Education and Sustainable Development

Abstract

After the industrial revolution, continuous collective activities of humans have placed all of us in a dangerous situation of global warming and climate change. With every passing day, the reversal of the situation is becoming difficult, posing a serious threat to the very survival of the humans and the whole planet. Sustainable development gives due attention to environmental, social, and economic issues in a holistic manner, essentially considering individual engagement and participation in collective efforts. As defined by Brundtland, it ensures the development of the present generation without compromising the needs of future generations. Educating youth about sustainability can help them to understand how the environment, economy, and well-being of society are interdependent and provides these youngsters a skillset of critical and ethical thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolving attitude to cope with forthcoming challenges, ultimately avoiding catastrophic effects of global warming. Even though there are some obstacles implementing principles of sustainable development in education like poor analysis of causes and consequences of unsustainable practices, poor understanding of sustainable practices and lack of political interest, these obstacles could be overcome by political willingness to commit the people for implementing sustainable development. In the current scenario, mere legislation will not serve the purpose; instead it is crucial educating and making youth aware of the sustainable development for their wholesome participation. The present chapter focuses on sustainable development and sustainability, its need and importance, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), case study, challenges and ways forward in implementing ESD.