Educational Psychological Perspectives on Sustainability Education

Kaarina Määttä,Satu Uusiautti

doi:10.3390/su12010398

Abstract

What is the role of educational psychology in the development of sustainability education? In this editorial article, we argue that human happiness and life satisfaction could be the keys to positive education and adapting to pro-environmental behaviors. We discuss the perspective of sustainable happiness education being the guiding principle of sustainability education. Sustainable happiness education can provide a means to educate people about ways of considering their own well-being and that of others simultaneously, while keeping in mind the sustainability aspect of their actions.

Highlights

Today’s human has the ingredients for a good life and a horn of plenty when it comes to food, living, commuting, goods, services, and consumption [1]
What is the role of educational psychology in the development of sustainability education? In this editorial article, we argue that human happiness and life satisfaction could be the keys to positive education and adapting to pro-environmental behaviors
We discuss the perspective of sustainable happiness education being the guiding principle of sustainability education

Summary

From Consumerism to Constructive Behaviors and More

Today’s human has the ingredients for a good life and a horn of plenty (cornucopia) when it comes to food, living, commuting, goods, services, and consumption [1]. Values, and behaviors have not, sufficiently adjusted to the much-needed sustainable lifestyles, some progressive steps have been taken. What kind of educational psychological approaches and knowledge are needed to ensure people are aware of the meaning of their own lifestyles and environmental behaviors? Even the decrease in consumerism itself is not sufficient; instead, and as Revesz and Shahabian [6] remind us, it is merely our moral obligation to ensure a sustainable future, and this is even more important. A transition to sustainable lifestyles requires changes in societal structures; the most important element of taking a new direction is each individual human. People have to learn to make sustainable choices without constantly wanting new and more things [7]

The Premise of the Change

Increasing the Sense of Responsibility and Happiness

Toward Sustainable Happiness Education