LECTURE 12 (EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT

AND DEVELOPMENT)

ENVIRONMENT

Introduction
Man’s daily activities have continued to upset
the balance of the environment in the following
ways (Sola, 2014):
• Huge industrial installation every year;
• Urbanisation;
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• Deforestation;
• Over-exploitation of natural resources;
• Use of insecticides, pesticides, improper use of fertilizers
and chemicals in the environment;
• Mining wastes and effluents from mining and metallurgical
industries, give a number of physical and chemical problems
to human beings.
• Certain other industries, like paper and pulp industries;
fertilizers industries; explosive industries; soap and
detergent industries; chemical industries; food processing
industries; textile leather and petroleum industries.
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Learning outcomes:
At the end of the lesson the learner shall be able to:
• Define environment

• Define environmental education;

• Discuss the importance of environmental education regarding

the protection and conservation of the environment;

• Explore some serious environmental issues affecting the global

world
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Definitions and meaning of environment
• Environment refers to the surrounding or conditions that
a living organism (people, animal, plants) finds themselves
in.
• An environment refers to the surrounding or conditions in
which a person, animal or plant lives or operates.
• Environment means anything that surrounds us. It can be
living (biotic) or non-living (abiotic) things. It includes
physical, chemical and other natural forces. Living things
live in their environment. They constantly interact with it
and adapt themselves to conditions in their environment.
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• Environment includes all living and non-living
objects on the planet.
• Environment is the surrounding in which an
organisation operates, including air, water,
land, natural resources, flora, faula, human
beings and their interactions. Surrounding in
this context extends from within organisation
to the global systems.
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• Environment can be defined as a sum total of
all the living and non-living elements and their
effects that influence human life. While living
things or biotic elements are animals, plants,
forests, fisheries and birds, non-living or
abiotic elements include water, land, sunlight,
rocks and air.
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Environment plays an important role in
healthy living and the existence of life on the
environment earth. Earth is a home for
different living species and we are dependent
on the environment on the environment for
food, air, water and other needs. Therefore it
is important for every individual to save and
protect our environment.
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The basic component of the environment are the
atmosphere or air, lithosphere or the rocks and soil,
hydrosphere or water and the living components of
the environment or the biosphere.
Our environment provides a wide range of benefits
such as the air we breathe, the food we eat and the
water we drink, as well as the many materials needed
in our home, at work and for leisure activities.
Bridges, roads, railways and monuments are four
examples of human made environment.
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Background information
• Industries release/discharge undesirable and harmful constituencies which
are responsible for air and water pollution and cause great public concern.
• We live in the environment and use environmental resources such as air,
land and water to meet our needs.
• Development means meeting the needs of the people, such as housing,
roads, railway. While meeting the ever-growing needs, we put pressure on
the environment.
• When the pressure exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment to
repair or replace itself, it creates a serious problem of environmental
degradation. If we use any environmental resources such as ground water
beyond its limits of replacement, we may lose it forever. Therefore, there is
need to create ‘awareness’ about environmental protection.
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• Awareness and understanding of environmental issues provide the basis and
rationale for commitment and meaningful action towards environmentally
sound and sustainable development (
http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/CH15.pdf ).
• The goal of environmental education is to develop a world population that is
aware of , and concerned about, the environment and its associated
problems and which has the knowledge, skills, attitudes, motivation and
commitment to work individually and collectively towards solutions of
current and future problems;
• The changes taking place in the planet ask for new solutions to maintain the
ecological balance (Morar and Peterlicean, 2012).
• The negative effects of its lack of balance can be seen especially in the
scarcity of biodiversity. Studies show that thousands of species are
endangered whereas more than 300 species have already disappeared
(Morar and Peterlicean, 2012).
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• Education is important here, to pass information and raise
awareness regarding the importance of protected natural
areas.
• Education can help people of various ages and social standing
to find out about values, motivation, skills and responsibility
regarding maintaining the quality of environment and human
health ( Morar and Peterlicean, 2012).
• Learning about living organism, their habitat, the way they
interact with one another as well as the environment they
live in represent an important part of environmental
education (Morar and Peterlicean, 2012).
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• The purpose of environmental education is to improve
the quality of life, recognise the environmental value and
clarify concepts regarding the environment.
• Environmental education can help people gain
knowledge, skills, motivation and values and an
engagement needed to manage earth’s resources
efficiently and to take responsibility for maintaining the
quality of the environment (Morar and Peterlicean,
2012). The objectives of environmental education are to
maintain and improve the quality of the environment in
order to prevent future problems.
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Water, air and soil, among others are permanently under pressure from
various human activities.
The worsening of environmental factors’ quality leads to social and
economic implications with repercussions on the quality of life. For
instance since 1970 clear signs of Earth’s precarious health conditions
have been visible (Morar and Peterlicean, 2012):
• The ozone layer getting thinner;
• Global warming is occurring;
• Water, air and soil are being increasingly polluted.
The goal of environmental education is to develop citizens who are
aware of the total environment, concerned about it and its associated
problems which has the collection aims towards a solution of current
problems and preventing new ones.
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Definitions and Meaning of environmental
education
• Environment education is a process that allows
individuals to explore environmental issues,
engage in problem solving, and take action to
improve the environment. As a result, individuals
develops a deeper understanding of
environmental issues and have the skills to make
informed and responsible decisions (Sola, 2014);
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• Environmental education is the process in which individuals
gain awareness of their environment and acquire knowledge,
skills, values, experience and also determination, which will
enable them act- individually and collectively – to solve present
and future environmental problems;

• Environmental education is a learning process that increases

people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and
associated challenges develop the necessary skills and expertise
to address the challenges, and foster attitudes, motivation, and
commitment to make informed decisions and take responsible
action (https://www.google.co.uk; Sola, 2014:333).
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• Environmental education is the process of recognition of
values and classification of concepts having the purpose
of the development of skills and attitudes necessary for
understanding and appreciating the interactions of man-
culture- environment and man’s biophysical environment
(Morar and Peterlicean, 2012).

• Environmental education may best be defined as a

process directed at creating awareness and understanding
about environmental issues that leads to responsible
individual and groups actions.
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Based on the above definitions, a number of
things emerge regarding environmental education:
• It is a process;
• It results in deep understanding of the challenges
associated with environmental degradation;
• It fosters individuals and community skills,
expertise, attitudes and motivation;
• It should result in responsible action.
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Importance of environmental education
• The importance of environmental education is to create awareness of
conservation and protection of environment
• Environmental education deals with the need to protect the environment because
global warming, pollution and other issues are ruining our environment badly.
• Healthy environment is very important and all possible measures need to be taken
in order to keep our environment healthy.
• One of the most effective means to promote healthy environment is giving proper
education to both new as well as old generations.
• Environmental education and protection is crucial for the benefit of both the
environment and humans.
• Education has the power to modify and present better knowledge to its populace.
• Education can stand as proper solution to solve different sorts of problems exist in
a society and therefore, education has a big role to play to save environment.
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The importance of environmental education in terms of protecting and
conserving our environment include (
http://www.plannngtank.com/environment ):
• Creating awareness: The main role of education when it comes to
environmental protection is offering awareness to everyone in a society.
Education can provide better awareness of a variety of environmental
issues that take place day by day. Everyone in a society including kids,
youths, adults and matured people can understand and become aware of
the various environmental issues if they receive proper education on it.
Education can give right knowledge on how natural environment functions
and how human being can deal with behaviour and ecosystems for
sustaining our environment. It will help to become aware of environmental
issues and take actions accordingly. Awareness programmes can be
conducted in schools and at various centres of the society.
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Environmental awareness proves important for several reasons:
• It fosters a sense of connection to the natural world;
• Promotes sustainable development;
• Encourages conservation of irreplaceable natural resources and
vulnerable plant and animal species.
Environmental awareness essentially serves as an educational
tool, helping people around the world understand economic
aesthetic and biological importance of preserving resources and
reducing or eliminating the harmful impacts of manmade
alterations. Environmental awareness or education helps people
understand the consequences of human activities on various
lands and identifies remedial solutions.
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• Imparting knowledge on how to protect the environment:
Education system can play a huge role in saving environment by
imparting knowledge on how to protect the environment to people
in diverse communities. Saving environment is a practice of looking
after that natural environment on individual, organizational or
societal levels for the gains of both the environment and humans.
Environmental education contributes to resolving main or key
environmental problems e.g. acid rain, ozone depletion, climate
changes, and global warming, among others. Giving education to
save or conserve environment should commence at an early age
e.g. at primary school. Environmental education can be provided by
the use of audio-visual programmes, seminars, training
programmes, community activities and campaigns, among others.
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• Building a knowledgeable society: There are a lot of
environmental issues around the globe. Some of the issues
or challenges facing various countries around the globe
include: air population, water pollution, unexpected climate
change, garbage and pollution of natural environment.
Environmental education plays a massive role in building up a
society that is knowledgeable in terms of the environment
and associated problems. Environmental education teaches
individuals and communities about the environment and
offers solutions to the environmental problems, motivate the
people to solve the issues and take proper action to save the
environment from potential issues.
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• It helps to solve complex environmental issues:
Environment education can help to solve complex issues that
are present in a society. Environmental issues are the main
causes of many diseases, health issues and long term
livelihood problems in India. Therefore, incorporating
education in schools and conducting environmental
awareness campaign in communities can bring people
together, discuss about environmental issues, engage with
different sorts of people and take practical judgment and
action regarding variety of environmental issues and respond
to the issues effectively. Therefore, environmental education
will guide people to think seriously, deeply and productively.
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• It promotes a holistic approach: Environmental
education promotes a holistic approach among people.
It allows people to make certain sustainable and fair use
of resources devoid of damaging the environment.
Effective programmes conducted in schools or any other
places encourage kids and parents to carry out
environmental into their home. Environmental
education helps people to establish a strong bond with
nature. Nature appreciation and awareness education
or programmes promote an economically sustainable
future.
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• It enhances appreciation of environment:
Environmental education indeed enhances appreciation
of environment among people in the society. Enhancing
appreciation of the environment among people/citizen
can give rise to overall positive environmental
behavioural change. Some of the main environmental
issues affecting the global world include: air pollution,
poor managing of waste, rising water shortage,
declining ground water tables, water pollution, low
conservation and quality of forests, biodiversity loss and
land &soil degradation
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Population explosion also adds stress to environmental issues
and its resources. Therefore environmental education would to
building up skills, foster a dedication to take steps individually
and communally to maintain and enhance the environment.
Making a real investment in environmental education is very
important since we live is a society where more people are
disconnected from nature and unaware of critical environmental
issues. Education is a tool for self- empowerment because it
enables us to make serious and effective action. Environmental
education leads people to be future conservation leaders and
encourage them to take serious and effective action towards
critical environmental issues of the day.
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Raising of awareness through environmental education can be
achieved through any of the following types of activities (Sola,
2014):
• Educating community and traditional leaders: traditional and
religious and local community leaders can play an influential or
even decisive role in how people act. Education of these leaders
through environmental campaigns demonstrates a commitment
to environmental protection;
• Effective use of media outlets: The media’s role in
environmental education is important because it is through
newspapers, magazines, radio and television that people gain
awareness;
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• Scientific groups, Journalism and non-governmental organisation :
These plays a major role in environmental public education processes.
Scientists are among the first to come across evidence of detrimental
environmental impacts resulting from human –related activities;
• Maps, Radio and Video: What we communicate with maps is our
relationship to the territory we inhabit (Woods, 1994). Maps are also a
way of communicating with the environment that can be stimulating,
emotionally linking and context aware. A map can be produced in a
participating way where members of the community (including kids)
contribute with information and ideas. This creates a “ sense of
inclusion” and thus, the map becomes an excellent tool both as an
educational aid to create awareness and a public participation tool that
helps unite the community.
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At the university level in modern Russia, environmental education
consists of four principal roles which are interconnected and of equal
importance. They include (Kasimov and Romanova, 2015):
• The propagation of ideas and information about environment
protection, conservation and sustainability;
• The promotion of civic discourse and the methods by which the
public can participate meaningfully in essential community decisions,
requiring sustainability knowledge;
• The development and dissemination of specialised, problem-focused
knowledge and resources required to underpin the training of
professionals active in environmental career;
• The preparation of elementary and secondary teachers, university
level faculty and wider staff in the field of environmental education.
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POLLUTION
There are different types of pollution and include the following:
 Air pollution;
 Water pollution;
 Soil contamination;
 Plastic pollution;
 Radioactive contamination;
 Coal mining;
 Lead smelting;
 Pesticides pollution from agriculture and storage;
 Industrial waste;
 Lead- Acid battery recycling;
 Mercury and Lead pollution from mining
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Causes of water pollution
Water pollution is caused by the following human activities:
• Industrial waste: industries and industrial sites across the world
are major contribution to water pollution;
• Sewage and waste water;
• Mining activities;
• Accidental oil leakage;
• The burning of fossil fuels;
• Chemical fertilizers and pesticides;
• Leakages from sewage lines;
• Oil leaks and spills;
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Ways to reduce air and water pollution include the following :
• Using public transport
• Recycle and reuse;
• Reduction of forest fires and smoking;
• Use fans instead of air conditioners;
• Use of filters for chimneys
• Use of less plastics: It is very difficult to break down plastics
after it is produced;
• Reuse items;
• Do not dispose oils in the sink;
• Do not throw away medicines and batteries;
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Conclusion
• Environmental education is expected to
positively impact people’s attitudes and
practices towards protecting and conserving
the environment.
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Further Reading
• Govindaswamy, V. (nd.) Importance of environmental education for sustainable
development. http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/
• Kasimov, N; Malkhazova, S. and Romanova, E. (2015). The role of environmental
education for sustainable development in Russian Universities. Taylor Frances
online. http://www.tandfonline.com
• Morar, F. and Peterlicean, A. (2012). The role and importance of educating youth
regarding biodiversity conservation in protected natural areas. Procedia
Economics & Finance , 3(2012), 1117- 1121. (www.sciencedirect.com )
• Nachimithu, K. and Vijayakumas, G. (1993). An urgent need for environmental
education. The Educational Review.
• Sola, A. O (2014). Environmental education and public awareness. Journal of
Educational and Social Research, 4(3), 333- 357.
• https://www.google.co.uk
• http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/CH15.pdf