Environmental education in today's classrooms

By Marcela Villan

As a Global Schools Advocate, Mission 4.7 Advocate, and Environmental Educator in my country, Argentina, I firmly believe that raising awareness on SDG 13: Climate action is essential today. 

Why is it that the environment needs so much protection? The truth is that after so many years of exponential population growth the planet is suffering from the consequences of human activities. This suffering is primarily due to the emission of greenhouse gases by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial processes. The Earth’s climate is changing, due to a significant loss of biodiversity with numerous species going extinct at an alarming rate, there is unsustainable use of land and overexploitation of resources. Unfortunately, there seems to be no way backwards whatsoever, or is there?

Surprising as it may seem, the teacher’s role is essential in finding solutions to these serious topics. By imparting Environmental Education in the classrooms, we will be promoting environmental awareness from very early stages, encouraging and mobilizing individuals and communities to take actions that lead to a more sustainable future.

So, what does Environmental Education consist of? It consists of increasing people's understanding and awareness of the environment and the interconnectedness between human activities and the natural world. It encompasses a wide range of educational practices and methods that aim to foster a sense of responsibility, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary for individuals to contribute to environmental conservation. Environmental Education engages individuals of all ages and backgrounds in promoting critical thinking and problem solving skills to help find a solution to these present day issues. It also involves hands-on experiences which develops a sense of responsibility towards natural surroundings and fostering a connection between individuals and nature encourages sustainable behaviours in their daily lives. By including Environmental Education in the classroom, teachers equip students with the necessary tools to become environmentally literate and active participants in creating their own future. What is more, teachers empower learners to make informed decisions, take responsible actions, and become advocates for environmental conservation and sustainability. Other important benefits of Environmental Education in the classrooms are the promotion of sustainable development, the opportunities it provides for interdisciplinary projects and the nurturing of Global Citizenship by connecting with local, national and global perspectives of the same issue.

Now, how can all this fit in today’s classroom through a mere language class? First of all, by remembering that teachers do not only teach a language, they teach HUMAN BEINGS, and these human beings need to be aware of the circumstances that surround them. The educators of today must open their students’ eyes to what lies ahead, not in a gloomy way but in a motivating, encouraging positive manner. Here are some ways in which to do so:

1. The inclusion of readers in the language lessons that deal with environmental issues. Parker’s A Long Walk to Water is an excellent example, telling the story of an African girl walking long distances every morning in search of water. 

2. Field trips that make students get in contact with nature and motivate them to take action for it

3. Infographics on environmental topics that show solutions to worldwide problems

4. The writing of biographies of people connected with the environment, such as Greta Thumberg or Jane Goodall

5. Talks with experts in the area

6. Books and movies like The Lorax, aiming to motivate students to act positively

7. Sustainable practices such as recycling or composting

8. A project-based learning methodology through which students clearly connect the social, economic and environmental perspectives of an issue

 Although the possibilities to take Environmental Education to the classrooms seem endless, there is one big drawback that must be taken into consideration: Teachers do not have background knowledge on the subject due to the fact that it is not taught in Teacher Training Colleges. As a consequence, teachers need to educate themselves. For that purpose, Global Schools and Mission 4.7 websites can provide teachers with lots of resources. I was very lucky to be part of them! All this being said, one main idea must be kept  in mind: Every small step counts. Small actions multiplied by a lot of people will make the big difference that the world needs. Educators play a crucial role to accomplish this by having the possibility of building people with a new set of values towards nature, of making students active participants in creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society and of creating a new generation of real agents of change.