ACTIVITY 3
ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY SHEET
GROU NO. DAT OCTOBER 16,
P: 1 E: 2025
GROUP DUMLAO, , ADLAWAN, DAN , ANDRADA, , CHAVEZ, ZYREL
MEMBE CLARENCE L. EMIL L. FRANCIS DAVE M.
RS: R.
MENDOZA, , MORADA, , PRADO, JOHN , SARSALEJO,
YANCY L. JOHANN DENVER A. DUSTINE LUFFY
SEBASTIAN B. S.
ASSIGNED SET
AIR ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
SCENARIO:
Air Under Threats: Jeepney’s Emission and Open Burning of Garbage
Air pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems in the world today, and two major contributors to this issue are
vehicle emissions and the burning of garbage in dumpsites. These human-made activities release large amounts of harmful gases and
particles into the atmosphere, posing serious risks to both the environment and human health. In crowded urban areas, where old
vehicles and improper waste disposal are common, the impact becomes even more evident, often resulting in thick smog and
consistently poor air quality.
Vehicle emissions, especially from old and poorly maintained jeepneys, are a familiar sight on city roads. The thick black
smoke coming out of their exhaust pipes is caused by incomplete fuel combustion due to outdated engines, low-quality fuel, and the
lack of regular maintenance. This smoke contains pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter—all of
which linger in the air and are easily inhaled even by people far from the source. Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory
conditions are particularly vulnerable. Prolonged exposure can lead to asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses.
Beyond health impacts, these emissions contribute to global warming, as greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to
rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and climate instability.
On the other hand, the open burning of garbage in dumpsites is another major contributor to air pollution. Due to the lack of
proper waste disposal systems, many communities burn waste to reduce its volume. However, this practice releases toxic chemicals
such as dioxins, methane, and carbon dioxide. These substances not only pollute the air but also threaten human health by increasing
the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure can weaken the immune system and trigger chronic illnesses.
Furthermore, the smoke and ashes from burning garbage can contaminate the soil and nearby water sources, harming plants, animals,
and entire ecosystems. This creates a ripple effect that disrupts agriculture, damages food sources, and endangers the safety of
drinking water in surrounding communities.
To address these pressing problems, effective solutions must be implemented. Regular vehicle inspection and maintenance
should be enforced to prevent smoke-belching vehicles from operating. The use of modern, fuel-efficient, or electric vehicles should be
promoted to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. A study modeled replacing old engines in jeepneys with Euro-4 diesel engines and
found a significant reduction in harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and
particulate matter, showing clear improvements in air quality and public health when cleaner technologies are adopted.
In terms of waste management, communities must practice proper waste segregation and recycling to minimize garbage
accumulation. Governments should strictly prohibit open burning and provide proper waste collection and disposal facilities. Waste-to-
energy technologies—such as anaerobic digestion for biogas production or thermal combustion for electricity generation—offer a dual
solution by reducing landfill volume while supplying renewable power. Research analyzing urban WTE systems has shown that these
technologies can be both environmentally beneficial and economically viable, especially when integrated into long-term city planning.
Most importantly, public awareness and education campaigns are essential to ensure proper participation and encourage
environmentally responsible habits.
In conclusion, vehicle emissions and the burning of garbage are significant causes of air pollution that threaten both our health
and the environment. By working together, following environmental laws, and promoting sustainable practices, we can reduce air
pollution and create a cleaner, healthier, and more livable planet for everyone. Every small action, whether it’s maintaining our vehicles,
properly throwing our trash, or supporting clean technologies contributes to a larger collective change. If both citizens and the
government act with urgency and discipline, cleaner air is not just a possibility but an achievable reality. Protecting the environment is
not only a responsibility, it is an investment in the future of the next generation.
References:
De Guinto, J. D., Dela Rea, A. H., Galang, B. M. V., Rodriguez, H. R. A., Sibal, D. B., &
Ramos, R. V. (2025, February 4). Switching jeepneys to Euro-4 engines can significantly reduce air
pollution and improve public health. Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the
Philippines. [Link]
reduce-air-pollution-and-improve-public-health
Haraguchi, M., Siddiqi, A., & Narayanamurti, V. (2019). Stochastic cost-benefit analysis of urban waste-to-
energy systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 224, 751–765.
[Link]
