Meaning, Nature and Scope of Environmental Education

 

Meaning, Nature and Scope of Environmental Education

 

Although we are progressing twice day and night in the field of technology and industry, but somewhere this progress is also exploiting our natural resources, due to which many environmental problems have arisen, which are harmful for mankind and other living beings. 

Proving fatal for Therefore, there is a need to make people aware that they should use natural resources properly, focus on alternatives to natural resources, make necessary efforts at the local level to deal with problems like pollution and soil erosion, control natural disasters. 

 

Strive continuously for this and monitor the development happening in the field of technology and industry so that natural resources are not exploited. 

For this, compulsory arrangements should be made for environmental education at school and higher education level. In this sub-unit you will learn about the meaning of environmental education,

 

According to the Environment Protection Act (1986), environment is defined as the sum total of water, air and land, their interactions with each other and with human beings, other living beings and property. 

Environmental education is basically related to the environment. It cannot be understood from the point of view of any one particular discipline, rather it includes many subjects. 

In this, an attempt is made to understand environmental phenomena and problems from political, socio-cultural, economic and biological point of view so that people develop necessary knowledge, understanding, skills and attitude to solve these problems and they can apply ideological and practical ideas on them. be able to take appropriate action. 

 

Environmental education is a process in which a person becomes familiar with environmental issues, He studies them with involvement and tries to improve the environment by taking appropriate action for their solution. 

As a result, one develops a deeper understanding of environmental issues and acquires the skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions on them.

 

Environmental education is a process of learning that increases people's awareness of the environment and its associated challenges, develops the knowledge, skills, expertise, attitudes and attitudes needed to meet these challenges and make informed decisions and act responsibly. There is incentive to take action. (UNESCO, 1978)

To understand the nature of environmental education, it is necessary to know how 'Environmental Education' is different from 'Environmental Science'. 

In the broadest sense, 'Environmental Science' is the science of the complex relationships between the terrestrial, atmospheric, biological and anthropogenic environments.

 

It includes disciplines such as chemistry, biology, sociology, political science, and anthropology that influence or describe these interrelationships. 

On the other hand, environmental education is a subject that includes the basic elements of environmental science and especially it makes people aware of environmental discussions and inculcates necessary knowledge, skills, attitude to solve environmental problems individually or collectively. and develops values.

Environmental education not only studies the physical and biological characteristics of the environment, but it also includes the social and cultural factors of human beings that affect the environment.

 

In other words, environmental education explains how the environment, the physical environment in which we live, affects our individual and social lives and how our individual and social activities affect the interactions with the environment. 

It makes people aware of various environmental problems existing at the local, regional, national and international level and also informs them about the programs, projects and policies going on to solve these problems so that they become aware and sensitive to the protection of the environment. 

Can Today, considering the priority of environmental protection, environmental education has been made mandatory at various levels of education. 

In the textbooks prepared at local and regional level, special place is given to environmental problems existing at regional or local level.

 

Environmental education enhances critical thinking, problem solving and effective decision making skills 

And prepares to take informed and responsible decisions by considering various aspects of environmental discourse. 

Environmental education does not advocate the point of view or action of any particular person, group or society, rather it prepares people to study various aspects of the problem and take the most appropriate and beneficial decision for all sections of the society. 

It is responsible because it is quoted from solid evidence and facts and is sensitive to the environment as well as the development of each section of the society.

Environmental education is a complex process.

 

It not only collects environmental events, but it also plays an important role in building society. 

It develops the skills of participation, planning, working in a group, understanding each other's feelings, leadership, establishing relationships with various organizations etc. 

It also acquaints people with the interaction and functioning of governmental and non-governmental organizations in solving a problem.

Environmental education is comprehensive and continuous lifelong education that prepares people to change and adjust in a rapidly changing world.

 

It sensitizes us to the major problems of the contemporary world and develops a responsible attitude towards them. 

It develops critical thinking, problem solving skills as well as moral values.

UNESCO has given the following instructions for environmental education-

1. Environmental education should be compulsorily included from primary to post graduate level.

2. An interdisciplinary approach should be practiced in environmental education, which should include all the physical, chemical, biological and socio-cultural aspects of the environment.

It should act as a bridge between science and technology and society.

 

3. Special emphasis should be laid on the historical perspective of environmental problems in environmental education. 

4. Environmental protection should emphasize the need and importance of sustainable development, ie such economic development that does not harm the environment.

5. Environmental education should emphasize the need for international partnership to deal with environmental problems, especially those that exist on a global scale. 

6. Activities based on practical and direct experience should be given special place in environmental education.

Characteristics of Personality

Role of the teachers in the development of environmental awareness 

Objectives, Need and Importance of Environmental Education