Environmental Education essentially refers to an organized effort which is aimed at teaching how the natural environment functions and predominantly, how can human beings manage their activities and behaviour to make sure about the sustainability of the ecosystems.

The scope of this discipline related to the environment, permits individuals to explore various environment related issues, take part in problem solving processes and to take planned and appropriate actions which would help in improving the environment. Sustainability education among individuals helps in developing a deeper perceptive of environmental related issues, and also enhances the scope equipping them with necessary skills to make informed and careful decisions after weighing all the pros and cons.

Environmental education essentially aims at enhancing:

Awareness and understanding about the burning environmental issues and challenges that lie ahead.
Knowledge and thoughtful consideration about how to face the environmental challenges.
Concern for the environment.
An attitude of concern and inspiration towards improving and maintaining the environmental quality and sustainability.
Skills to recognize and decide on methods that would help in resolving the various environmental challenges.
The spirit of participation in all activities that ultimately lead towards resolving environmental issues.

Environmental education by no means advocates any particular point of view or choice of action. It rather teaches ways in which both, good and bad, of a particular issue can be weighed. It also lays stress on how issues can be resolved in an organised manner with critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills.

Sustainable Education about the Environmental is More than Just Simple Information Related to the Environment

There is a vast difference between Environmental Education and Environmental Information. Just gathering information and not working towards improving the environment is of no use. It is through sustainable education that individuals would become more aware and strive to find out different possible ways to maintain the environment.
If the correct steps are not taken right now, it may be too late to maintain the balance of the eco -systems which would not bring very good results for the future generations. Introduction of Environmental education in schools has become a necessity of time. This discipline makes use of processes which involve observing, experimenting, classifying, measuring, and many techniques of gathering data. These processes on the other hand gives scope for interpreting data related to environmental issues, discussions, inferences and predictions. Individuals become aware, discuss and engage in problem solving. It is this feeling of awareness and participation that ultimately leads to problem solving and actions that are taken to make things better for the environment.

Formal Education May Not Be the Only way to Disseminate Knowledge

The process of making people aware about the environmental issues always need not be in form of formal education. The media can be a great tool to help spread awareness among people. Videos, news releases, regular articles on print media, bulletins, informational brochures and various other media techniques can be put to use in disseminating environmental knowledge and generating awareness. Rather that targeting any specific group it is always more beneficial to address the general public.
Individuals as well as organisations who are highly motivated can actually use information to fuel their desire to do something that makes the difference!