Why is education for sustainable development so important?
Sustainable development is the fundamental challenge that all societies face if we are to avoid long-term damage to the Earth’s basic life-support systems. Young people will be the decision-makers of the future, in both their personal and professional lives. They need to learn to live in ways that increase the quality of life for themselves and others without eroding the Earth’s resources at a rate quicker than they can regenerate.
Education for sustainable development brings context and motivation to learning. Young people care about their future and about the kind of world they live in, but many feel powerless to change anything. A sense of powerlessness can lead to apathy and, at worst, destructive behaviour. Education for sustainable development can help pupils develop the understanding, skills and values to contribute in a positive way, which enhances self-esteem and increases motivation.
The Government has a Sustainable Development Action Plan for Education and Skills that sits within the wider UK Sustainable Development strategy.
Why should [students] worry about the 90 million annual increase in the world’s population … the 400 million unemployed in the ‘South’… ozone depletion, drought, famine and poverty? There is one very obvious reason. Anyone … over the age of 50, given reasonable good luck, can expect life to go on much as it is now until we achieve our generous life expectancy. Those … between 20 and 50 will need unusually good luck for that to happen and anyone under 20 … has no chance at all. Something is going to have to change…
George Walker
Head of the International School, Geneva
When my parents were growing up the world’s population was under three billion. During my children’s lifetime, it is likely to exceed nine billion. You don’t need to be an expert to realise that sustainable development is going to become the greatest challenge we face this century.
Tony Blair
March, 2001
I regard the idea of ‘sustainable development’ as intriguing, threatening and challenging — and … the most important ‘big idea’ confronting humankind.
Jonathan Dimbleby
November, 2000
Education … should be recognised as a process by which human beings and societies can reach their fullest potential. Education is critical for promoting sustainable development and improving the capacity of the people to address environment and development issues.
Agenda 21
Earth Summit, 1992
Education is … a route to equality of opportunity for all, an healthy and just democracy, a productive economy, and sustainable development…[The school curriculum] should develop [pupils’] awareness and understanding of, and respect for, the environments in which they live, and secure their commitment to sustainable development at a personal, local, national and global level.
The National Curriculum, 1999
At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rainforest. Now I realise I am fighting for humanity.
Chico Mendes
Rubber tappers’ leader