What is Environmental Education (EE)?

Environmental Education (EE)...  What is it? What we now call Environmental Education (EE) has a long and storied history, worthy of in-depth inquiry. However, such an inquiry is beyond the scope of this article.

While teaching and learning about nature and our environment has probably occurred in societies since very early on in human civilization as a matter of culture and survival, it should be noted that, in a modern sense, the roots of EE can be traced back as far as the early 1700s and the work of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (McCrea, 2006).

If we were to ask a hundred people in different places around the world, and at different periods of time “What is Environmental Education?” we would probably get as many different answers.

Although these answers might be somewhat related, each response would be influenced by where the respondents are from, what culture or country they live in, their age, socioeconomic status, social values, religion, and even their age.  

Throughout the evolution of this field of study the name for what we now know as “Environmental Education” has changed over time. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the term “Nature Study Movement” was commonly used.   During the 1940s it was known as “Outdoor Education” or perhaps “Conservation Education.”  In the 1970s it might have been called “Environman” by the U.S. Federal Government. “Nature Education” was, and still is used by some groups.

Because of the various ideas about what EE should be, standardization in the field has been difficult to attain. However, in recent decades much progress has been made in reaching a global consensus about the purpose of EE, what it should focus on, and how it can be defined.

While several different definitions of EE still exist, they are largely in agreement about the need and purpose, as well as the focus and goals of such programs. These differences exist between how the various countries and regions (Europe v America, Russia v China, etc.) understand and interpret the goals and their priorities. And, how they will implement and run their programs.

In the United States of America (USA), 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 (EPA, n.d.).

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Education is described/defined as follows (EPA, 2024, December 27):

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.

Note: 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.

Environmental Education materials and programs in the USA are developed generally along the EPA definition and guidelines.  A good example of this is the North American Association for Environmental Education, established in 1971. They have been integral in the standardization of EE in the USA as well as in the development, standardization, and promotion of EE programs since early on.

NAAEE further defines Environmental Education as follows (NAAEE, n.d.):

Environmental education (EE) is a process that helps individuals, communities, and organizations learn more about the environment, and develop skills and understanding about how to address global challenges. It has the power to transform lives and society. It informs and inspires. It influences attitudes. It motivates action. 

·         Goal - EE helps people make informed decisions about the environment, which can lead to a more sustainable society and lifelong stewardship. 

·         Principles - EE is based on principles of sustainability, ecological integrity, environmental health, and fairness and justice. 

·         Benefits - EE can help people develop critical thinking skills, 21st century skills, and STEM topics. It can also help people become more civically engaged and create healthier communities. 

·         Impact - EE can be a key tool in expanding the environmental movement and creating a more equitable and sustainable future. 

As can be seen from the above examples, a strict, word-for-word standard definition of EE that is accepted worldwide does not really exist. Because of National, Regional, and State variations in culture, religion, economy, politics, etc., it is likely that no single definition will ever exist. However, the vast majority are in agreement with the basic necessities, principles, focus, and goals of their EE programs.

For more information about the history of Environmental Education, I offer the following resources:

·         The roots of environmental education - How the past supports the future (McCrea, 2006). 

·         Environmental Education (EE) (EPA, 2024). 

·         About EE and why it matters (NAAEE, n.d.).

·         Lesson 2: Timeline of EE history. eePRO. (NAAEE, 2006).

References

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024, December 27). Environmental Education (EE). EPA. https://www.epa.gov/education

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (n.d.). National Environmental Education Act. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/education/national-environmental-education-act-0

McCrea, E. J. (2006). The roots of environmental education - How the past supports the future.   Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse.

NAAEE. (n.d.). About EE and why it matters. North American Association for Environmental Education. https://naaee.org/about/ee

NAAEE. (2006). Lesson 2: Timeline of EE history. eePRO.