Sustainability education develops skills, knowledge and values that promote behaviour in support of a sustainable environment. It is not confined to formal schooling. It also occurs in a wide range of non-formal education settings at work and at home.
Sustainability has been defined in many ways. The working definition provided by the United National Brundtland Commission is a useful one.
Sustainability is defined as “…development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
(World Commission on the Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission, UN, 1987)
Sustainability: a state or process that can be maintained indefinitely; understanding the interconnections between economy, society and environment
Sustainable development: the concept of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
Sustainable consumption: is an integral element of sustainable development; it is about finding workable solutions to social and environmental imbalances through more responsible behaviour from everyone
The four pillars of sustainability have become a useful and influential organiser in educational circles; together they can illustrate how sustainability is central to all curriculum areas and school and community practices.
Environment
Economic
Governance
Social
For more information about sustainability in education, visit http://www.environment.gov.au/education/index.html
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About sustainability