Engaging the Public in Environmental Decisions: Strategies for Environmental Education and Communication

Environmental education and communication (EEC) includes a broad range of teaching methods, topics, audiences, and media channels all of which will be useful in moving our world toward sustainability. Experts in many nations have worked over the last 30 years to provide distinct definitions, guides, objectives, and standards that will help educators develop and evaluate effective programs. The North American Association for Environmental Education, for example, has developed four sets of guidelines for developing materials, for preparing environmental educators, for teaching youth, and for developing non-formal environmental education programs [12]. These guidelines are being converted into certification programs to help improve the profession. The majority of these resources, guidelines, and programs are designed for educators of youth. Indeed, the opportunities to influence the school curriculum and teacher preparation programs attract us to work with ministries of education to institutionalize environmental education. In these nations we have a chance to influence how youth perceive their environment and the skills they bring to decisions about sustainability. Where federal programs are not likely, out-of-school programs for youth through clubs and community centers offer substantial environmental education options. Youth-based environmental education programs provide information, build understanding, and improve skills needed for working together to achieve sustainability.