Environmental Sustainability in Practice

Goals and Context of Sustainability Education

Goals

Although there are distinctions between the various definitions of environmental education, education for sustainable development and education for sustainability, we can see common goals of sustainability education emerging. In general, sustainability education seeks to empower and equip people to take action for a sustainable future. Sustainability education is not just about learning about the environment and sustainability issues, but it emphasizes community involvement, participation in decision-making, and being an active citizen who works towards a more equitable and environmentally sustainable world.

Context

Much of the focus of sustainability education is in formal settings, either directly through curriculum or as complements to the curriculum. For example, in Ontario, the concept of sustainability is being incorporated into various subjects as official curriculum documents are updated and revised. The latest revision of the Gr. 9 Geography curriculum has among its goals: “Analysing the connections within and between natural and human environments and communities; and being responsible stewards of the Earth by developing an appreciation and respect for both natural and human environments and communities” (Ontario, 2013, p.7).

Many not-for profit organizations work alongside schools to offer environmental or sustainability education experiences. For example, some Canadian organizations includeHowever, not all sustainability education occurs in formal settings. There are many non-formal ways in which this occurs such as through nature centers, non-governmental organizations, public health, agriculture extension agents, 4-H Club; and even informal ways through TV, newspaper, radio.  
Various educator networks also exist to provide support and resources for environmental sustainability educators.

Education plays an important role in enabling people to live together in ways that contribute to environmental sustainability and sustainable development.

 

This page has paths:

This page references: