Environmental Education. Education that Cannot Wait.

Overview & Synopsis

This pamphlet surveys the whole field of environmental education. It has been written to describe and clarify environmental education, in preparation for the reforms called for by the Environmental Education Act of 1970. The environmental crisis is related to the evolution of civilization, technology, and consumerism: definitions, aims, values and principles are given. Student involvement and a realistic assessment of the difficulties in bringing about change and the assuming of personal responsibility are called for. Part II delimits a large role for education in environmental improvement and calls for programs both formal (in school) and informal (out of school). These programs should operate at all levels and use the full range of media. Local, state, and federal roles are described with a call for multiple funding at several levels and federal coordination. The ideal is nothing less than individual environmental awareness, understanding, and responsibility on the part of every citizen. (NH)