Abstract

ESSENTIALITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN ACADEMIC CURRICULUM: A NEED OF TIME.

Saswati Jena*, Manoj Kumar Katual and Subhashree Jena

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the development and defining characteristics of environmental education (EE) as it is currently a global issue and describes the breadth of the field. This background provides context for a brief definition of environmental education. The focus on human health and quality of life highlighted the responsibility that people bear, individually and collectively, for the quality of the environment in which we all live. It also clearly emphasized that humans are an integral part of the environment, rather than apart from it, and highlighted how human activity affects the environment. This change of perspective spawned calls for education that fosters citizen willingness and ability to participate in maintaining a clean and healthy environment-not just for humans, but for all life. Environmental education draws its emphasis on learning through observation, inquiry, and discovery. From conservation education comes environmental education's focus on current environmental problems and the wise use of natural resources. From outdoor education comes the use of the out-of-doors as a learning setting. And from the progressive education movement come an emphasis on lifelong learning and on holistic, interdisciplinary approaches to education.

Keywords: Environmental sciences, Sustainable development, 3R Policy.