Need For Environmental Education Research Articles

Education of the next generation of managers in context of green economy

This paper deals with the issue of education for sustainable development of the generation of future managers in the context of the green economy. The paper analyses the need for environmental education of graduates in theoretical way who are expected to act as executives and in positions which are defined as Green Enhanced Skills Occupations or shortly Green Jobs and who should be able to apply the tools of environmental protection in a business sector, municipalities or third sector. The essential part of the article presents the partial results of the research, which was focused on finding whether students of economic universities are aware of issue of sustainable development and environmental policy tools, which can help the implementation of green economy in the practice and whether this issue is taught at universities. At the end of the article authors point out the important role of universities in preparing the future managers to work in the green economy.

Perceived Effect of Fuelwood Utilization on Climate Change by Rural Dwellers in Northwestern Nigeria

Creating awareness among people especially rural dwellers in Nigeria about appropriate activities required in terms of mitigating climate change is imperative. This paper discusses climate change in relation to its causes and the perceived effect of fuelwood utilization by rural dwellers in Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states. The study used data from 360 rural people proportionately selected according to the number of agricultural cells of each of the states by simple random sampling. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between study variables. Results show respondents age ranged between 20 and 80 years, with a mean of 36.73. They had Quranic education, seasonal contact with extension agents and low awareness of perceived environmental effect of fuelwood utilization. In addition, the study revealed that there is significant relationship between the perceived environmental effect of fuelwood acquisition and age (β= -0.159; p<0.01), educational level (β= 0.461; p<0.01), contact with extension (β= 0.249; p<0.01) and awareness (β= 0.481; p<0.01). These findings suggest the need for environmental education and consciousness. The study then concludes that agricultural extension programmes in rural communities must be made effective in enlightening the people about environmental consequences of fuelwood utilization and its implication on climate change. The implication of the study is that the higher the level of contact of rural dwellers with extension agents, the higher their awareness of the effect of fuelwood utilization. It also implied that the higher the level of awareness of the rural dwellers the higher their perception of the effect of fuelwood utilization on the environment.

Household Participation in Waste Disposal and Management in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria

Waste disposal and management is a disturbing issue in most developing countries. Domestic waste generation in most Nigerian cities has increased prodigiously and management of waste in the country is not satisfactory; despite environmental sanitation programme adopted by government. Most parts of Ijebu-Ode are not covered by any institutionally organized waste management service; hence waste disposal and management issues have become a point of discourse in recent time. This was based on the health implication of improper waste disposal and management on the city dwellers. This study examined the factors influencing household participation in waste disposal and management. It was conducted in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, through a survey of 385 respondents using stratified and simple random sampling technique. Analysis revealed that there is a low level of household awareness about the environmental implications of improper domestic waste disposal and management in the city. It also reveals significant relationships between socio-economic variables and participation in domestic waste disposal and management. The study concluded that there is need for environmental education, particu larly on waste disposal and mana gement approach towards improving the household participation in domestic waste disposal and management in the city.

Teachers' Knowledge of and Attitude Toward Wildlife and Conservation

Abstract Environmental education (EE) has recently been included in school curricula in India to improve understanding of ecosystems, their functions, and the effect of human actions on them. The need for EE is more pronounced in Ladakh, in the Indian Trans-Himalaya, where recent development activities pose challenges for the fragile mountain ecosystem and for traditional livelihoods. Inclusion of EE in school curricula by the Jammu & Kashmir State Education Board and a conservation education program organized jointly by various government and nongovernmental agencies across Ladakh are some of the significant steps taken. As part of the Wildlife Institute of India's collaborative conservation education program, a questionnaire survey was conducted to explore Ladakh school teachers' knowledge of and attitude toward wildlife and conservation. In all, 277 government school teachers took part in the study. Results of the study highlight that teachers in Ladakh are aware of local biodiversity and have favorabl...

Tourism and Environmental Education in the Mayan Riviera at the Beginning of the Twenty First Century

The paper presents an overview on the development of tourism in the Mexican Caribbean from its origins as the Cancun's Integrally Planned Nucleus and its extension along the Mayan Riviera, showing analogies between theoretical geographical models of the Caribbean destinations and the spatial structures present there, explaining the urgent need for environmental education of the population linked with sustainability of the development. An analysis of the general education levels of the population reveals the baselines to develop an awareness process of environmental education. The application of polls allowed an understanding of the social interaction with their environment, and their environmental perception linked to attitude and the actively participating in the territory's development. Conclusions about the relations of social practices as the origin of macro-spatial structures in the corridor, along with the possibilities of improve changes in habits and attitudes through environmental education of those involved in the Mayan Riviera's tourism development at the beginning of the twenty first century.

Relationships between Residential Development and the Environment

This research explores how residents perceive the relationships between residential development patterns and the natural environment. Based on a fall 2004 survey of 283 residents from urban, suburban, exurban, and conservation neighborhoods in Michigan’s Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, this research indicates that residents may not have a clear understanding of the environmental impacts of residential development. The results suggest a need for environmental education especially with regard to the land development and water quality relationship and the impacts of large-lot, automobile-dependent developments. The study also suggests that further research is needed on the relationship between land development and the environment.

Students' Perspectives of Environmental Education Needs in the Hospitality Curricula

Hospitality programs aim to nurture students as future leaders in the field of the hospitality industry. While environmental protection is a trend in the hospitality industry, hospitality programs have not yet reflected this trend in their curricula. By employing a content analysis and an online field survey, this study attempted to identify the current status of environmental education and evaluate hospitality students' perceptions of environmental education needs in the U.S. Results indicated that even though not many selected hospitality programs have offered environmental courses, about 60% of students in this study believed environmental education was becoming more important and beneficial for their future careers.

An assessment of the attitudes of the inhabitants of Northern Karpathos, Greece: towards a framework for ecotourism development in environmentally sensitive areas

This paper is a case study that sets out to explore the extent to which the local residents of the region of Northern Karpathos and Saria in the southeast corner of the Aegean have positive attitudes and perceptions towards ecotourism ventures for sustainable development. The area is included in the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 and was chosen for studying since it constitutes an ideal location for the promotion of soft and alternative forms of tourism. The investigation of the attitudes of the inhabitants of the Community of Olympos, in Northern Karpathos was carried out using as research tool a questionnaire that was drawn up specifically for the needs of the present work. The attempt to provide a systematic way of studying the inhabitants’ attitudes led to the proposition of a framework that contains the necessary conditions for sustainable ecotourism development. This is based on three fundamental factors, namely: (a) environmental conservation, (b) environmental education and (c) empowerment of local community. The main conclusion drawn was that the perceptions of the local people accord with the basic principles of ecotourism. Residents (a) showed a high degree of awareness and sensitivity regarding environmental conservation issues in the area, (b) recognised the need for environmental education concerning ecotourism activities and (c) had a favourable attitude towards the implementation of initiatives in the ecotourism field aimed at their empowerment and at promoting sustainable development in the area. The participants’ place of permanent residence and level of education appeared to influence significantly their perceptions of this alternative form of tourism.

Designing a Children's Water Garden as an Outdoor Learning Lab for Environmental Education

A Clemson University introductory landscape design class collaborated with South Carolina Botanical Gardens (SCBG) staff and coordinators of Sprouting Wings to design an exploratory Children's Garden within the SCBG. Service learning provides students with invaluable real-world experiences solving problems and interacting with clients while contributing to the local community. Project methodology included research, site selection and analysis, conceptual diagrams, preliminary designs, and full-color renderings of final designs. Based on children's desire for water play and on current issues in water quality and the need for environmental education, clients and students designed a Wonders of Water Garden that can be used as a model at other institutions. The design celebrates the beauty of water, and showcases the integral relationships among plants, wildlife, and water. The interactive garden will create awareness of current water quality issues, promote environmental stewardship, and serve as a model to teach visitors of all ages the vital role water plays in the environment.

Use of national parks for outdoor environmental education: An Australian case study

The need for environmental education through outdoor education experiences is becoming increasingly evident in outdoor education theory and practice. In Australia, this environmental focus is reflected in recent outdoor education curriculum documents, particularly in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). For many outdoor education teachers who do not have expertise in environmental education, this curriculum development presents a challenge. Outdoor education teachers frequently use National Parks to help them address this challenge. The study examined the educational objectives and roles of teachers and park staff involved in environmental education through outdoor education in National Parks in Victoria, Australia. This paper discusses findings related to the teachers' educational objectives and roles while those of the park staff are examined in a separate paper. The findings indicate that the teachers often lack the environmental knowledge and skills needed to teach some aspects of the curriculum thus making the role of the park ranger or education officer particularly significant in educating teachers as well as students. Issues are raised about the training of outdoor education teachers and of park rangers to meet the environmental education needs of outdoor education students. Questions are also raised about the appropriateness of using National Parks for outdoor education purposes.

An Environmental Education Needs Assessment Study in the Carazo Department of Nicaragua

In 1993, the Nicaraguan government mandated that environmental education be addressed through national- and departmental-level programs. To develop baseline data for programs in the Carazo Department, a researcher from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point worked in cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MARENA) to conduct a “rapid assessment for environmental education.” The study, intended as a model to help other departments devise environmental education programs, used multiple research techniques (in-depth interviews, surveys, and primary and secondary source reviews) to look at current environmental education initiatives, needs, funding sources, and critical issues of interest.

An Environmental Education Needs Assessment of K–12 Teachers in Kentucky

As a result of a legislative mandate to establish an environmental education center in each of the 8 state universities in Kentucky, a project was initiated at Northern Kentucky University to prepare for the establishment of a center in the northern region of the state. An environmental education needs assessment of K–12 teachers was conducted as a part of this effort. Forty-five teachers participated in the survey component of the needs assessment, and 7 of these teachers participated in a follow-up focus group meeting. The priority environmental education program and training needs of teachers were identified through an analysis of the results. This project is a model for conducting environmental education needs assessment with a variety of populations at the local, regional, and state levels.

The Learning for a Sustainable Environment Project: A Case Study of an Action Network for Teacher Education

Education has an enormously important role to play in motivating and empowering citizens to participate in environmental improvement and protection. Nearly three decades ago, Schumacher (1973) described education as our ‘greatest resource’ in his endeavour. In the last decade, major international reports have stressed this also. The theme of the Brundtland Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987), Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Living (prepared as the World Conservation Strategy for the 1990s) (1991), and Agenda 21 (the Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro) (1992) is that it is possible to sustain ways of living that can redress environmental decline without jeopardising the ecosystem or resources base for the future. Each report speaks to the imperative of education to engender this ethic (see Fien 1995).In the Asia-Pacific region also, education has been identified as a critical factor and countries have adopted a range of strategies for implementing programs in environmental education. Many workshops and training programs have been organised since 1986 Regional Meeting of Experts in Bangkok at which an action plan was developed for environmental education from primary through post graduate levels. Significant work is taking place in redefining environmental education in a Pacific context, particularly to incorporate concepts of sustainable development. Much exploration of how teacher education can rise to the occasion of the great need for environmental education and for teacher education in environmental education is on-going in the region (see Fien & Corcoran 1996).

Environmental education for ecosystem health: a methodology for the Piracicaba River basin, southeast Brazil

An evaluation of major impacts from human activities at the Piracicaba river basin, Minas Gerais State, (southeast Brazil) was used to develop an environmental education programme involving representatives of nine municipalities. The provisioning of local communities with an access to environmental knowledge through a continuous process of information exchange was the basic objective of the programme. The methods adopted were based on a participative planning which defined a set of integrated activities, aimed at the communities, in general (e.g. production of an educative film and public enquiries), and at opinion formers and decision-makers, in particular (e.g. short and longer-courses). The adoption of the programme by the local communities, the area covered, the shortage of adequate literature and specially trained people at the University are pointed out as the basic difficulties for the development of the programme. The proposed methodology and the experience gained during the 18 months has demonstrated the importance of developing activities under short and average time span perspectives, conducted in a planned and participative way. The results also suggest the need for environmental education as a basis in recovering and maintaining ecosystem health.

Environmental education for ecosystem health: a methodology for the Piracicaba River basin, southeast Brazil

Abstract An evaluation of major impacts from human activities at the Piracicaba river basin, Minas Gerais State, (southeast Brazil) was used to develop an environmental education programme involving representatives of nine municipalities. The provisioning of local communities with an access to environmental knowledge through a continuous process of information exchange was the basic objective of the programme. The methods adopted were based on a participative planning which defined a set of integrated activities, aimed at the communities, in general (e.g. production of an educative film and public enquiries), and at opinion formers and decision-makers, in particular (e.g. short and longer-courses). The adoption of the programme by the local communities, the area covered, the shortage of adequate literature and specially trained people at the University are pointed out as the basic difficulties for the development of the programme. The proposed methodology and the experience gained during the 18 months has demonstrated the importance of developing activities under short and average time span perspectives, conducted in a planned and participative way. The results also suggest the need for environmental education as a basis in recovering and maintaining ecosystem health.

Virtual reality - a role in environmental engineering education?

The need for environmental education at several levels in society is discussed. The paper describes the role of the Environment Agency in the UK and outlines its responsibilities with respect to education. A brief description of the concept of virtual reality is provided together with an overview of some available tools. The possible application and subsequent benefits of employing virtual reality techniques to education related to environmental issues is discussed.

Environmental Knowledge of Elementary School Students in Greece

The education system in Greece has responded promptly to the need for environmental education (EE). However, the existing lack of relevant research may limit the functionality of EE programs in Greece. In this study the goal was to develop a baseline database that would allow effective planning of EE. Specifically, the study was conducted to provide information on the environmental knowledge of 5th and 6th graders in a Greek city. A total of 686 students were surveyed. The results indicated that children's knowledge about the environment is influenced by their immediate experience as well as by the content of their textbooks.

Virtual reality — a role in environmental engineering education?

The need for environmental education at several levels in society is discussed. The paper describes the role of the Environment Agency in the UK and outlines its responsibilities with respect to education. A brief description of the concept of virtual reality is provided together with an overview of some available tools. The possible application and subsequent benefits of employing virtual reality techniques to education related to environmental issues is discussed.

An Analysis of Environmental Education Provision in a Sample of Caribbean National Environmental Action Plans (NEAPs)

Summary Countries in the Caribbean region face pressing environmental problems. A policy of environmental education should be pursued as a tool for helping to solve these environmental problems. The pursuit of an active governmental policy of environmental education provision is critical to achieving environmentally sound development. Therefore, the extent to which such provision forms part of a country's programme was assessed for a sample of eight Caribbean countries by consideration of their National Environmental Action Plans. Overall, environmental education has not been given a high priority, although some provisions for its incorporation have been made. Caribbean governments are aware of the need for environmental education as a tool for environmental protection, but the necessary provisions to implement the existing policies are yet to be made.

Training for environmental technologies and environmental management

During the past five to ten years, increased public and government attention has been drawn to the harmful effects on the environment of business and industry. Consequently, legislation and encouragement in the form of incentives have acted to pressurize industry to review its practices and processes in connection with their effects on the environment. As a result, environmental technology as a specialist area of knowledge and skill has emerged. National capacities, particularly in scientific education and training, need to be strengthened. This will enable governments, employers and workers to attain their environmental and development objectives by facilitating the transfer and assimilation of new environmentally sound, socially acceptable and appropriate technology and know-how. With this development there is an increasing need for specialists in this field, for technologists in other areas to be able to put into practice environmental applications, for assessors of the environmental impacts of specific technological developments and for general managers with a knowledge and understanding of environmental management. Thus, there is now an increasing need for environmental education and training in clean production to be applied to a vast array of industrial processes and applications. This paper will: 1. • review environmental technology and environmental management in relation to sustainable development; 2. • describe the basic components of environmental management systems in relation to environmental technology; 3. • examine the tools available for monitoring and assessment (e.g. technology assessments, environmental impact analysis, environmental auditing, etc.) and their training requirements; 4. • access the training requirements of chief executives, management and the workforce.