Environmental education

What is
Environmental
Education?
Environmental education is a process that allows
individuals to explore environmental issues,
engage in problem solving, and take action to
improve the environment. As a result, individuals
develop a deeper understanding of
environmental issues and have the skills to
make informed and responsible decisions.
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
Environmental education does not advocate a
particular viewpoint or course of action. Rather,
environmental education teaches individuals how
to weigh various sides of an issue through
critical thinking and it enhances their own
problem-solving and decision-making skills.
The National Environmental Education Act of
1990 requires EPA to provide national leadership
to increase environmental literacy. EPA
established the Office of Environmental
Education to implement this program.
Environmental Education
is More Than
Information about the
Environment
Environmental
Education
Environmental
Information
Increases
public
awareness and
knowledge of
environmental
issues
Provides facts
or opinions
about
environmental
issues
Does teach
individuals
critical-thinking
Does not
necessarily
teach
individuals
critical-thinking
Does enhance
individuals'
problem-
solving and
decision-
making skills
Does not
necessarily
enhance
individuals'
problem-
solving and
decision-
making skills
Does not
advocate a
particular
viewpoint
May advocate a
particular
viewpoint
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