Why Environmental Studies Is Important At All Levels Of Education

Importance of Environmental Studies

Education is the basis of everything in today’s world including the environment. Environmental education connects us to the world around us and imparts knowledge about the current situation and future prospects of nature. It raises awareness of issues impacting the environment and also teaches people to explore all the problems related to the environment, and engage in wise ways of preserving it. Whether we bring nature into the classroom, take students outside to learn. Environmental Education has many benefits; some of them are listed below.

Imagination and enthusiasm are heightened

Places with natural surroundings are best for artists to create their masterpieces. Poetry, painting, sculptures etc are all products of imagination. Environmental education is an interactive learning that sparks the imagination and unlocks creativity. Environmental education can make people recognize the hidden artist within them. Through Environmental education, one would know the rescue drills for natural calamities better, how to use your greens better etc. Environmental education raises student achievement in core academic areas as students are more enthusiastic and engaged in learning.

Awareness

Awareness is necessary to take any further step towards protecting our environment, which is possible only from studying subjects related to our ecosystems. All the questions like what are the different species of plants and animals? What is sustainability and how can it be achieved? What are the components which constitute the universe? What are the issues the world is facing today? How can we ensure their long-term survival? Etc. can be answered only if we learn about the environment and apply that knowledge practically.

Health

With a depletion of the environment both physical and mental health gets affected. Environmental education helps in addressing some of the health issues which are commonly seen in children today, such as obesity, depression, and attention deficit disorders. One of the best benefits of environmental education is that it takes place outside the confines of a classroom. Students can experience serenity and the healing powers of nature. By exposing students to nature and allowing them to learn and play outside, Environmental education fosters good nutrition, sensitivity, appreciation, and respect for the environment.

Sustainability

With the current rate of consumption of natural resources, it will be depleted far too fast for future generations to survive.  Environmental education helps students understand how their decisions and actions affect the environment. It builds knowledge and skills necessary to address complex environmental issues and helps the people to understand the repercussions caused by over-exploitation and act accordingly. It also teaches about ways we can take action to keep our environment healthy and sustainable for the future.

Renewable sources of Energy

Environmental education makes people understand the importance of renewable energy. Non-renewable sources of energy like petrol, diesel etc are the major sources of the world’s pollution. In Environment education using renewable sources, like solar energy, wind energy etc, is encouraged as it is imperative in the fight against global warming. Apart from this the students who study environment can further educate people about the importance of nature and will also make people aware of the traditional and technical ways of protecting the planet.