Today, there is a pressing need for our collective commitment to sustainability. The Earth is grappling with unprecedented environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. There is no time to lose in taking action in our attempts to arrest this phenomenon. So who, better than educational institutions, can imbibe the spirit of exhibiting responsibility and environmental consciousness amongst the youngest of learners? In this article, we look at how India is leading the way in environmental education.
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The ‘Learning-For-Sustainability’ Approach
According to The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 published by the United Nations, “[y]outh have emphasized the need for interdisciplinary, action-oriented education that is both globally relevant and tailored to local realities, along with adequate teacher support.”
Academic institutions have the potential to generate a wave of positive change and, in achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), higher education institutions have played a key role by implementing and driving sustainable development initiatives within their institutions.
The role of academic organisations is fundamental in addressing pressing global environmental challenges. This is possible through a curriculum that is enriched with the ethos of sustainability and one that offers a platform for research and community involvement, motivating lasting societal change. By showcasing best practices in their operations, research, and teaching, educational institutes have both a direct and a multiplier effect on society. For these to comprehensively address environmental consciousness, a “learning-for-sustainability” approach needs to be embedded synergistically across every aspect of institutional operations.
The earlier learners are exposed to the importance of embracing environmental consciousness, the bigger the impact and reach. Hence, it is imperative to introduce the concepts of environmental preservation and consciousness, as early as in the preschool stage, for young learners to carry the teachings all the way to higher education, just as we do with other basic social and cultural values.
In a 2017 research paper on environmental education as a school subject, authors Gunjan Verma and Poonam Dhull have observed that Environmental Education (EE) contributes directly in creating a better and healthy environment, with studies showing that EE “can increase an individual’s feelings towards environmental problems.”
Environmental Education in India
In 2020, India passed the National Education Policy (NEP), finally addressing the pressing need for environmental education in schools. Through the policy, the government has successfully incorporated initiatives to ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that increases environmental awareness and encourages practical action.
By suggesting a shift from content-based learning to skill-based learning, the policy acknowledges the transformative force of an experiential approach in all subject areas, including EE. It actively encourages educators to integrate hands-on pedagogy that enables students to actively engage with real-world environmental challenges.
The policy enriches school curricula with ecological principles, resource management, and sustainable practices with the aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become conscientious guardians of the planet, laying the foundation for an environmentally conscious and sustainable future.
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The Crucial Role of Educators in Developing a Positive Connection with Nature
The onus to establish a positive relationship between students and the environment lies largely with educators, who have the power and reach to imbibe environmental consciousness through observation, experimentation, and example.
As the first step, teachers are encouraged to integrate EE into their learning modules. The idea is for them to be well-versed in the curriculum themselves, to be able to carry the legacy ahead and ignite the minds of learners. The NEP also recognises the pivotal role of educators and teachers in training and capacity building in EE. By equipping teachers with professional development opportunities to enhance their understanding of environmental issues, teaching methodologies, and the integration of sustainability principles into the curriculum, the policy lays the foundation for an efficient delivery of EE to learners of all ages.
In a 2022 paper, researchers from the Philippines noted that “[c]urriculum developers … must have a thorough grasp of their role in the integration of [EE] into educational curricula so they can effectively bridge the gap that hinders youth environmental empowerment,” adding that the “strategic integration” of EE in daily activities could “fulfil the role of education in environment awareness and action.”
Integrating environmental consciousness into the school curriculum becomes the guiding thread throughout. This integrative approach proves highly effective, surpassing the impact of introducing environmental education as a separate subject. EE can be infused in various disciplines including the Arts, English, Guidance and Career Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics, Native Studies, Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Technological Education.
Strategies for Learning Institutes
Using the school as a lab: Let the children get their hands on the job. Transforming learning into a hands-on experience enhances students’ grasp of environmental and sustainability concepts, making it three-dimensional and tactile and therefore gets ingrained into their memories. As Confucius said: “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
Language, Arts and Communication: Creating environmental awareness and outreach campaigns for the community is a great way to kickstart the journey of environmental enlightenment. It also provides an opportunity to learn language skills for communication and various forms of art, fostering creativity.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). There are a vast number of projects related to the environment that can be incorporated with the STEM curriculum at every stage of schooling. For example, statistics can be taught using graphs created by students based on a survey they do of their neighbourhood. Environmental consciousness can easily be amalgamated with Chemistry and Biology via the analysis of various processes in nature. Social Sciences can encompass the study of the local flora and fauna at elementary levels, progressing to higher grades where students can analyse the long-term impact of climate shifts on landscapes across the globe.
Field Trips: Practical experience is irreplaceable when it comes to learning. Whether exploring a local vegetable market or visiting a town or city with a different culture, this hands-on approach is the most effective way to raise awareness among children about their environment and understand both challenges and successes.
An ideal curriculum for education should be interdisciplinary, holistic, value-driven, locally rooted, and globally relevant, seamlessly integrating sustainability concepts at all levels. This approach ensures a well-rounded and meaningful educational experience, connecting learners to both their immediate surroundings and broader global contexts.
There is transformative power in education to shape a future where ecological stewardship is not merely a choice but an inherent part of our societal fabric. From primary schools to institutions of higher learning, the journey towards a sustainable future begins in the classroom.
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