Atmosphere

According to Merriam Dictionary, atmosphere is defined as the gaseous envelope of a celestial body (as a planet). Without the atmosphere, the planet will have no protective gear from the harmful UV rays and the temperature will not be controlled. It’s the atmosphere function to regulate the planet’s temperature. This is known as heat retention (greenhouse effect) and temperature change between day and night. As a matter of fact, the year 2012 is the 9^th hottest year for the globe since 1880 as stated by NASA.  Another important function of the atmosphere is to hold important gasses necessary to sustain life; hereby highlighting the significance of atmosphere to the planet and to us.

However, as time went by, humanity neglected the importance of atmosphere. Different activities are widely practiced throughout the planet. These activities are unhealthy and causing further problems with the planet’s atmosphere; practices such as usage of ozone depleting substances, air pollutants, and deforestation among others are contributing to the problems.

Thus, atmospheric environmental issues arise. Air pollution for an instant is a known problem. It does not only endanger every living creature but also signifies the lifestyle of the community involved. Another issue is called Ozone Depletion. It is defined as the result of the complex set of circumstances and chemistry. In 1980s, it was discovered that it was already depleted where Antarctica was one of the affected places. And the list of atmospheric environmental issues goes on with the effects of global warming to the atmosphere, climate change, acid rain and atmospheric pollution among others.

Moving on, it’s not always bad news. Recently, sciencedaily.com published an article about the recovery of the Ozone layer over the North Pole. As stated in the article, it is expected to recover by the end of the century. This improvement is the result of The Montreal Protocol (an agreement designed to protect the ozone layer). It only shows change for the planet is still possible, that there’s still hope after all.

Therefore, it is important for innovations of machineries, strategies and techniques that will ease everyday living with lesser impacts to the atmosphere.  The planet’s atmosphere should always be considered as it keeps the planet livable. 

Lithosphere

Lithosphere is known as the outer part of the Earth or the solid portion of the planet. Moving on, the Earth’s lithosphere is composed of mantle and crust. It is vital as it is the source of the minerals needed on our daily living, source of fuels and provides nutrients to plants and animals. Further, it also made the changes in the planet possible. For an instance, in volcanic eruption a new island may be formed over time and the theory of Plate Tectonics explains the motions of Earth’s lithosphere.

The planet’s lithosphere is facing a variety of environmental problems triggered by the human race. For an example, land degradation. It is human induced or natural process which negatively affects to function effectively within an ecosystem. One of the major causes is land clearing or deforestation.  Another known issue is soil contamination; it is the presence of man-made chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment.  Intentional or accidental dumping of hazardous chemicals is the cause of soil contamination. Both land degradation and soil contamination are affecting the lives of living organisms. When the quality of land is decreased, it affects the society in both socially and economically aspects.

The lithospheric environmental issues are not limited with what were mentioned above. It also includes deforestation, deficiency in minerals and negative impacts of mining among others. It is noticeable that humans are taking minerals from the lithosphere. More often than not, we tend to take more than we really need; taking without the consideration of sustainability.

Problems directly related with the lithosphere are easily recognized even by a common person. Although solutions are logically obvious, the society is stubborn. From the simple reuse, reduce and recycle policy, segregation of garbage to no littering, we rarely follow to these regulations. In a way, we all contribute to these environmental problems. Therefore, it is up to us to change our ways and improve the quality of life that we have.

The challenge here is not only about innovations but also improving the self-discipline and increasing the concern to the environment. The need for public awareness is seen important to properly address the issue.

Hydrologic Cycle

Also called as water cycle, this process is to explain the continuous movement of water in planet Earth. The cycle is consist of six (6) important processes that are to be completed; evaporation, condensation, precipitation, surface runoff, infiltration and transpiration. This cycle is considered to be extremely significant to every living entity as it controls the water in Earth. Thus, water is necessary to sustain life.

Being familiar with the cycle, it shows that it is important to keep the fresh water supply, clean. Throwing and dumping materials to the environment must be considered thoroughly. As these chemical substances may become a part of water cycle.  Improperly disposed chemicals to the land might end up in ground water or surface water while harmful chemicals which are present in the air may be back to the planet in form of rain or snow. Both are danger to every living creature.

Water is essential to all life forms; therefore it is necessary for us to act as a civilized and concern individual for our community. At the end, being a responsible individual will benefit not only us but also the generations to follow. It’s nice to play outside while raining, especially when you are sure that it’s not acid rain.

Environmental Laws

In the Philippines, environmental laws are available to legally and lawfully guide every citizen on issues regarding the country’s environment.

In generally, the Philippines have a rich biodiversity. As a matter of fact with Isla Verde in the province of Batangas, the country is known the Center of Marine Biodiversity. Therefore, it is only important to protect the country’s finest and pristine environment. These policies of course are not limited with the marine biodiversity of the country.

To name a few, the local government units must follow the following environmental laws:

Presidential Decree 1586 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Statement of 1978

Republic Act 6969 Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990

Republic Act 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999

Republic Act 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000

Republic Act 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004

In addition to these policies, the Philippine’s Tourism Act of 2009 is also in support with the country’s campaign to protect the environment. More so, these policies show that the government has been promoting environmental awareness, conservation and protection. However, these policies are poorly implemented. Many citizens are still very unaware of the ruling of the mentioned policies.

Lastly, the new breed of engineers must be highly inclined with the environmental issues. They must be well aware and informed with the environmental issues of the locality they are working for. This way, proper innovative solutions which can highly address the problems will be provided. As Sir Henry Royce stated “Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it. ” Anyway, a good engineer is a person who works for the common good.