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| FOLLOW LEARN WITH EASE BY AKANSHA GUPTA |
The process through which people investigate environmental issues in order to take necessary, timely, and appropriate action to correct any environmental problems is known as environmental education.
People gain a deeper awareness of environmental challenges and significant shifts in ecosystem behavior through environmental education. Making appropriate judgments for the environment's improvement is made possible by their understanding of the subtleties of environmental challenges.
Although the phrase and notion of "environmental education" are relatively recent, they have extremely old cultural roots. The earliest of the four Vedas is the Rigveda. "The dust (Dhula) of mother Earth and the light of father sky should remain to be associated with full brightness for our welfare," the Rigveda says. The Rigveda states that there are three different types of God: celestial, aerial, and terrestrial, or land, air, and water. Of these, Brihaspati is the most significant, denoting knowledge of these texts. Because the environment and the creature were so closely intertwined, it was difficult to think of the organism as existing outside of nature or the environment, which meant that the entire Brahamanda was full of serenity and happiness.
While studying geography, the social sciences, and the natural and physical sciences raises understanding of environmental issues, they do not use strategies and tactics to correct imbalances and stop degradation. In a similar vein, studying psychology raises consciousness of learning; however, educational psychology raises awareness of learning in addition to practice of the approach and strategies for enhancing learning. While environmental education plays a part in enhancing life and values, environmental awareness is restricted to the understanding side of things.
Currently, it is believed that there is a relationship and connection between the environment and humans. Because of the negative impacts that light, air, and the dust of the earth have on humans, nature or the environment can be both sad and happy. As a result, it is widely acknowledged that environmental education is necessary.
In accordance with the Tiwari Committee's recommendations, the nation has acknowledged the necessity of environmental education (1980). Many people agree that "environmental education" is desperately needed. The goal is to integrate environmental issues into all subject areas, in addition to introducing the topic of "Environmental Science" at all educational levels. To this end, we need to place a strong emphasis on innovative programs and methodologies for environmental education. It will raise issues with the environment.
DEFINITION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
“Environmental education is the process of recognizing values and clarifying concepts in order to develop skills and attitudes necessary to understand and appreciate the interrelatedness among man, his culture, and his bio-physical surroundings. It also entails practice in decision-making and self formulation of a code of behavior about problems and issues concerning environmental quality.” –UNESCO (1910) Working Committee
“Environmental education is a way of implementing the goals of environmental protection. It is not a separate branch of science or field of study. It should be carried out according to the principles of life-long integral education.” -UNESCO (1976) Seminar
“Environmental education is problem-centered, interdisciplinary, value-oriented, community-oriented, and concerns with man’s survival as species, based on student-initiated activities and involvements present and future-oriented.”
“Environmental activities will lead to study of natural and physical sciences, social sciences. Construction and creative skills will provide the basis for the practice of healthy living and will serve as the basis for environmental education.”
OBJECTIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The objectives of EE are to create a global populace that is devoted to working both individually and collectively to find solutions to present issues and to stop the emergence of new ones, as well as one that is conscious of and concerned about the environment as a whole and the challenges associated with it (UNESCO, 1975). These are listed in the following order:
1.Acquire awareness, or sensitivity, to the environment as a whole and the issues that surround it.
2.Knowledge is the result of having a range of experiences and developing a fundamental comprehension of the environment and the issues it presents.
3.The ability to actively participate at all levels in the process of resolving environmental issues is known as participation.
4.Evaluating environmental programs and educational measures in terms of ecological, economic, social, aesthetic, and educational issues is an example of evaluation skill.
5.Develop the ability to recognize and address environmental issues.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The review of the definitions of E.E. indicates the following main characteristics:
1.It is a process of recognizing the interrelatedness between man, and his physical, cultural, and biological surroundings.
2.It appears to be a process that equips human beings with awareness, skills, attitudes, values, and commitments to improve the environment.
3.It refers to the knowledge and understanding of the physical, biological, cultural, and psychological environment and to perceive its relevance to real-life situations.
4.It identifies the imbalances of the environment and tries to improve them in view of substance development.
5.It entails practice in decision making and self formulations of a code of behaviour about problems and issues concerning environmental quality.
6.It develops skills, attitudes, feelings, and values needed to play and productive role in improving life and values.
7.It involves a child’s investigation and systematic exploration of his own natural and social environment and prepares him to solve problems for improving his life.
8.It is problem-centered, interdisciplinary, value and community-oriented, and concerned with man’s survival and development.
9.It concerns the present and the future.
It provides the basis for construction and creative skills for the practice of healthy living and improvement.
10.It involves both theoretical and practical aspects of the environment to improve the imbalances and prevent deterioration or pollution.
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Environmental education has a wide scope as it is one of the most important areas of study. People need to understand their duties and responsibilities towards the environment.
The scope of environmental education can be explained with the help of the points given below.
1. The biological component The biological components of environmental education are the most crucial. The human race is the best example. Aspects that are biological also include things like bacteria, plants, animals, birds, and insects.
2. The Physical Aspect There are two categories for the physical component of environmental education: natural and man-made. The elements of the physical world are land, water, air, and climate. However, man-made features include things like buildings, bridges, roads, highways, airports, railroads, dams, reservoirs, and so on.
3. Cultural-Social Aspect These are the customs, cultures, and behaviors that people adopt in order to survive in a community. It may cover guidelines, legislation, moral convictions, etc.
EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
1. Cultivating a Sense of Environmental Responsibility among Students.
2. Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem Solving in Environmental Education.
3. Adopting Experiential Learning Approaches.
4. Collaborating with Local Communities and Organizations.
5. Using Technology and Digital Tools to Enhance Environmental Education.
CONCLUSIONS
Environmental education is not just a subject but it is an essential tool for building resilience in a changing world. With each generation equipped with this knowledge and passion for sustainability through effective environmental education strategies, we can pave the way for a brighter future where humanity coexists harmoniously with nature.
