Environmental Challenges and Contemporary Issues in the Philippines and the World

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions and data regarding environmental issues, resource depletion, and illegal exploitation in the Philippine context.

Kapaligiran (Environment)

Refers to all ecological units on earth, including water, land, air, and all living beings that balance one another.

Suliraning Pangkapaligiran (Environmental Problem)

Any event, condition, or problem faced by the world caused by human mistreatment or interference with the natural movement of nature.

Pacific Ring of Fire

The geographical location of the Philippines which serves as a reason why it becomes a melting pot of natural environmental problems.

World Risk Index

A list where the Philippines ranked first in 2023 regarding exposure to environmental risks.

Man-made (Anthropocentric) Environmental Issues

Environmental problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and improper use of land forms.

Ilegal na Pagtotroso (Illegal Logging)

The process of harvesting, processing, selling, importing, and cutting timber from forests without authority or in violation of national and international laws.

Forest Management Bureau

The Philippine agency that monitors and addresses the issue of illegal logging and the annual reduction of the country's forests.

World Bank Data on Logging

Estimated that $10-30\%$ (2019) of all wood cutting worldwide may be illegal.

INTERPOL and UNEP (2012) Research

States that in tropical countries like the Philippines, nearly $50-90\%$ of wood products come from illegal logging.

Over-mining

The process of mining where the extraction of natural resources from the earth occurs in excessive amounts compared to the natural ability of the ecosystem to recover.

Deporestasyon (Deforestation)

The intentional process of destroying, reducing, or losing forest cover in a particular area due to logging or conversion to agriculture.

Agricultural Expansion

The primary cause of deforestation where forests are cleared to create farmland for crops such as rice and corn.

Pagkasunog ng kagubatan (Forest Fires)

Events caused by natural phenomena like lightning or human negligence that can lead to widespread deforestation.

Illicit Wildlife Trade

The unauthorized buying, selling, importing, and exporting of animals, plants, and products from animals protected by law.

Illegal Fishing

Activities of catching or using fish and other marine resources without following laws, regulations, and international agreements.

Overfishing

The result of illegal fishing that leads to an excessive catch of fish from the sea, causing a decline in fish populations.

Soil Erosion

The collapse or degradation of soil caused by the loss of trees and plants that provide protection against ground movement.