Nowadays protection of the environment is very important as the world is moving into a new era

without considering any of the major problems of pollution with rapid industrialization. The best way
to protect the environment is conservation. Conservation is the philosophy and policy of managing
the environment to assure adequate supplies of natural resources for future as well as present
generations.
Tropical forests are being destroyed at an ever-increasing rate. Estimates of the extent and rate of
loss vary, but it appears that nearly half of the world?s tropical forests already have been lost, and
the remainder will all but disappear in the next two to three decades. The loss is incalculable. These
forests provide habitat for an estimated half of the world?s plant and animal species, provide water
and fuel for much of the world?s population, and influence regional and global climate. Commercial
logging, clearance for agriculture, ranching, and fuel gathering are all responsible for the destruction.
Their greatest threat is acid rain pollution, which is already severely affecting large areas of the
conifer forests of northeast North America and Europe. Solutions include the development of
alternative fuel wood supplies through fuel wood plantations, the regulation of logging, and a
consensus as to the value of forest conservation over commercial development.
Overgrazing and firewood gathering denude vast areas of arid lands, resulting in inexorable spread
of deserts and desert like conditions. The United Nations estimates that, at present rate of loss, by
the year 2000 about one-third of the world?s arable land will be nonproductive.
The ever-increasing loss of plant and animal species represents a major conservation concern.
Habitat loss, especially in tropical forest areas, is the greatest threat. Some species, such as whales
and the rhinoceros, are threatened by overexploitation.
We have experienced a lot of changes lately: huge floods due to stronger typhoons, and
noticeable changes in our weather from too much heat during daytime and sudden rain
in the afternoon. Based on what I have seen in the movie, "An Inconvenient Truth", we
are already experiencing the effect of global warming and this is very alarming.

I am very sure that we will never forget this particular tragedy happened on 2009. Many
properties were damaged and many lives were lost as typhoon "Ondoy" hit the country.
We lived in San Mateo, Rizal, one of those towns that were adversely affected by
typhoon "Ondoy" and our family was one of the victims. Aside from that "Ondoy"
incident, similar ones also happened all over the Philippines, wherein a lot of people
were affected because of landslides.

I kept asking myself, "Why is this happening to us?" I have read a lot of criticism articles
from newspapers and have heard comments from the radio and television. All of them
are condemning the indiscriminate cutting of trees by big as well as small scale illegal
loggers and the damages brought about by irresponsible mining companies. Although I
understand that there are existing laws concerning these violations, I haven't
remembered anyone who was punished of such. We have laws but those who are
responsible for the implementation of these regulations are not doing their duties to the
best of their abilities. Why? Is it because they are afraid to execute the law, for the
owners of these companies are influential people or the so-called "untouchables?" Or is
it because our law makers are benefitting from them, that's why they are hesitant to do
what is right?

After watching the movie, I have realized that I should not only put the blame on other
people but also on myself. Real and genuine change starts with me and with us. Simple
things like proper disposal of garbage, buying energy efficient appliances and devices,
walking or...