Environmental education is a multidisciplinary field that incorporates all subjects such as
earth science, Biology, Ecology, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth science
and others. It exactly means or explains the surrounding in which we live, it also includes
things which we are directly or indirectly dependent such as animal, plants, or non-living
things like soil air and water for our survival. The main aim of Environmental Education is
to teach human beings about the natural eco system functions and how we can create a
sustainable environment for all to live in and also for our future generations. Humans have
destroyed the natural resources to a larger extent which resulted in the globalization. The
UNESCO states that to protect our environment we must create an awareness which has to be
heightened. Environmental education can help people to understand how their actions can
impact the environment and how that can be reduced. It is not just about curriculum
environmental education also generates public awareness with the help of websites, print
media, postures, aquariums, parks, and observatories, these includes the information about
the environment and their impacts and it creates an awareness among the people.
Development of Environmental Education:
Even though environmental education exists from the 18 th century, its importance was
realized only in the later years. People realized the importance of this only after the growing
climatic changes. In 1920s and 1930s a new field Conservation Education was emerged, it
focused on the scientific approach to nature instead of history and characteristics. This
education uses scientific management as a planning tool. The modern Environmental
Education enhances the conservation education and also a growing awareness about the harm
produced by pesticides and radiation rise in the water pollution. Health risk has risen which
made the people to think about saving the environment, only with the help of active
participation of the common people we can make some difference in the environment. In
1970 Earth day was celebrated for the first time on 22 nd April for the first time.
Components of Environmental Education:
In many schools and in many countries the Environmental Education has been added to
their school curriculum, this will help the students to understand the significance of
environment from the young age. The three main components are Curricula, Green Facilities
and training. Curricula not only aim at classroom curricula but also provide outdoor learning
to the students and it helps the students to understand the impact humans and the environment
have on each other. Students can understand how the human actions can affect the natural
resources and if the natural resources are spoiled how it can spoil the human health and life.
Outdoor activities includes trip to the park exploring new species of plants and fields.
Experimental activities in the schools like green project and club activities. A green facility
enables more energy sufficient, use of healthy foods etc. Training is the most important
component that educates people about the sustainable development and how it helps the
future generation to survive, it also builds a strong relationship with nature.
