Sustainability Education
Education for Sustainability – Reorientating Australian schools for a sustainable future (PDF). John Fien. Tela Paper 8. Australian Conservation Foundation. 2001
Education for sustainability involves approaches to teaching and learning that integrate goals for conservation, social justice, appropriate development and democracy into a vision and a mission of personal and social change.
It seeks to develop the kinds of civic virtues and skills that can empower all citizens and, through them our social institutions, to play leading roles in the transition to sustainability.
Sustainability Issues
Teaching for a Sustainable World: International Edition. Griffith University and the Department of the Environment, Sport & Territories. 1997
We need a new ecological ethic, an ecologically oriented value system based upon empathy with other species, other people and future generations, and respect for natural and social limits to growth.
We need social systems, institutions and practices that support careful planning in order to minimise threats to nature and the quality of life.
Issues of ecological sustainability and social justice
There are great differences in the availability and use of resources around the world, with poverty and need in some areas matched by overproduction and over-consumption in others.
- How can the over-consumption, waste and misuse of resources by some people be reduced?
- How can the severe poverty that causes many to exploit the earth just to survive be eliminated?
- How can the pressure on the environment from both causes be overcome?
Some economic activities do great harm to environments, resources and communities.
- How can economic activity be made of benefit to the communities and the companies involved, and without critical damage to the environment?
Economic growth in some parts of the world is so high that it is leading to the production and consumption of many items that are super-luxuries and use resources that could be used to satisfy the needs of many of the world’s poor.
- How can the resources consumed by such luxuries be redirected to aid the poor or be conserved for future generations?
Relatively high population densities and growth rates in certain parts of the world, and the associated pressure on the local resource base, are symptoms of the legacy of colonialism and present-day structural inequalities in the world economic system rather than causes of environmental problems. Appropriate social development lies at the heart of the solution to population and environmental pressures.
- How can the nexus between the environment, social development and population growth be formulated to ensure the sustainable use of resources?
The indigenous and farming peoples of many countries have developed an ethic of sustainability and associated land use practices that have preserved their culture and harmony between people and nature for millennia.
- How can the rights of these people be maintained and the knowledge and wisdom they possess be shared with others in all parts of the world?
Women and young people have a vital role to play in environmental care and development, now and into the future. They have viewpoints, skills and interests that can help maximise the potential for sustainable development.
- How can the wisdom, courage and talents of women and young people be used as a model for sustainable development policies and practices?
The most effective arena for action on sustainability and justice issues is the local community.
- How can people best organise themselves locally – and liaise with others nationally and globally – to collaborate in the movement towards sustainable development.
Regional Sustainability
Regional Futures – Sustainability in our regions. Australian Conservation Foundation. 2000.10
Those regions that are tapped into the global economy are booming, while those regions based on traditional rural and industrial enterprises tend to be falling behind.
A new agenda to support regional development is urgently required, and while the focus has tended to be on the social and economic aspects of the regional divide, a truly sustainable long term future for all regions must be underpinned by a healthy environment. Indeed environmental action in the regions can build social and economic sustainability.
Sustainable Cities and Towns
National Summit on the Future of Australia’s Cities and Towns – Communiqué. 2004
To be successful into the future, Australia’s cities and towns must:
- be diverse, vibrant and inclusive communities.
- be globally competitive.
- reduce ecological impacts.
- enhance equity of access.
- demonstrate good quality design.
Strategies include:
- a national, shared vision.
- an integrated governance framework.
- a good information base.
- a national settlement strategy.
- active citizen programs.
- better infrastructure.
- a sustainability audit of taxes, charges, funding and pricing.
A National Action Framework will be considered by ministers within their own jurisdictions and at the-next Ministerial Council meeting.
Components of the National Action Framework include:
- a shared national vision.
- benchmarking framework.
- office of sustainable communities.
- national information exchange and analytical tools.
- community engagement.
- reduced car dependency.
- equitable broadband connectivity.
- managed growth and decline.
- cities for climate protection.
- national infrastructure funding program.
- a signed Kyoto protocol.