LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON GLOBAL WARMING

OF GRADUATING STUDENTS OF
HOLY INFANT COLLEGE

________________

A Thesis Proposal
Presented to
The Faculty of the College of Nursing
Holy Infant College
Tacloban City, Philippines

_________________

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

________________

By:

Alerose B. Candilosas
Rochel G. Parambita
Glenna Denn L. Reas
Garvie Jane R. Reyes
Wilfredo T. Sabay Jr.

March 2009
 INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Global Warming or Climate Change refers to the phenomenon where there are

measurable increases in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and land

masses. Scientist’s believe Earth is currently facing a period of rapid warming brought by

rising levels of heat trapping gases, known as greenhouse gases, in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases retain the radiant energy (heat) provide to earth by the sun in a process

known as the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases occur naturally, and without them the

planet would be too cold to sustain life as we know it.

Since the beginning of Industrial Revolution in the mid-1700’s, however,

human activities have added more and more of these gases into the atmosphere. Humans

create harmful emissions from agriculture, automobiles, aerosols, and air conditioning.

The chlorofluorocarbon (CFC’s) from aerosols and air conditioning has proven

destructive to the protective ozone layer, which helps black out the harmful ultraviolet

(UV) rays from the sun. Carbon dioxide has the greatest effect on the climate and is being

pumped into the atmosphere at ever increasing rates .The earth does not have time to

naturally disperse the Carbon Dioxide and so it continues to build up in the atmosphere.

For example, levels of carbon dioxide, a powerful greenhouse gas, have risen by 35

percent since 1750, largely from the burning fossil fuel such as coal, oil, and natural

gases. With more Greenhouse gases in the mix, the atmosphere acts like a thickening

blanket and traps the radiant heat from the sun and keeps the earth warm(Encarta,2009).

This rapid rise in temperature has been the primary cause for the increase

in severity of storms due to change in weather patterns from higher temperatures. Along
with increased warming comes better breeding ground for harmful molds, bacteria ands

insects and sudden influx of disease. Forests, lakes, river and oceans will be affected and

the resulting changes in ecosystems could cause die-offs and loss of habitat to plants and

animals. Farms and ranches might produce fewer crops due to floods and droughts and

food supplies could offer. (Encarta,2009).

Studies on past climates, paleoclimatology, have shown that ocean currents

and circulation patterns can change with the addition of fresh after from melting ice. Any

significant changes to ocean pattern can also affect nutrient growth, or the location of

nutrients, which could hurt the fishing industry and the lifecycles of the marine animals

and plants.

Even with the evidence presented so far, studies and research must

continue and pollutants need to be reduced. The effects of Global Warming need to be

recognized and solutions must be implemented as soon as possible to avoid possible

catastrophic problems in the future.

Every individual has the ability to help ensure the health of our

environment and awareness and education is the first step. It is an obvious concern that

Global Warming be studied among students at the Holy Infant College (HIC) of Tacloban

City. Student’s especially those graduating should take part in global campaign and can

definitely begin by determining their level of awareness on the issue. Thus, knowing,

measuring and assessing it, is very significant because it is the starting point of

participation to this global movement.

 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND

The theoretical framework of this study is based on Florence Nightingale’s who

was considered the first nursing theorist. One of her theories was the Environmental

Theory, which incorporated the restoration of the usual health status of the nurse’s clients

into the delivery of health care- it is still practiced today. She stated in her nursing notes

that nursing “is an act of utilizing the environment of the patient to assist him in his

recovery”, that it involves the nurse’s initiative to configure environmental settings

appropriate for the gradual restoration of the patient’s health and the external factors

associated with the patient’s surrounding affect life or biologic and physiologic processes

and his development. Environmental factors affecting health adequate ventilation has also

been regarded as a factor contributing to changes of the patient’s process illness of

recovery. Defined in her environmental theory are the following factors present in the

patient’s environment: pure or fresh air, pure water, sufficient food supplies efficient

drainage cleanliness. The factors posed great significance during Nightingale’s time,

when health institutions had poor sanitation, and health workers had little education and

training and were frequently incompetent and unreliable in attending to the needs of the

patients. Also emphasized in her environmental theory is the provision of a quiet or

noise-free and warm environment, attending to the patient’s dietary needs by assessment,

documentation of time of food intake, and evaluating its effect on the patient.

Florence Nightingale and subsequent nurse theorist wrote about the role of

environment as a factor in human health to varying degrees. Environment has been

alluded to and described by different nurse theorists as physical space, the social

environment, the psychological environment or the spiritual environment. Further,

several theorists have defined environment along multiple dimensions. Nightingale

described the nurses role in optimizing the environment for healing, while others such as

Sister Callista Roy write about the environment as something clients must “adapt to” as

part of the healing process. This study seeks to explore the phenomenon of environment

in nursing practice and suggest considerations for expanding nursing knowledge in the

realm of the impact of environment on human health. Advances in technology, man-made

chemicals and he changing social fabric of the human experience begs further

consideration for nurse’s to become more informed about the environment as a

determinant of human health and what steps nurses can take to improve health by

advocating for and adjusting environmental conditions.

Nightingale’s attention to environment has added significance to the role

environmental conditions play in human health status. Nightingale was so adamant about

the importance of indoor air quality and ventilation that she coined it the “first cannon of

nursing”. The community where she practiced, Europe in the 1800’s was plagued with

poor air quality from the heavy use of coal as fuel for home heating. Her concern was on

indoor as well outdoor air quality. Nurses of the present and the future and their patients

would be well served if environmental knowledge and understanding were more common

place in basic nursing education. Nurses interested in health promotion and disease

prevention must be well-versed in environmental studies to work effectively. In closing

the environmental a phenomenon in nursing is represented in the works of many nursing

theorists either directly or indirectly. Environment as a phenomenon in nursing will

continue to have importance as new environments are inhabited by humans. Environment

as a nursing phenomenon will have importance as our existing environments are rapidly
being bio chemically transformed by technology, innovation, and an even- increasing

human population load (www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk.).

Other nurse theorists wrote about the role of environment either directly or

indirectly. It is fair to say that thus far, no other nurse theorist has taken such a strong

focus on the environment in health and healing, and specified the importance of nursing's

attention to environmental factors. Nightingale was very specific in her recommendations

and charged nurses with attending to environmental factors as Nightingale. It seems that

nurses have become increasingly task oriented and narrowed their focus from the

environment to the patient, and in later times, to the technology supporting the patient.

Nurse theorists such as Jean Watson have called for a renaissance of appreciation for

Nightingale's model and writings. Ms. Watson, as did Nightingale, underscores an

emphasis on the importance of environment, and the characteristics of the physical space

in which care giving is rendered (Carr, 1998).

Sister Callista Roy developed the Roy Adaptation Model for Nursing in 1980. Her

model emphasizes the importance of adaptation to situations to facilitate healing. In many

cases, the Roy model makes sense. However, "adaptation" might not be the best route for

humans in light of environmental conditions. Adaptation to unfavorable conditions, such

as poor air quality or toxic substances in a workplace might lead to cancer or asthma or

other adverse health impacts. Nightingale wrote about adjusting environmental conditions

to facilitate health and healing. She did not write about patients adapting to

environmental conditions, but rather advocated for nurses intervening to improve

environmental conditions. There are situations where adaptation might best be expressed
by leaving a situation or changing a situation, or by the nurse intervening to change the

environment (Carr, 1998).

Margaret Newman's Theory describes health as expanding consciousness in

situations where absence of disease or disability is not possible. Newman refers to

"pattern" as a characteristic of wholeness that reveals the meaning of life. She continues

by explaining that pattern is a dynamic relatedness with one's environment, both human

and non-human. She explains that nurses have a responsibility to stay in partnership with

clients as their patterns are disturbed by illness or other disruptive events. In this way, she

describes the nurse-client relationship as a necessary constant in the environment. While

Newman does not write specifically about attributes of the physical environment she

acknowledges environment as a factor. Individuals faced with the need to optimize health

in situations where absence of disease or disability are not possible must overcome and

adapt to environmental factors which presented little challenge previously, developing

new patterns for navigating relationships and the physical environment. The concept of

pattern recognition as it relates to environment brings an indirect focus, or blurs the

emphasis on the environmental conditions (e.g., air, water) versus man-made

environmental barriers or conditions, as factors in health and healing. Considering

interactions with the physical environment as a series of "patterns" to be recognized,

which take on different meaning depending on one's health status, can facilitate the

design of appropriate care. Environment takes on new meanings for individuals who have

compromised health. Environment which was previously been a "silent partner" in one's

life, can suddenly present numerous challenges and become a significant component of

healing (Carr, 1998).

 Madeline Leininger is best known for her work related to cultural competency in

nursing. Leininger talks about cultural care and the need to be sensitive to the role of

culture in health and healing. Cultural care and sensitivity have strong environmental

components. While Leininger does not specify environment in great detail, she alludes to

it in her writings on culture. Cultures and environment worldwide differ greatly. Food,

language, dress, physical gestures, objects in the environment, light, darkness, sound,

smell all take on different meaning in different cultures. Contrast the care that can be

delivered in different settings for different cultures. In my brief exposure to healthcare in

different parts of the world, I understand how important the role of culture and

environment can be to one's healing and health status. Environmental factors from décor,

to type of linens used, to availability of nourishment, to sound, gestures of caregivers, and

more, are all factors that can influence care. An example to illustrate this is the story of

my Cambodian friend who was hospitalized in a US hospital for GI bleeding. A series of

events including her admission procedure, questioning, and foods that were served left

her feeling like the healthcare setting and the practitioners were "unfriendly." She was not

made to feel comfortable in the environment where care was being delivered, primarily

due to a lack of sensitivity to her culture. Considering culture as an environmental factor

can impact one's experience in healthcare. Culturally sensitive care providers can create

an environment where patients feel accepted and their cultural norms are respected and

honored. In this way, Leiningers' work around culture has environmental relevance and is

an important feature in nursing care (Carr, 1998).

The middle range theory of Vigilance provides a unique opportunity to consider

the continual presence of a caring family member in the environment as a nursing

phenomenon. While the theory looks at vigilance and the experience for family members,

it provides the opportunity to consider vigilance as an environmental factor. Consider the

change in the environment when you are in a room by yourself, and then when someone

you love enters that room. Consider the difference between having someone who knows

and cares about you present nearly continuously and being alone in a room. The

environment is transformed by that person's presence, even if they are silent. Their very

presence influences the behavior of everyone that enters the room. It can influence it

positively or negatively, depending on the circumstances. Nonetheless, their presence is a

factor of the environment. By their presence they can change the healthcare experience. It

may be by providing additional touch and physical contact for the patient, by humming a

song, by wearing a familiar scent (fragrance or perfume), by praying for their loved one,

by communicating with caregivers, by providing useful information about the patients

usual preferences, or merely humanizing the patient, letting caregivers know that this

person has value and worth in the eyes of another person, despite the present condition.

Vigilance is an environmental component which can impact other "environmental

factors" including physical environment (vigilant members are able to open windows,

provide nourishment), psychological environment (person is not alone, ever), spiritual

environment (provide the sense that someone can feel connected and loved), and cultural

environment (can carry on traditions, prayers, and bring culturally important aspects into

care) (Carr, 1998).

Environment as a phenomenon in nursing is imbedded in the philosophical

assumptions and principles of Parse's Human Becoming Theory. Parse states, "The

human is coexisting while co-constituting rhythmical patterns with the universe" and "
Becoming is a rhythmically co-constituting human-universe process." Parse's

acknowledgment of the "universe" and "rhythmical patterns" acknowledges that humans

do not live in a vacuum, but rather coexist in the universe and relate to environmental

conditions. While the crux of her theory focuses on human becoming, the underpinnings

of "becoming" have a physiological basis, which is related to one's relationship with the

environment. While Parse does not specifically focus in the environment, but rather on

the past, present and future experiences, cultural forces, and continual evolution and

becoming, environment is a "given" for the processes she describes. For example,

environmental conditions are integrated into the human experience, and influence

thoughts, feelings, decisions, and the quality of relationships. Parse describes this as

universal conditions, and the human response to such conditions. An example of this

could be the effect of extreme weather conditions such as a hurricane or flood. In such

situations, human response to the universe is impacted dramatically. On another level, far

subtler, is the physiological human response to chronic low levels of certain toxic

substances. Subtle, yet a detectable change in physiology and health (example exposure

to lead dust) can impair health, and ultimately the human "becoming" experience.

(Needleman's work re; lead exposed children and aggressive tendencies demonstrated

that a history of exposure to lead in childhood is linked to aggressive behavior in later

years.)

Benner describes how nurses develop competence and grow in optimal clinical

environments. She describes how an expert nurse can create an environment to foster

professional development in other nurses. Nurses supporting nurses creates a positive

clinical environment and good morale. Expert nurses are able to appreciate their effect on
the environment around them. The evolution of expert skills in nursing alters the

academic environment for students, leading faculty to create different types of learning

opportunities in different environments. As nursing programs evolve to incorporate

environmental health skills, Benner's model offers new areas for exploration in nursing.

What does a nurse with "expert" environmental health skills offer? How does a nurse

acquire expert environmental health skills? What is the difference between an expert

environmental health nurse and an occupational health nurse? Benner's theory doesn't

specifically cull out environment as a focus, however the concept of the evolution of

nursing competency from novice to expert influences the workings and ambiance of the

clinical environment and this is a phenomenon to be acknowledged. The concept of

integrating new knowledge (environmental health nursing) into clinical nursing domain

creates the need for understanding the criteria for defining an expert nurse with

environmental health skills.

A variety of nursing theories have been developed in the past fifty years, many

using the Florence Nightingale's work as foundational. In a metaphoric sense, Florence

Nightingales work can be viewed as the base root and trunk of a tree, and modern

theorists as branches from that tree leading into various areas of nursing practice.

Theories have been defined as grand and middle range, depending on their scope of

focus. Nightingale's theory of environment provides basic fundamentals for nursing

practice, and has achieved universality.

Questions about the entry level for nursing practice continue to be asked within

the nursing community. Benner's work on the evolution from novice to expert nurse
further clarifies nurses' professional progress and competence development. When one

considers Florence Nightingale's life and educational background prior to her official

entry into nursing, her experience makes the case for the benefits the nursing profession

can gain from a more broad-base education for nurses. Florence's father insisted on

introducing his daughters to mathematics, sciences, foreign languages and history. He

encouraged them to be well versed in a variety of areas, including philosophy and

religious studies. Florence was able to draw from this rich educational background

throughout her career, and her knowledge in such areas is reflected in her writings. Given

the current juncture in human history, the nursing profession would be well served by

evaluating the educational preparation Nightingale received, and parody the breadth of

that education in the preparation for nurses today. Further, adding courses focused on the

environment, indoor air quality, ergonomics, water quality, and industrial hygiene topics

would prepare nurses to advocate for and optimize environmental conditions. This is

particularly relevant in light of the research by Dr. David Pimentel of Cornell University,

who has identified the fact that more than 40% of deaths worldwide are caused by

environmental pollution and degradation. Nurses interested in health promotion and

disease prevention must be well-

Global Warming, the general increase in the earth's near-surface air and ocean

temperatures, remains a pressing issue in a society that has expanded its industrial use

since the mid-twentieth century. Greenhouse gases, atmospheric gases that exist to keep

our planet warm and prevent warmer air from leaving our planet, are enhanced by

industrial processes. As human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels and
deforestation increases, greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide are released into the

air. Normally, when heat enters the atmosphere, it is through short-wave radiation; a type

of radiation that passes smoothly through our atmosphere. As this radiation heats the

earth's surface, it escapes the earth in the form of long-wave radiation; a type of radiation

that is much more difficult to pass through the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases released

into the atmosphere cause this long-wave radiation to increase. Thus, heat is trapped

inside of our planet and creates a general warming effect (Lindell, 2008).

The earth’s ecosystem is an incredibly diverse web of interrelationships and

dependencies that has evolved over millennia. Rapid climate change associated with

global warming threatens to undermine this balance by introducing new stress to the

system at a pace that far outstrips evolutionary adaptation. In practical terms any living

thing that is dependent for survival on the type of climate they currently inhabit may well

be faced with a stark choice between migration or extinction. The poignant plight of the

polar bear struggling to survive as its habitat melts away is just one of many creatures

with nowhere to go. If we manage to control emissions at present rates estimates still

place rates of extinction among animals and plants as high as 37 per cent by 2050; any

increase could take this figure as high as 50 per cent. Even if we were able to accept this

ecological tragedy, the implications for the survival of mankind are equally profound.

Our ability to feed ourselves is intimately dependent on the climate. As the earth warms,

a disproportionate impact will be felt in many of the poorest countries, where drought

will afflict agricultural production. Crops that once flourished will fail and our capacity to

produce food will decrease bringing with it the likelihood of famine. Although more

northerly regions may benefit from a longer growing season, they will also play host to
some unwelcome climate migrants. Diseases like malaria and dengue fever, once

confined to the tropics, are already spreading northward as mosquitoes follow the more

temperate climate. Agricultural pests are also on the move, leading to a potentially

greater dependency on polluting pesticides. Although it is difficult to gather data, the

oceans too are threatened by climate change. Spectacular coral reefs are particularly

sensitive to temperature rises and have been extensively damaged, with more than a

quarter already destroyed. The tiniest marine plants, photoplankton and zooplankton, die

off if the water becomes too warm. These creatures are the staple food of many species of

fish and their absence can devastate fisheries. These delicate food chains, easily disrupted

by temperature rises could well have a potentially catastrophic effect on our ability to

feed an ever-growing population.

Many things cause global warming. One thing that causes global warming is

electrical pollution. Electricity causes pollution in many ways, some worse than others. In

most cases, fossil fuels are burned to create electricity. Fossil fuels are made of dead

plants and animals. Some examples of fossil fuels are oil and petroleum. Many pollutants

(chemicals that pollute the air, water, and land) are sent into the air when fossil fuels are

burned. Some of these chemicals are called greenhouse gasses (Encarta, 2009). The

crucial component that causes greenhouse gases such as CO2, Methane,

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), and Nitrous Oxide to be released into the atmosphere is

human activity. The burning of fossil fuels (i.e., non-renewable resources such as oil,

coal, and natural gas) has a significant effect on the warming of the atmosphere. The

heavy use of power plants, cars, airplanes, buildings, and other man-made structures

release CO2 into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Nylon and nitric acid
production, the use of fertilizers in agriculture, and the burning of organic matter also

release the greenhouse gas Nitrous Oxide. These are processes that have been expanded

since the mid-twentieth century. Another cause of global warming is land-use changes

such as deforestation. When forest land is destroyed, carbon dioxide is released into the

air thus increasing the long-wave radiation and trapped heat. As we lose millions of acres

of rainforest a year, we are also losing wildlife habitats, our natural environment, and

most significantly, a non-regulated air and ocean temperature (IPCC, 2007)

The increase in the warming of the atmosphere has significant effects on both

natural environment and human life. Obvious effects include glacial retreat, Arctic

shrinkage, and worldwide sea level rise. There are also less obvious effects such as

economic trouble, ocean acidification, and population risks. As climate changes,

everything changes from the natural habitats of wildlife to the culture and sustainability

of a region (Lindell, 2008).

One of the most obvious effects of global warming involves the melting of the

polar ice caps. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, there are 5,773,000

cubic miles of water, ice caps, glaciers, and permanent snow on our planet. As these

continue to melt, sea levels rise. Rising sea levels are also caused by expanding ocean

water, melting mountain glaciers, and the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica melting

or sliding into the oceans. Rising sea levels result in coastal erosion, coastal flooding,

increased salinity of rivers, bays, and aquifers, and shoreline retreat.Melting ice caps will

desalinize the ocean and disrupt natural ocean currents. Since ocean currents regulate

temperatures by bringing warmer currents into cooler regions and cooler currents into

warmer regions, a halt in this activity may cause extreme climate changes, such as
Western Europe experiencing a mini-ice age. Another important effect of melting ice

caps lies in a changing albedo. Albedo is the ratio of the light reflected by any part of the

earth's surface or atmosphere. Since snow has one of the highest albedo level, it reflects

sunlight back into space, helping to keep the earth cooler. As it melts, more sunlight is

absorbed by the earth's atmosphere and the temperature tends to increase. This further

contributes to global warming (Almanac, 2002).

Another effect of global warming is changes in wildlife adaptations and cycles, an

alteration of the natural balance of the earth. In Alaska alone, forests are continually

destroyed due to a bug known as the spruce bark beetle. These beetles usually appear in

the warmer months but since the temperatures have increased, they have been appearing

year-round. These beetles chew on spruce trees at an alarming rate, and with their season

being stretched for a longer period of time, they have left vast boreal forests dead and

gray. Another example of changing wildlife adaptations involves the polar bear. The

polar bear is now listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Global

warming has significantly reduced its sea ice habitat; as the ice melts, polar bears are

stranded and often drown. With the continuous melting of ice, there will be less habitat

opportunities and a risk in extinction of the species (Smith, 2009).

As Carbon Dioxide emissions increase, the ocean becomes more acidic. This

acidification affects everything from an organism's ability to absorb nutrients to changes

in chemical equilibrium and therefore natural marine habitats. Since coral is very

sensitive to increased water temperature over a long period of time, they lose their

symbiotic algae, a type of algae that gives them coral color and nutrients. Losing these

algae results in a white or bleached appearance, and is eventually fatal to the coral reef.
Since hundreds of thousands of species thrive on coral as a natural habitat and means of

food, coral bleaching is also fatal to the living organisms of the sea(West, 2005).

Global warming will also enhance the spread of diseases. As northern countries

warm, disease-carrying insects migrate north, carrying viruses with them that we have not

yet built immunity for. For example, in Kenya, where significant temperature increases

have been recorded, disease-bearing mosquito populations have increased in once cooler,

highland areas. Malaria is now becoming a nation-wide epidemic. Since disaster relief

takes a heavy toll on the world's economy and diseases are expensive to treat, we will

suffer financially with the onset of global warming (Yeomans, 2007).

Projected sea-level rise will greatly affect low-lying coastal areas with large

populations in developed and developing countries worldwide. According to National

Geographic, the cost of adaptation to a newer climate could result in at least 5% to 10%

of gross domestic product. As mangroves, coral reefs, and the general aesthetic appeal of

these natural environments are further degraded, there will also be a loss in tourism.

Similarly, climate change impinges on sustainable development. In developing Asian

countries, a cyclic disaster occurs between productivity and global warming. Natural

resources are needed for heavy industrialization and urbanization. Yet, this

industrialization creates immense amounts of greenhouse gases, thus depleting the natural

resources needed for further development of the country. Without finding a new and

more efficient way to use energy, we will be depleted of our natural resources needed for

our planet to thrive (Alley, 2008).

The government is doing many things to help stop global warming. The

government made a law called The Clean Air Act so there is less air pollution. Global
warming is making people get very bad illnesses that could make them disabled, very

sick, and sometimes even die. The Clean Air Act is making many companies change their

products to decrease these problems. Part of the law says that you may not put a certain

amount of pollutants in the air. Hairspray and some other products, like foam cups, had

this problem. Making and using these products let out too much volatile organic

compounds (VOC’s), ozone-destroying chemicals (chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), and

related chemicals (such as CO2) into the air. Now, almost all of these products have a

label on them telling people what this product can do to the environment and many

people. By 2015 all products listed on the Clean Air Act will have this label on them:

WARNING: contains or manufactured with (the chemical

would go here. For example chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), a

substance which harms public health and the environment

by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere.

Almost all of the other chemicals that could be harmful will have this label on them

hopefully by this time (2015) as well.

The Clean Air Act has also made car companies change some of the things inside

of the cars. Cars pollute a lot. While cars make more than half of the world’s smog

(visible pollution in the air), many things that cars need to move and heat up make even

more pollution. Some things that are inside of cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles, like

gasoline, pollute the air when the fuel is burned. It comes out as a chemical and when

mixed in the air, forms smog. Smog is a kind of pollution that you see in the form of a

cloud. If you have ever been to California you can see a lot of smog in some places.

Sometimes the smog gets so bad that you cannot see at all! Smog forms when car
exhaust, pollution from homes, and pollution from factories mixes in the air and has a

chemical reaction. The sun’s heat and light add to the reaction. Cars, buses, and trucks

are also responsible for over 50% of dangerous chemicals let into the air. Some of these

chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects, trouble breathing, brain and nerve damage,

lung injures, and burning eyes. Some of the pollutants are so harmful that they can even

cause death (David, 2007).

The very large reductions in CO2 emissions required if we are to stabilise

greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere can be achieved only by firm

international agreements. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the

Kyoto Protocol have established a process that supports international co-operation, but

the unavoidable stresses these agreements put on the most industrialized economies have

made progress slow and kept emissions reductions at modest levels. The main

impediment to progress is the widely held perception that reducing CO2 will have an

adverse effect on prosperity and economic growth. The Stern Review on the Economics

of Climate Change was commissioned by the UK government specifically to examine

whether this perception was accurate. What they concluded was quite the contrary. As

climatic changes begin to have serious economic consequences, the costs of continuing

with a business-as-usual scenario will soon begin to outstrip the initially more expensive

mitigation process. This view is now beginning to make headway with the community of

industrialized nations and there is a growing acceptance that urgent action is required.

Stern outlined paramount areas of international co-operation that will be needed to

achieve effective agreements. These include the establishment of a global carbon price,

based around the model of the EU emissions trading scheme; international co-operation
in the development of low carbon technologies; support for the developing world; and

efforts to target emissions from land use. The EU has already made some headway,

setting ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020

and to producing a fifth of its energy via renewable sources by the same date. These

initially painful reductions will also bring with them economic opportunities in the

development of new technology, and improvements in energy efficiency. Other countries

are beginning to follow suit, spurred on by the popular support that action on climate

change is attracting. The ultimate test for the global community will be how quickly and

how successfully it can convert good intentions into effective action (Buwen, 2005).

People are doing many things to try to stop global warming. One thing people are

doing is carpooling. Carpooling is driving with someone to a place that you are both

going to. This minimizes the amount of greenhouse gases put into the air by a car.

Another thing that people are doing is being more careful about leaving things turned on

like the television, computer, and the lights. A lot of people are taking time away from

the television, and instead, they are spending more time outdoors. This helps our planet

out a lot. Now, more people are even riding busses, walking to school, and riding their

bikes to lower the amount of greenhouse gases in the air. Planting trees and recycling also

helps. If you recycle, less trash goes to the dump, and less trash gets burned. As a result,

there are fewer greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. Watch what you buy. Many things,

such as hairspray and deodorant, now are made to have less of an impact on the

atmosphere. Less greenhouse gasses will rise into the air, and global warming will slow

down (Sparling, 2005).

Studies performed by the British government show that to avert potential disaster
in relation to global warming, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by

approximately 80%. But how can we preserve this vast amount of energy that we are so

accustomed to using? There is action in every form from governmental laws to simple

everyday tasks that we can do ourselves. In February 2002, the United States government

announced a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18% over a 10-year period

from 2002-2012. This policy involves reducing emissions through technology

improvements and dissemination, improving the efficiency of energy use, and voluntary

programs with industry and shifts to cleaner fuels. Other U.S. and international policies,

such as the Climate Change Science Program and the Climate Change Technology

Program, have been reinstated with a comprehensive objective of reducing greenhouse

gas emissions through international cooperation. As the governments of our world

continue to understand and acknowledge the threat of global warming to our livelihood,

we are closer to reducing greenhouse gases to a manageable size (Winton, 2006).

Plants absorb the greenhouse gas Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere for

photosynthesis, the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by living organisms.

Increased forest cover will help plants remove CO2 from the atmosphere and help

alleviate global warming. Although having a small impact, this would help reduce one of

the most significant greenhouse gases contributing to global warming (Svensmark, 2006).

There are small actions that we can all take in order to help reduce greenhouse gas

emissions. First, we can reduce electricity use around the house. The average home

contributes more to global warming than the average car. If we switch to energy-efficient

lighting, or reduce energy needed for heating or cooling, we will make a change in

emissions. This reduction can also be made through improving vehicle-fuel efficiency.
Driving less than needed or buying a fuel-efficient car will reduce greenhouse gas

emissions. Although it's a small change, many small changes will someday lead to a

bigger change. Recycling whenever possible greatly reduces the energy needed to create

new products. Whether it is aluminum cans, magazines, cardboard, or glass, finding the

nearest recycling center will aid in the fight against global warming (IPCC, 2007).

Climate change is the first truly global issue to confront mankind; no country or

individual can afford to ignore the well-documented scientific warnings. As global

warming progresses, natural resources will be further depleted, and there will be risks of

wildlife extinctions, melting of the polar ice caps, coral bleaching and disintegration,

floods and droughts, disease, economic disaster, sea level rise, population risks,

unsustainable land, and more. As we live in a world characterized by industrial progress

and development aided by the help of our natural environment, we are also risking

depletion of this natural environment and thus of our world as we know it. With a rational

balance between protecting our environment and developing human technology, we will

live in a world where we can simultaneously progress the capabilities of mankind with

the beauty and necessity of our natural environment.

 Recommendation

Global Warming – A Global Issue

Profile Level of Awareness

of Global Warming Factors Role
• Age in terms of its: influencing the and
• Gender level of Action
• Program • Status awareness and
enrolled in • Causes extent of
• Type of • Effects/ influence.
Secondary Impacts
School • Management
Attended of impacts
• Prevention
and Control

Graduating Students of Holy

Infant College S.Y. 2008-2009.

Figure I. Conceptual Framework of the Study

 This study takes into consideration that global warming is a global issue, i.e., it

is known by everyone, and anywhere this is a timely topic as can bee heard in radio, seen

in television, newspaper and the internet. This very exposed knowledge raises the

question on the level of awareness of graduating students of HIC, the significance

between the level of awareness on global warming and the respondents demographic

profile, the action or role that the respondents do or will do to prevent global warming

and so with the factors influencing the level of their awareness and to what extent do

these factors influence their level of awareness.

 THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the level of awareness of graduating students of

Holy Infant College SY: 2008-2009 on the issue global warming. Specifically it will

answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of the following:

1.1 age,

1.2 gender,

1.3 program enrolled in,

1.4 type of secondary school attended?

2. What is the level of awareness on global warming of the graduating students

in Holy Infant College in terms of its:

2.1 status,

2.2 causes,

2.3 effects/ impacts,

2.4 management of impacts,

2.5 prevention and control?

3. What are the factors influencing the respondents level of awareness on global

warming? To what extent do these factors influence their level of awareness?

4. Is there a significant relationship between the level of awareness on global

warming and the respondents demographic profile in terms of:

4.1 age,
 4.2 gender,

4.3 program enrolled in,

4.4 type of secondary school attended?

5. What role or action do the respondents do or will do to prevent global

warming?

6. Based on the result of the study, what recommendation can be formulated?

Statement of Null Hypothesis

Ho1 There is no significant relationship between the respondents level of

awareness on global warming to their demographic profile in terms of:

1.1 age,

1.2 gender,

1.3 program enrolled in,

1.4 type of secondary school attended.

Significance of the Study

This study on the level of awareness of global warming is significant to the

following persons and institutions:

Students. This study will help them know what particular role, based on the level of their

awareness, they are to make on issues of global warming. As an individual and as future

professionals, we are also held responsible to protect our environment not only in favor

of us but for the next generations to come.

College Instructors. As teachers of a highly demanded discipline, teachers, knowing the

level of awareness of their students on global warming will do their best to make their

students increase knowledge, become more active participants and campaigners on global

warming.

Schools. This research, will encourage other schools to tackle the issue of global

warming as an advocacy on personal and community health management.

Local Government. Through this study the local government in the locality where Holy

Infant is, that as a school, HIC can be the LGU’s partner in the campaign against global

warming and the basic issues surrounding it.

Future Researchers. The results presented in this study provide a wealth of information

on global warming. Future researchers may utilize some of the results of this study that

needs further investigation. The study has revealed suggestive relationships between

demographic factors; however, we were unable to examine the interrelationships among

these factors. In addition, future research will explore what can be learned from using

more sophisticated definitions of global warming than were available for this study. Also,

ongoing analyses will allow them to continue to use the most recent data. Rapid change

in the environmental status requires that analyses be refreshed and updated on a

continuing basis.
PART I: Demographic Profile

Please put a ( ) on the space provided on the item of your choice.

NAME: (optional)____________________________ Course:______________________

AGE: ________ 19-22 GENDER: _______ Male

________ 23-30 _______ Female

________ 31 and above

TYPE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED: ________ Public _______Private

PART II: Level of Awareness

Please honestly rate your level of awareness by using the scale below. Put a check ( ) on

the space provided to your corresponding answer.

SCALE INTERPRETATION

3 Fully aware

2 Aware

1 Not aware

Level of Awareness in terms of: 3 2 1

1. Status/ Degree of Global Warming.
2. Causes

• Carbon dioxide from power plants

• Methane

• Increasing water vapor in the atmosphere

• Nitrous oxide

• Deforestation

• Permafrost

• Tundra

• City Gridlock

• Carbon in atmosphere and ocean

3. Effects/ Impacts

• Polar ice caps melting

• Economic consequences

• Increased probability and intensity of droughts and heat

waves.

• Warmer waters and more hurricanes

• Spread of disease

• Lack of good food and great holiday spots

• Oceans turning acidic

• Loss of major eco-systems

• Droughts and hurricane

• Constant and unseasonal storms and floods

PART III: Factors influencing the respondents level of awareness on global

warming and the extent to which these factors influence their level of awareness.

Please honestly rate your level of awareness by using the scale below. Put a check ( ) on the

space provided to your corresponding answer.

SCALE INTERPRETATION

3 Highly Influencing

2 Influencing

1 Not influencing

Factors: 3 2 1
1. From lesson

2. Self research

3. Internet

4. Word of mouth

5. Media (TV, Radio, magazine)

6. From parents

7. Secondary school attended

PART IV: What role or action do the respondents do or will do to prevent global

warming?

Roles or Actions: Yes No

1. Recycling of waste
2. Chooses paper bags instead of plastic
3. Grow more plants
4. Turn off electrical components when not in use
5. Use water efficiently
6. Use renewable fuels
7. Use public transportation instead of private vehicle
8. Buy environment friendly product
9. Spread the word about global warming
10. Others, please

specify_______________________________________________.