EE and ESD: Two Paradigms, One Crucial Goal

Overview & Synopsis

The launch of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) gives the education community opportunity to reflect on and discuss major issues that will affect the future well-being of the world. The goals and dreams of environmental education (EE) are similar to those of educators involved in education for sustainable development (ESD); both carry a vision for a better world. They envision a world in which business, industry, government, and citizens practice environmental stewardship, leave smaller ecological footprints, and participate in community-based decision making. In this article, the authors look at the similarities between environmental education (EE) and education for sustainable development (ESD). They also describe some lessons learned from more than 35 years of EE history. These lessons could help ESD avoid pitfalls common to nascent disciplines and to advance its efforts and chance of success.