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Environmental Education Background and History
Environmental education is a learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978).
Environmental education enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective decision-making skills, and teaches individuals to weigh various sides of an environmental issue to make informed and responsible decisions. Environmental education does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of action.
The components of environmental education are:
- Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental challenges
- Knowledge and understanding of the environment and environmental challenges
- Attitudes of concern for the environment and motivation to improve or maintain environmental quality
- Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges
- Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges (UNESCO, 1978)
The following publications provide additional information:
- A Report to Congress on the Status of Environmental Education in the United States [PDF, 2.1 MB, 55 pages, about PDF] Prepared for Congress by the National Environmental Education Advisory Council. 2005.
- Environmental Education in the United States -- Past, Present, and Future.
Discussion papers from the 1996 National EE Summit, Burlingame, CA. Edited by M. Archie. 1998. ISBN 1-884008-53-4
