Environmental Education As A Catalyst For Sustainable Development Goal Implementation
Chinedu Emmanuel Okoro
Agricultural Education Department, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua, Nigeria
Amina Fatimah Suleiman
Agricultural Education Department, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua, Nigeria
Abstract
Human interaction with and exploitation of the environment for survival and convenience has led to a wide range of environmental problems, many of which threaten the planet and deepen the hardships of rural communities. Despite long-standing efforts through Environmental Education (EE) to promote sustainability and envision a future where natural resources and human needs coexist harmoniously, the world remains less environmentally sustainable than in the past. This paper emphasizes the urgent need to reinvigorate and rethink Environmental Education to address current environmental challenges.
The study argues that for EE to be effective in driving behavioral change, sustainable lifestyles, and responsible development, it must be more potent and contextually grounded. This includes equipping schools with adequate instructional materials, trained personnel, and learning environments that promote environmental awareness and action. A key strategy proposed is the transformation of teacher education to prioritize environmental literacy, ethical reasoning, and value-based learning. Furthermore, integrating natural and cultural resources within local communities into EE curricula can foster place-based learning and deepen individuals’ connection to their environment.
The paper advocates for an EE approach that cultivates environmentally responsible citizens and institutions by embedding moral and ethical considerations into the learning process. In addition, the development of a national innovation system that supports eco-friendly policies, community engagement, and sustainability-driven research is proposed as a long-term solution to environmental degradation. Ultimately, transforming education is seen as essential for nurturing a society capable of safeguarding the integrity, stability, and beauty of the natural world