumulus standing lenticular (ACSL), stratocumulus standing lenticular (SCSL), and cirrocumulus standing lenticular (CCSL).  Because of their shape, they have been offered as explanation for some Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings.

As air flows along the surface of the Earth, it encounters obstructions.  These are man-made objects, such as buildings and bridges, and natural features, like hills, valleys, and mountains.  All of them disrupt the flow of air into eddies (meaning: a circular movement of water, air or smoke counter to a main current, causing a small whirlpool).  The strength of the eddies depends on the size of the object and the speed of the wind.  It results in turbulence classified as mechanical because it is formed through the mechanical disruption of the ambient wind flow.  Where stable moist air flows over mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may form on the downwind side.  If the temperature at the crest of the wave drops to the dew point, moisture in the air may condense to form lenticular clouds.”  (Wikipedia)

Again, a lot of people are using lenticular clouds as descriptive for UFOs.  What seems to be a very convenient explanation had eventually become a myth.  But myths are myths… defined as: a traditional or legendary story, narrative or unsubstantiated nor scientifically proven literature usually concerning some being, event or occurrence with or without a determinable basis of fact or  a natural explanation, especially one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature.

This is my puny effort in debunking the myth of lenticular clouds.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)

Say Goodbye to Boracay

SAY GOODBYE TO BORACAY

by Anton Antonio

June 4, 2015

“The last time I visited Boracay Island was December 2013.  In this visit, I had a lengthy chat with Bryan S. Madera… a colleague in a group called “The UPlanders”.  He summarized the fate of the island with this statement:  “I’m saddened by what is going on here.  It’s an environmental disaster waiting to happen. I really cannot understand how Boracay, because of her beauty, will die because she is beautiful… her beauty will be the reason for her death.”  (Antonio, 2014)  Bryan said these words, hopefully not prophetic, with a real look of concern.  Some two months ago, Bryan invited me to join a (secret) Facebook group known as “Marine Conservation Boracay” where I could post my usual environmental blogs and articles.  The group is composed of a curious but impressive mix of individuals (both foreigners and locals) seriously committed to the preservation and sustainable development and management of Boracay Island as a tourist destination without sacrificing biodiversity.

Sometime early July 2014, I wrote a blog titled “Are We Losing Paradise” (published in my blogsite: http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/07/are-we-losing-paradise.html.  This article, however, focused mainly on the problems of terrestrial (meaning:  relating to land as distinct from water) Boracay.  It should be noted that the biodiversity concerns of Boracay Island is not only limited to its land but also the water body around her.  A continuing research on Boracay would reveal both land and coastal problems.

Focusing on the beach and water ecosystem of Boracay, the following problems have been identified (from research materials gathered from the Manila Bulletin and Rappler):

1. 70% of coral reef loss in the island in the last 23 years is linked to tourism;
2. Coral reef degradation is the main cause or beach erosion causing the beach area to gradually shrink;
3. Unmonitored snorkling and scuba diving contributes to the decline in coral cover;
4. Water pollution contributes to coral reef degradation;
5. Water quality in parts of the island has deteriorated since the tourism boom started in the 1990s;
6. Some part of the island are already considered not safe for swimming due to water pollution largely due to untreated waste water discharge into the beach; and,The island’s drainage system is substandard due to the many commercial establishments on the island.

Boracay Island is one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations in the last four decades.  Undoubtedly, tourism is an important economic driver in the Philippines but Boracay should not be overburdened, overutilized, overexploited and overdeveloped.  We should see clearly that short-term economic gain is not a justified trade-off for long-term environmental problems.  We should also be aware that sustainable tourism in Boracay can only be realized by protecting its land and marine resources and its ecosystem in general.  Or else, we could all say goodbye to Boracay.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)

REFERENCES:

Antonio, A. C. (2014).  “Are We Losing Paradise?” Retrieved on June 4, 2014 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/07/are-we-losing-paradise.html

Manila Bulletin (2015). “JICA: Boracay’s Coral Reef Degraded, Experiencing Beach Erosion”.  Retrieved June 4, 2014 from http://www.mb.com.ph/jica-boracays-coral-reef-degraded-experiencing-beach-erosion/

Rappler (2015).  “Tourism Linked to 70% Coral Loss in Boracay”.  Retrieved on June 4, 2015 from http://www.rappler.com/science-nature/environment/95264-tourism-coral-cover-loss-boracay?utm_content=buffer9286e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer