On the Transformative Potential of Ecopedagogy in Environmental Education

Abstract

Amidst mounting environmental crises, achieving sustainability emerges as a paramount imperative for both humanity and the planet. Th is article explores the crucial role of environmental education in fostering sustainable practices on Earth, with a specific focus on the transformative potential of ecopedagogy. It argues that existing educational systems signifi cantly hinder sustainability efforts by perpetuating principles and values that endorse unsustainable lifestyles driven by neoliberalist ideology. Drawing on contemporary research and theoretical frameworks, the article investigates how ecopedagogy can cultivate ecological literacy and instil a transformative ethos among learners. It advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of environmental education by examining prevailing educational paradigms that reinforce unsustainable behaviours. Through critical analysis and dialectical inquiry, ecopedagogy offers a pathway to deeper comprehension of the intricate connections between social conflicts and environmental degradation, paving the way for innovative solutions. Ecopedagogy’s approach involves critically analysing the nexus of social confl icts and environmental devastation, facilitating a nuanced understanding from which sustainable solutions can emerge. Furthermore, the article underscores the vital role of environmental education in various nations as a contributor to sustainability. Overall, it elucidates how ecopedagogy can catalyse transformative change toward a more sustainable future for all.

Keywords: ecopedagogy, environmental education, sustainability, sustainable development goals