Education for Sustainable Development: An Advanced Step Leading to Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The shape of the environment shapes the future of the populations. Sustainable environment is an emblem of the ecological balance of nature.  This paper aims to discuss the genuine concepts of sustainability and sustainable development goals (SDGs) of United Nations (UN), explain the rationale, goals, and importance of ESD, describe the different pedagogic approaches in ESD, and integrate the significant roles of environmental education for attaining sustainable development. Sustainability is the ability to exist harmoniously in nature and develop economically without depleting natural resources for the future generation. The four pillars of sustainability are human sustainability, social sustainability, economic sustainability, and environmental sustainability.  ESD is way way to improve the quality of life of the present and future generations. ESD has included key sustainable developmental issues into teaching and learning by focusing on the aspects of climate change, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, poverty reduction, and sustainable consumption. ESD is aligned with the seventeen SDGs of UN. SDGs aim to transform our world into a better place to thrive in, to end poverty and inequality, to protect the planet, and to ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity. In various educational settings around the world, critical reflection, participatory and collaborative learning, systematic thinking and analysis, and problem based learning are one of  the most effective pedagogic approaches for ESD. Integrating the true essence of environmental education in ESD can promote critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skill of the educators and learners alike. Environmental education can empower the decision-makers of tomorrow, can improve the public understanding of climate change, and can rehabilitate the altered ecosystems.

Keywords: education for sustainable development, pedagogy, sustainable development, sustainable development goals, sustainability

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/15-10-05

Publication date: September 30th 2024