Global Check: When Reality Speaks

Issues about the global environment are one of the most common topics being tackled in the field of journalism. However, we cannot deny the fact that despite it being commonly used, the reality speaks that it remained what it is and even became worse and worse as time passed by, and is one of the reasons why our environment is constantly changing. As a student, focused on the evolving tide of the digital era, we usually are not aware of what is happening in our environment. In our day-to-day lives dealing with different activities, and struggling with different aspects of challenges, unknowingly, our physical health is affected as well due to the impact of one of the major enemies of our environment which is so-called pollution. Pollution is the introduction of substances harmful to humans and other living creatures. These harmful substances are called “pollutants” which are then formed when harmful solids, liquids, and gases are produced in higher than the usual concentration that reduces the quality of our environment. Thus, this enemy has been the reason behind the drastic change of climate and damaged nature till the present time.

As the years evolve, so as the environment evolve. However, it evolves in a negative way. Why? It’s because pollution has been the root of all causes since then. It is evident on news being reported every day about thousands and thousands of garbage being washed offshore and being collected in different areas. People have seen, heard, and known about this issue, however, some of the people chose to remain blind about the reality of how this affects the entire ecosystem. But, it is not just the “garbage” that is being talked about here, this includes the pollution that can be found on Air, Water, and Land. When it comes to water such as the ocean, aside from the floating garbage that can be found within it, comes the exposure of chemicals that makes the ocean a toxic habitat for aquatic life. This pollution mostly came from the oils and chemicals being disposed of or dumped in the waterways. When it comes to Air, harmful smoke that damages the atmosphere’s ozone layer and some airborne diseases caused by human activities serves a bridge to a polluted air. On the other hand, when it comes to land pollution, some of the main factors that contribute here includes deforestation and consequent erosion, agriculture, industry, mining, landfills, and illegal dumping of waste. These contributors eventually will lead to the degradation or even destruction of the earth’s surface and soil.

This environmental issue is inevitable yet it can be prevented. “Prevention is better than cure.” they’ve said and this is true. The destruction has already started and it can’t be stopped. However, we can slow down the process. The point is, as a school and as a human being, how can we be able to delay the deterioration that this enemy causes? In what ways can we be able to contribute at this very time? The answer to that is, as a school, we have to educate every student about the causes of our environmental issues and for us to raise awareness, emphasizing the importance of nature for our day-to-day activities. The generation of garbage is already a global issue, proper segregation has already been implemented yet it must be maintained. Participating in reforestation programs must be encouraged in school to assist our government. More trees added to our nature will significantly reduce toxic gases from our surroundings and prevents soil erosion which leads to flooding. Moreover, as a youth, these are just simple ways yet they could create an impact and contribution to delay the environment’s deterioration.

2006 to give way to less-polluting model, the 4-stroke engines. The DOE has also strengthened its drive to use cleaner fuel, reducing considerably the potentially harmful content in fuel, such as benzene in unleaded gasoline and sulfur in industrial diesel oil. It has also promoted the use of alternative, cleaner fuels such as biodiesel blends especially in government vehicles and public transportation. As for industrial pollution, the Clean Air Act requires businesses to undergo compliance testing prior to operation of establishments. Many companies have also resorted to the use of alternative sources of energy that result in less emission. The DOH reports that the use of cleaner fuels has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of children with elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to disabilities and even death.

This so called weapon of the decade may hopefully penetrate our culture and tradition. This may help our country soar from this common problem. Yes, this is a common problem but cannot be solved in a speed of lightning. We should practice this Republic Act so that it will create a new birth of culture. It’s not a loss or letting this idea dominate our brain a gamble. This is a huge step for the humanity if we overcome such problem as this that to think we made this trouble.

This is the right time to open our eyes. It’s payback time!

The environment is where we live and nature is what makes us breathe. The global issue might be a common topic for everyone; however, the truth lies beneath that from generation to generation, it is still what the earth faces heretofore. To wake up and to face the reality is what we need. Let’s not wait for the time to come that “regret” would be on everyone’s lips, instead let’s do what we can, while it’s not yet too late, and there is still something that we can do. After all, humans are the great enemy of our own home. Do not choose to obscure your own vision towards this serious event, but instead let us help one another in saving our own nature so that the future generation will have something to witness and we could build a much brighter nature ahead of us. Thus, when reality speaks the nature is seen.

Lhouis Miguel Prado