For many years now, we at the Tribhuvan College of Environment and Development Sciences, one of the renowned environmental science colleges in Delhi NCR, have been regarded as the pioneers of environmental education in India. Being the torchbearer of this pressing requirement, today, we have decided to speak about the scope of environmental education in India.
Beginning with some shocking statistics, as per a report published on Statista, India has become one of the most polluted countries in the world, recording an average PM2. Unfortunately, these numbers are ten times higher than that recommended by the WHO.
Ocean and plastic pollution is at its peak in India, with global numbers suggesting plastic waste deposits of 75 to 199 million tons in the oceans.
Deforestation, soil erosion, floods/drought, and air pollution are other leading causes of concern, collectively highlighting the need to push environmental education in India.
What is Environmental Education and Why Does India Need It?
Environmental education is typically a process that involves teaching individuals and communities about the natural environment, its ecosystems, and the impact of human activities on it. The purpose of environmental education is to promote understanding, critical thinking, and responsibility to forward sustainable living. Focussing on the curriculum per se typically includes topics like biodiversity, climate change, pollution, and conservation practices.
At the Tribhuvan College of Environment and Development Sciences, we believe that the young population of today shall go on to become the future leaders of tomorrow, which is why they need to be imparted environmental education on priority.
This same group shall eventually apply all their learning to act favorably in the interest of the environment while not hesitating to educate others around. With India’s environmental reality now in absolute dark, environmental education shall become a peacemaker between the environment on one hand and humans on another, who are unfortunately at the core of all environmental problems.
Scope of Environmental Education:
Environmental education has a massive scope in India, particularly aligned with the nation’s sustainable development goals. The first area of impact is awareness and sensitization. Environmental Education focuses on creating awareness about environmental issues like loss of biodiversity, global warming, climate change, and pollution so that corrective action can be taken in time and further damage can be avoided.
However, speaking of the scope of environmental education, we cannot overlook its contribution to promoting eco-friendly practices such as waste management, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
For instance, with respect to environmental education in waste management, the 3R rule is communicated to learners, encouraging them to focus on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to reduce the quantum of waste and do away with the problem of over-exploited dump yards.
Similarly, in terms of sustainable agriculture, farmers are educated about organic farming so that they focus and reap benefits from crop rotation, minimal use of chemical pesticides, and well-maintained soil health. The end goal here is to reduce carbon footprints, prevent biodiversity, and make long-term sustainability a reality.
Next up, to widen the scope of environmental education in India, it becomes pivotal that the same be integrated into the curriculum of schools and colleges. To make this exercise a success, thought must be given beyond theory by focusing on the integration of hands-on, practical activities like recycling programs, nature trips, and environmental projects. This shall not just enhance children’s learning experience but also make them want to address the rising environmental issues while leading themselves and the people around them to a more sustainable and environmentally aware society.
Policy Development is another crucial element when discussing the scope of environmental education in India. While having well-defined policies in place is critical, it is equally or more vital to educate policymakers and professionals so that they can better implement environmental laws and sustainable development goals.
Some of India’s environmental problems are very unique. This is where environmental education should stress research and innovation so that finding unique solutions becomes possible.
Last but not least, the scope of environmental education lies in speaking highly about career opportunities in this space while highlighting avenues such as environmental consultancy, conservation, wildlife management, and green technologies.
Summing Up:
If you have read so far, you know how massive the scope of environmental education is, especially for India, which is currently battling extreme environmental scenarios. We at the Tribhuvan College of Environment and Developmental Sciences, positioned among the renowned environmental science colleges in Delhi NCR, have tried our best here to simplify the ambit of this subject above. However, at the end of the day, knowledge and plans mean nothing unless and until execution takes the front seat.
Hence, familiarization with the scope of environmental education is not enough. What is important is to lead from the front while taking active steps in support of the environment and life on this planet. We are in the driver’s seat. Are you?