Sustainability, Equity And Biodiversity - 1455 Words

Sustainability literature maintains that people need to be taught about sustainability, equity and biodiversity, and an early education would be most beneficial(Young Moore, 2012). Ecological education begins with a changing of current perceptions and values (Capra, 1996). If perceptions about current world views and beliefs are challenged, a new way of thinking and of living will be free to emerge. Ecologising education need not be difficult. Humanity’s affinity for nature has been well documented (Gullone, 2000) and eco-literacy can be driven by an innate wonder and joy (Orr, 1992), which are qualities most notably observed in children, allowing ecological thought and sustainable practices to be taught to even the youngest members†¦show more content†¦This first step of building awareness and instilling a global conscience is complimented by supporting students as they grow to become â€Å"active and informed citizens† who â€Å"work for the common good [ by] improving natural and social environments† (MCEECDYA, 2008). The Australian government has developed educational curriculum on the understanding that â€Å"environmental education requires learner-centred, interactive, teaching and learning strategies† and that there needs to be a â€Å"shared vision† if students are going to â€Å"have the knowledge, critical thinking skills, values and capacity to participate in decision making and development issues† (Department of Environment and Heritage, 2005). Education could be liberated â€Å"from the chokehold of consumer culture and economics† where education is â€Å"...a training process for future employment, or an investment which we expect to pay handsome financial dividends† (Burch, 2012). Educating people to become analytical thinkers capable of understanding a multitude of contributing factors in current unsustainable practices will lead the way to new policy and behaviours