Kenth Arman D.

Macalinao BSED-SOCSTUD 2
CERAE PAPER

Context
The evidence is becoming irrefutable that climate change-induced environmental change,
degradation, and biodiversity loss are no longer threats but are instead already upon us,
driven by humankind's polluting production processes and unsustainable consumption. This
study was conducted by the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) spearheaded
by the authors of the initial analysis and data gathering were Professor Nadim Farajalla and
Celine El Khoury (consultants), with additional support on research, consultations, and
drafting by Simon Dennett, Governance & Peacebuilding Programme Analyst.
The Linear-Stages Theory is a concept in sociology and developmental theory that posits
societies evolve through a fixed sequence of stages, each characterized by distinct economic,
social, and political attributes. It suggests that societies progress from a simple, traditional
state to a more complex, modern one in a linear and predictable manner. In this article
"Climate Change, Environmental Degradation, Conflict, and Displacement in the Arab States
Region" by UNDP, this perspective might suggest that the Arab States region is undergoing a
particular stage of development influenced by climate change, environmental degradation,
conflict, and displacement. It may frame these challenges within the broader narrative of
societal challenges and development, potentially offering insights into how these issues
intersect and evolve over time in the region.
From the structural functionalism, in sociology and other social sciences, a school of thought
according to which each of the institutions, relationships, roles, and norms that together
constitute a society serves a purpose, and each is indispensable for the continued existence of
the others and of society as a whole. In structural functionalism, social change is regarded as
an adaptive response to some tension within the social system. It would highlight how
climate change and environmental degradation disrupt these systems, leading to conflicts
over resources and displacement of populations. The analysis would stress the importance of
maintaining stability and equilibrium within societal structures and the role of governance
and interventions in addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable development.
On a Conflict theory is a sociological perspective that views society as characterized by
inequality and conflict over scarce resources and power. It suggests that social order is
maintained through the dominance of certain groups over others, leading to tension,
resistance, and social change. It highlights how marginalized groups are disproportionately
affected and how conflicts over resources exacerbate social tensions and displacement. The
analysis calls for systemic change to address root causes and advocates for policies
promoting equity and environmental sustainability to mitigate these impacts.

Experience
In our municipality, Bonifacio we are experiencing scarcity of water and some environmental
degradation just like small landslides. These challenges became headache to every citizens in
our baranggay because our tap water only flows during the midnight, so, we need to wake up
in the midnight for us to store water, to wash our clothes and sometimes to water our plants, it
hinders us to use too much water during the day because the flow cuts off in the morning,
when we want to wash our body and take a shower we need to go in a water stream that is a
little bit far from our house for us to save our water resources. Climate change is pretty
visible and we can feel it today the abnormal weather that we are experiencing is something
we should worry about, also the scourging heat nowadays is extremely dangerous both from
the environment and to our health.

Reflection
Reflecting to the things what I have read in this article, it entails the problem that we are
facing nowadays mainly on Arab-States like Maghreb, Levant, Nile, The Arabian Peninsula
and the Horn of Africa, their main problems are water resources, agriculture, the weather and
their land. I have reflected that amidst the rich profile of the Arab countries like their richness
in oil and gold they are experiencing a big challenges in their environment and resources.
This gives me an insight of even how rich your country is, we cannot deny the fact that
environmental degradation is taking place in that certain area, and we cannot deny the fact
that climate change affects us globally.

Action
 Research and Assessment:
 Conduct comprehensive research and assessments to understand the specific
challenges and their root causes in different areas within the Arab States region.
 Collaborate with local experts, communities, and organizations to gather data and
insights into the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, conflict, and
displacement.
 Policy Development and Implementation:
 Develop and implement policies at local, national, and regional levels that address the
underlying causes of environmental degradation and conflict, while promoting
resilience and sustainable development.
 Prioritize policies that support equitable resource management, land rights, and access
to basic services for marginalized communities.
 Integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into development plans
and policies to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.
 Conflict Prevention and Resolution:
 Support conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms that address the underlying
grievances related to resource scarcity, land disputes, and social inequalities.
 Engage in dialogue and mediation processes involving key stakeholders, including
government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, and international
actors.
 Promote inclusive decision-making processes that prioritize the voices and needs of
affected communities, especially women, youth, and indigenous groups.
 Environmental Conservation and Restoration:
  Implement measures to conserve and restore ecosystems, including forests, wetlands,
and coastal areas, to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.Invest in sustainable
agriculture, water management, and renewable energy initiatives to reduce
environmental degradation and promote sustainable livelihoods.
 Support community-based conservation efforts and empower local communities to
participate in natural resource management and environmental stewardship.
 Humanitarian Assistance and Protection:
 Provide humanitarian assistance and protection to displaced populations, including
refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities, ensuring access
to shelter, food, water, healthcare, and education.
 Address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women, children, elderly, and
persons with disabilities in humanitarian responses.
 Strengthen legal frameworks and mechanisms to protect the rights of displaced
persons and ensure their safe and dignified return, resettlement, or integration.
 Capacity Building and Awareness Raising:
 Build the capacity of governments, civil society organizations, and local communities
to effectively respond to climate change, environmental degradation, conflict, and
displacement.Raise awareness about the interconnected nature of these issues and
promote a culture of environmental sustainability, conflict prevention, and
peacebuilding.
 Provide training and education programs on sustainable resource management,
conflict resolution, and resilience-building strategies at the community level.
 International Cooperation and Solidarity:
 Strengthen international cooperation and solidarity to address the transboundary
nature of environmental challenges and their impacts on conflict and displacement.
 Mobilize financial resources and technical support from international donors,
multilateral organizations, and development partners to implement sustainable
development initiatives and humanitarian interventions in the Arab States region.
 Foster partnerships and collaboration among governments, regional organizations,
civil society, academia, and the private sector to achieve common goals and shared
solutions.
By implementing this comprehensive plan of action, stakeholders can work together to
address the complex and interrelated challenges of climate change, environmental
degradation, conflict, and displacement in the Arab States region, promoting sustainable
development, peace, and resilience for present and future generations.

Evaluation
Reading this long articles showers me different idea on how we can face the challenges of
environmental issues, climate change, social issues and displacement. However most of the
ideas are focusing on the environmental side mainly on the water resources and the lands in
Arab states, I have learn that Climate change and environmental degradation each
occur in parallel, as well as the relationship between them becoming a vicious
cycle, with climate change inducing environmental degradation and biodiversity
loss, which then further exacerbates climate change. Its also good to know that they have
SDGs or the Sustainable Development Goals which is critical for improving the quality of
life and environment for its citizens, in turn reducing potential sources of tension,
frustration, and conflict.
I recommend the UNDP to integrate this kind of articles in social media platforms because, it
can boost the spreading of the information about this kind of topic, and it is integral to raise
awareness about our environment, social struggles or conflicts, degradation of our nature and
climate change.
CHED should improve the learning materials that we have, to provide quality information
which can help to the integration of Social Sciences Theories and how will the stakeholders
implement this to our educational integration.

APA
Parsons, T. (1951). The Social System. Glencoe, IL: Free Press.
Dahrendorf, R. (1959). Class and Class Conflict in Industrial Society. Stanford, CA: Stanford
University Press.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, March 5). Structural functionalism.
Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/structural-functionalism