Geographical, Climate and Environmental Aspects

Geographical, Climate and Environmental Aspects

            The Philippines are classified as a tropical marine climate and have traditionally been an agricultural & fishing based economy. While historically rich in fishing grounds and blessed with an abundance of vegetation, there are major environmental issues within the country that threaten this diversity.  Additionally, because of its geographical location it is also affected by monsoon seasons, volcanic and earthquake activity. 

           According to papers associated with the United Nations 2013 Human Development Report, the Philippines continues to have multiple environmental concerns.  The report categorizes the environment into three zones:

            1.  Green Zone – includes forest ecosystems, critical habitats and biodiversity and the      agricultural ecosystem.

            2.  Blue Zone - water resources such as watersheds, water supply, coastal and marine        ecosystems.

            3.  Brown Zone - urban ecosystems with focus on water and air quality, solid wastes,       toxic and hazardous wastes and industrial activity (Naz, 2013).

    Green Zone Issues - Degradation of forestland leading to a dramatic decline in native forests.  It is estimated that currently a mere 3% of original forest remains.  This sustained forest loss is also cited as a significant factor in loss of biodiversity. This is particularly concerning as many of the Philippines’ animal species are endemic (they cannot be found anywhere else in the world). For example, of 180 native terrestrial mammal species in the country, about 61% are endemic (World Wildlife Fund, 2014). Other “green zone” issues include overuse of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides in unsustainable agricultural practices.  This has also led to significant watershed degradation (Naz, 2013). 

            Blue Zone Issues – Due to increased population growth and unregulated building, many coastal areas have been compromised.  This has led to a severe loss of mangroves, coral reefs, and natural fish hatcheries.  Additionally saltwater intrusion into improperly located freshwater wells has contaminated many fresh water sources (Naz, 2013).  Due to overfishing issues, there has been a drop of 90% in the quantity of marine organisms in some fishing areas of the Philippines (Asian Development Bank, 2015).

            Brown Zone Issues - Improper waste management policies are a major health concern because only about 10% of sewage in the Philippines is treated or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. The rest usually right back into the ocean (World Wildlife Fund, 2014). One of the greatest difficulties in getting these issues under control is that the country is desperate for the economy of business and industry and the immediate needs of jobs and production trump long term environmental goals.  Furthermore, implementation of existing regulations is difficult due to overlapping jurisdictions and conflicting rules.  There is also a severe lack of financing to implement programs designed to clean up the environment (Naz, 2013).