Dodging Doomsday
Key Element: Education for Sustainable Development
Year 9
This theme looks at a number of scenarios where the current use of energy and fossil fuels can no longer be sustained and considers the implications for our lives, our economy and our world. A variety of teaching methodologies are provided to support active, enquiry based learning both by individuals and groups.
What is Education for Sustainable Development?
As we enter the UN decade for Sustainable Development (2005 - 2014), we will become increasingly aware of how the planet is struggling to support us all. Climate change and increasing global inequality are examples of this. Learners must be aware that their everyday actions have implications for others now and in the future. We all share the environment, so we need to act locally, but think globally.
Education for Sustainable Development has evolved from aspects of environmental education and development education. It goes beyond teaching about the environment or learning about distant places. It aims to give young people the knowledge, understanding, skills and values to make their own informed decisions about issues relating to the world around them. Consequently, they should be able to act, individually and collectively, to improve the quality of life for everyone at present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
How can pupils gain an understanding of Education for Sustainable Development?
There are strong links between ESD and elements of Local and Global Citizenship. While Citizenship and other subjects such as Geography, Science, Technology and Design and History may be seen as the drivers of ESD, it can be developed in all Learning Areas.
ESD should infuse the whole school ethos. Schools could demonstrate their commitment to diversity, social justice and environmental responsibility through a range of activities. For example: waste management strategies, healthy eating initiatives, local community links, outdoor learning opportunities, global links and partnerships, ethical purchasing policies and practices, promotion of bio-diversity in the school grounds, links with environmental and development NGOs (non-Governmental organisation) and participation in competitions and awards.
ESD at whole school level and within specific subjects should enable pupils to:
• understand the interdependence of society, economy and environment;
• develop respect for the needs of present and future generations;
• demonstrate how action can help improve the quality of life for people, locally and globally;
• exercise environmental responsibility through conservation of resources, waste management and promotion of local and global biodiversity.