Striving For A Better World: Why It's Time Sustainability Is Taught Across Schools

The world is poised for a new era of progress, expansion and growth - the kind of growth I can only hope is green. Advances in technology, science, and medicine have paved the way for global collaboration and innovation.

From artificial intelligence to renewable energy to regenerative agriculture, we are paving the way for global collaboration and innovation towards a more liveable future. One area that's still quite relevant and demands more attention in today's times is sustainability. In order to successfully tackle the challenges our planet faces such as climate change, we must equip our future generations with the knowledge and skills they need to create a sustainable future. And it all starts with education.

Sustainability In Education: Why it all starts from the basics

Educating young students about sustainability instils in them a sense of responsibility and awareness towards environmental issues. Students who learn about sustainability are more likely to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives, such as recycling, conserving water and energy, and reducing waste.

A recent survey conducted by TERI revealed that only 10% of Indian schools offer courses or programs on sustainability. Yet, 97% of teachers believed sustainability should be integral to the curriculum. These numbers show a rising interest and demand for sustainability in schools. And for good reason.

Incorporating sustainability into the school curriculum has numerous benefits. To begin with, it helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Sustainability education involves examining complex environmental issues and finding solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and socially just. By engaging in these activities, students learn to analyse and evaluate data, brainstorm creative solutions and collaborate with others. These skills are essential for future leaders who must tackle complex issues in their personal and professional lives.

In addition, sustainability education can foster a sense of global citizenship in students. Students become aware of their impact on the environment and the interconnectedness of our planet. This leads to a sense of inclusivity towards the global community and a desire to work towards building a better world for everyone.

This brings us to the question, of how can we incorporate sustainability into our existing subjects and school curriculum. With the right approach, the entire process can be quite seamless and fun. 

For example, schools can offer courses in environmental studies where students learn about the impact of human activities on the environment and explore potential solutions. Sustainability can also be incorporated into science and biology curricula, where students learn about topics such as renewable energy, biodiversity, and ecosystems. These teach students about the importance of preserving natural resources and maintaining ecological balance.

Social studies courses often include discussions on sustainability and environmental justice where students learn about how social, economic, and political factors impact the environment and affect different communities around the world.

Schools can also take a hands-on approach to sustainability by incorporating sustainable practices into their operations. This includes implementing composting programs, switching to renewable energy sources, or starting a school garden and eco-clubs.

In addition to these examples, some schools have developed unique programs that integrate sustainability into their curriculum. For example, the Green School in Bali, Indonesia has an entire curriculum focused on environmental responsibility. Students learn about sustainability through hands-on experiences in sustainable living, permaculture, and nature conservation.

Sustainability education can have economic benefits as well. According to a report by the European Commission, investing in sustainability education can generate new employment opportunities and boost economic growth.

By teaching students about these practices, we can help them develop the knowledge and skills required to create a sustainable future and contribute to the economy.

Leading universities worldwide such as Harvard and Cambridge are already stepping up and offering sustainability courses and programs. For instance, Harvard's Executive Sustainability Leadership Programme and Cambridge University's Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) are leading the way.

India is not far behind either. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India's largest education board, has taken a positive step by including sustainability education in the curriculum for grades 9 to 12, covering vital topics such as climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

Moreover, universities in India, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, offer courses on sustainability.

However, these programs primarily target undergraduates, postgraduates, and professionals seeking to upskill, or offered to students at a later stage in their school years. This needs to change.

The truth is, we need to inculcate a sustainability mindset in children from an early age, so it becomes a lifestyle, and hopefully, a career choice. The earlier we start teaching sustainability, the bigger the impact.

This is why sustainability education must be mandatory and mainstream at every level of the education system, nurturing an emerging class of leaders committed to a more sustainable future.

For this to happen, policy shifts are required. Policymakers must take the initiative to promote and support sustainability education.

Several nations have emerged as global leaders in this field in recent years. In Finland, for instance, students from kindergarten through high school are required to study sustainability as part of the national curriculum. Following in similar footsteps, the government of Bhutan has made sustainable development education a top priority owing to its importance to the country's future.

It is time for policymakers, educators, and parents to unite in making sustainability education a top priority.

Education is the key to unlocking a sustainable future. By embedding sustainability education into the core curriculum, we can empower every student to become a catalyst for change and cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to building a sustainable future. This transformative shift has the potential to create a more equitable, just, and progressive world for all.

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