A Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

The Decade 2105-2104 is the 'United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development'. This means that the United Nations has set a goal 'to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning. This educational effort will encourage changes in behaviour that will create a more sustainable future in terms of environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society for present and future generations.' All ages are getting involved. 'The publication argues that as early childhood education is about laying a sound intellectual, psychological, emotional, social and physical foundation, it has an enormous potential in fostering values, attitudes and skills that support sustainable development. The publication argues that as early childhood education is about laying a sound intellectual, psychological, emotional, social and physical foundation, it has an enormous potential in fostering values, attitudes and skills that support sustainable development.'


(The Contribution of Early Childhood Education to a Sustainable Society, 2008) (http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=56601&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html)


I belive early years is the best place to start learning for a sustainable development. Teaching an 'old dog new tricks' or an old aged pensioner how to be sustainable is hard for them to get their head around! If they start when they are young it is a way of life for them and they don't know any different.

'Within the next 10 years, the higher education sector in this country will be recognised as a major contributor to society's efforts to achieve sustainability - through the skills and knowledge that its graduates learn and put into practice, and through its own strategies and operations.' (HEFCE strategy for Sustainability, 2005-2008 )

The University of Northampon will 'Ensure students can access skills and knowledge to enable them to make an informed contribution to sustainable development.'

http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/learningandteaching/students/sustainability
What is learnt at University will be carried on and taught to families and friends not so familiar with the ideas of sustainability.

Knowledge of sustainable development is essencial in this day and age. With fossil fuels running out and CO2 emissions rising we need to act now. We have been ignorant towards our planet and if we are able to reduce global warming we should, its not hard.

I agree with Haigh (2005) that Geography is best placed to deliver this curriculum. I don't know where else it would fit. It could possibly fit into P.S.E (Physical and Social Education) or something similar? We had this class at Moulton School and it included sex education, drugs and managing money. It could possible be placed in this class.

I am very much enjoying the learning for a sustainable development module, it has tought me more about we can do and why we do it.