ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE CHANGING DYNAMICS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Abstract

Environmental specialists and educators all around the world have been very outspoken and diligent in pointing out that the solutions to environmental crisis require the inculcation of environmental awareness though the education system at all levels. (Shukla 2001). Education is a tool which is capable to equip the individuals with environmental issues, sustainable living, and environmental conservation. This can be undertaken in the formal manner by incorporating these aspects in the core curriculum of schools and universities. There are also informal educational activities like seminars, conferences and community programmees through which people can be targeted to make them aware of issues like climate chance, pollution, misbalance in biodiversity, resource depletion etc. The idea is to “Catch Them Young” as the students represent the future citizens of the country. Once the task of creating environmental awareness among the young generation begins, its effect will be clearly shown in their habits, life choices, and personal changes. This transformation will be manifold in the long run as these aware children will bring more into the fold of environmental awareness. The role of students stands supreme in this regard.