What is the Importance of Environmental Education for Kids?

We are witnessing the consequences of environmental deterioration and climate change. From extreme weather conditions, the spreading of deadly diseases, and species loss to severe pollution, resource depletion, and food and water scarcity, people are facing numerous environmental challenges at once. This rings especially true for India. Lagging in 9 out of 16 Sustainable Development Goals, there is a need for collective commitment to save the environment.

Under such circumstances, one cannot negate the importance of environmental education in schools. Environmental education classes help shape environmentally conscious youth and instil responsible behaviour and awareness. Hence, in today’s write-up, we discuss the meaning and importance of environmental education for kids. Keep reading ahead!

What is Environmental Education?

Many of us are aware of environmental education (EE) and might even have studied the school level. To put it simply, it’s referred to as the area of study that teaches young minds about functions and components of the natural world. The study also identifies the critical environmental issues, their consequences, and ways to mitigate them. Human beings are an important factor in maintaining the ecosystem, and this study teaches youth about how their responsible behaviour can positively affect the environment. 

If we talk about the topics covered in EE, this multidisciplinary field includes fields like Biology, Chemistry, Social Science, Physics, Mathematics and more. In 2020, a National Education Policy (NEP) was passed in India, addressing the need to include environmental education in schools. This policy encouraged schools to include topics like resource management, impact of pollution, need for sustainable practices, etc, in the course curriculum. Let’s now focus on the importance of environmental education.

What is the Importance of Environmental Education?

There is no denying the fact that EE helps connect youth with the nature and environment around us. Even though the primary object is to raise awareness of the environmental issues among kids, it also discusses sustainable practices and actions to improve the current situation. We have listed various reasons why EE is vital for school education. 

Environmental Consciousness

Like any other school subject, EE also focuses on creating awareness. It offers a proper understanding of the environmental functions, burning issues and identifying responsible actions. Besides this, EE instils respect for nature, creating environmentally conscious youth.

Critical Thinking Skills

EE helps in the development of critical thinking skills by motivating kids to participate in field trips, research and investigations. Through this, they can form their own opinions and come to their own conclusion.

Sustainable Habits

We all need to take direct actions to affect the environment positively. EE teaches kids about vital sustainable habits such as recycling, conservation of water and electricity, reusing water bottles, gardening, composting and more. 

Responsible Citizens

EE is a study that focuses on understanding how the environment works. Only by gaining in-depth knowledge can people take proper action to prevent deterioration. This helps in making an ordinary student into a responsible citizen of the future.

Threatened Habitats

One of the vital objectives of studying EE is learning about biodiversity loss, threatened species and the preventive steps to save them. It teaches kids about the fragility of the ecosystem and how human actions affect everything.

Environment-Friendly Consumers

Many responsible Indian schools encourage students to participate in programmes and drive on sustainable habits and eco-friendly practices. This includes using energy-efficient appliances at home, avoiding single-use plastics, reusing and recycling and more. These kids are set to become environment-friendly consumers of the future. 

Conclusion

If you are a parent reading this write-up, we urge you to include a few practices that would help protect the environment. You can start by encouraging your kids to spend time in parks, go for outdoor adventures and spend time with nature instead of fiddling with smartphones. During the summer vacation, you can help them pick up a hobby like gardening or become a part of community community projects focussed on saving the environment. Excellent schools like K.R. Mangalam World School, School in Gurgaon, know the importance of environmental education. This is why in the past, KRMWS have organised competitions to emphasise mangrove conservation and other issues. Apply today!

Read more - The Best Private School In Gurgaon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of environmental education?

The environmental education class lessons include topics such as pollution, understanding the ecosystem, climate change, reducing waste and more. Good schools like K.R. Mangalam World School, Gurgaon, integrate experiential lessons which involve field trips, after-school projects, green clubs and more.

What is the importance of environmental education?

Kids need to study environmental education as it creates awareness and understanding of core topics, how to act towards the burning issues, practising sustainable practices and more. 

What is the scope of environmental education?

Oftentimes, people underestimate the need for environmental education. They are not aware that it’s one of the most talked about areas of study in recent times. Covering physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects, the scope of environmental education is far-reaching.

Which is the best school in Gurgaon?

Even though there are more than 200 schools in Gurgaon, K.R. Mangalam World School still stands out among all of them. Emphasising the importance of a well-rounded personality, the school provides holistic education by integrating excellent academic learning and extracurricular activities.