PEE - AIR POLLUTION, CLIMATE DISRUPTION, AND OZONE DEPLETION

Atmosphere

A protective layer of gases (argon, nitrogen, oxygen) surrounding Earth.

Helps maintain moderate temperature and blocks harmful radiation.

Responsible for the water cycle

Atmosphere (Structure)

Held near Earth's surface by gravity.

No clear boundary—becomes less dense until merging with outer space.

Consists of layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

Troposphere

Lowest layer where humans live.

Provides oxygen necessary for life

Stratosphere

Best known as home for Earth's ozone layer, which protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation

Mesosphere

The third layer of the atmosphere and the coldest place within Earth's system.

It burns up most meteors and asteroids before they reach Earth's surface

Thermosphere

Protects life by absorbing harmful wavelengths of solar radiation.

It is also the home of the International Space Station

Exosphere

The highest and thinnest layer of the atmosphere where most satellites orbit

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

The most prevalent greenhouse gas.

Released from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities

Methane (CH₄)

A potent greenhouse gas from natural sources like wetlands and human activities such as coal mining and livestock farming

Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

A greenhouse gas originating from fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial processes

Ground-level ozone (O₃)

An air pollutant formed through reactions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in sunlight

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)

An air pollutant primarily released from burning fossil fuels, especially coal

Particulate Matter (PM)

Tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air.

Originates from vehicles, industries, and construction

Global warming

An average increase in the temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans, leading to changes in global climate patterns

Greenhouse gas emissions

Trap heat in the atmosphere.

The sun warms Earth during the day; at night, some heat is trapped by greenhouse gases, keeping the planet warm

• Deforestation

• Burning of fossil fuels

• Industrial processes

Causes of global warming

• CO₂ fertilization effect on plants

• Weather and climate changes

• Sea level rise

• Species distribution

• Production changes

Effects of global warming

Ozone depletion (thinning of the ozone layer)

Gradual thinning of Earth's ozone layer caused by the release of chemical compounds with chlorine or bromine from industries and other human activities

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

• Halons

• Other ozone-depleting substances (ODS)

• Natural causes

Causes of ozone depletion

The Philippine Clean Air Act (Republic Act No. 8749, 1999)

A comprehensive air pollution control policy.

It aims to preserve and protect air quality through management systems, emission control, and waste disposal regulation

Air quality monitoring and information network

The DENR prepares an annual National Air Quality Status Report (Section 6)

Implementation of airshed

Airsheds are geographical regions with similar topography and climate that affect pollutant diffusion.

These regions help in evaluating and controlling air quality (Section 9)

Management of non-attainment areas

DENR identifies areas that exceed pollutant standards as non-attainment areas.

New pollutant-producing activities are prohibited (Section 10)

Public awareness and education

Section 11: Air quality information, standards, and control techniques must be accessible to the public

Ambient air quality guideline values and standards

Annual assessment of hazardous air pollutants is conducted to maintain safety and welfare (Section 12)

Emission charge system

Regular emission fees are imposed based on pollution volume and toxicity.

Tax incentives are given to organizations that install pollution control devices (Section 13)

Air quality management fund

Provides technical and financial support for monitoring, enforcement, and research (Section 14)

Air pollution research and development program

Focuses on developing improved methods for the prevention and control of air pollution (Section 15)

Ban on incineration

Incineration that releases toxic fumes is prohibited.

Exceptions include traditional small-scale sanitation, agricultural, and cultural practices, and cremation (Section 20)

Pollution from motor vehicles

The DOTC enforces motor vehicle emission regulations (Section 21)

The Clean Air Program

A national program aimed at minimizing the negative effects of air pollution.

Includes:

• Motor Vehicle Emission Management Program

• Industrial Emission Management Program

• Roadside and general ambient air monitoring

Setting standards

Emission limits: regulate sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants from factories and vehicles

Vehicle regulations: stricter fuel efficiency and low-emission requirements

Monitoring and reporting

• Air quality checks through monitoring networks

• Reporting requirements for major polluters to ensure accountability

Economic measures

• Carbon pricing through taxes or cap-and-trade systems to discourage emissions

• \Incentives like tax breaks for electric cars, solar panels, and energy-efficient appliances

Protecting public health

• Health alerts issued during pollution spikes

• Public education campaigns about pollution and how to reduce exposure

Urban and environmental planning

• Green spaces help absorb pollutants and improve air quality

• Sustainable city planning promotes walkability, cycling, and public transport use

International cooperation

Countries work together under global agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Supporting innovation

• Governments fund research on pollution control technologies

• Encouraging renewable energy and cleaner industrial practices