🌍 Our environment is under pressure. From the scars of human activity to the force of natural events, nature continues to bear the weight. But in the face of these challenges, action has been taken. Through powerful laws and protective policies, we aim to defend what remains and restore what’s been lost. Below are some of the most pressing environmental issues — and the laws created to fight back.

1. Deforestation

A large-scale clearing of forests that leads to loss of biodiversity, climate imbalance, and soil erosion.

Corresponding Law: Destruction of Forest Act No. 3701 – This law penalizes the illegal cutting and destruction of forest areas to help conserve forest ecosystems. 

╰┈➤ jur.ph/law/summary/amendment-to-revised-administrative-code-re-destruction-of-forests 

2. Dynamite Fishing

The use of explosives to catch fish, which severely damages coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

Corresponding Law: Republic Act No. 106521 – This law bans the use of dynamite and other harmful methods in fishing to protect marine life. 

╰┈➤ lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2015/ra_10654_2015.html 

3. Mining

Extracting minerals from the earth, often resulting in land degradation, water contamination, and deforestation.

Corresponding Law: Republic Act No. 7962 – The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 regulates mining operations to ensure responsible and sustainable practices. 

╰┈➤ www.iea.org/policies/16252-philippine-mining-act-of-1995-republic-act-no-7942 

4. Air Pollution

The release of harmful substances into the air from vehicles, factories, and burning waste, affecting health and the environment.

Corresponding Law: Republic Act No. 8749 – The Clean Air Act provides measures to maintain clean air and regulate pollutant emissions. 

╰┈➤ lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1999/ra_8749_1999.html 

5. Solid Waste Mismanagement

Improper disposal and management of garbage, which causes pollution, flooding, and public health risks.

Corresponding Law: Republic Act No. 9003 – The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act promotes proper waste segregation, recycling, and disposal. 

╰┈➤ www.oneplanetnetwork.org/knowledge-centre/policies/ecological-solid-waste-management-act-2000-ra-9003 

6. Climate Change

A long-term shift in weather patterns caused by greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

Corresponding Law: Republic Act No. 9729 – The Climate Change Act of 2009 aims to integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation into government planning. 

╰┈➤ climate.emb.gov.ph/?page_id=68 

7. Overfishing

Catching fish faster than they can reproduce, leading to declining fish populations and ecosystem imbalance.

Corresponding Law: Republic Act No. 8550 – The Fisheries Code manages and regulates the fishing industry to ensure sustainability. 

╰┈➤ lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1998/ra_8550_1998.html 

8. Bush Burning

The practice of setting fire to vegetation, often for land clearing, which can lead to wildfires and air pollution.

Corresponding Law: Bush Fire Act No. 1054 – This act regulates and penalizes uncontrolled bush fires to prevent environmental damage. 

╰┈➤ ecac.emb.gov.ph/?page_id=142 

9. Water Overuse

Excessive withdrawal of water from natural sources for agriculture, industry, or personal use, which can lead to water scarcity.

Corresponding Law: Republic Act No. 9275 – The Clean Water Act ensures water conservation and pollution control. 

╰┈➤ lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9275_2004.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJm6sRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHv3_5SPYg-XXBPaqRkE0lTvAfVLLmhh1TkXS5amP7-FK4SYHnuNzpfyTEEXj_aem_1f0-6fofkzaubSl9KVC8ZQ 

10.  Habitat Destruction
The loss of natural environments due to urban development, agriculture, and illegal logging, threatening wildlife.
Corresponding Law: Republic Act No. 9147 – The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act safeguards habitats and endangered species.

╰┈➤  pcsd.gov.ph/republic-act-9147/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJm6uFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHt6Yo5WH2imJkcN_VsV3dyggrY5zG1VsK5DKabyXejbCIUq554enpVqvpcB5_aem_oiLukAAhNSimgL2PP6Ufow