A Contributed Post: How Education Benefits the Environment

Education is vital to the advancement of the human race. Without education, the next generation cannot make informed decisions about the world and its environment. Education raises awareness of important issues, issues that affect all of us. You can take an online civil engineering degree because you want to create bridges, roads and dams, but unless you understand the impact of work carried out, your projects could have a far-reaching effect on the environment.

We can’t afford to ignore the environment. If we ruin this world, we don’t have another one to live in. Governments are taking steps to rectify the damage caused by big industry, but anyone with a masters degree in civil engineering knows that changes need to start at a  grass roots level. Here are the main reasons why environmental education can benefit the environment – and why the younger generation needs to learn more about the world they live in.

Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle

There is only so much you can learn from books. The majority of environmental education needs to take place outdoors, in the natural environment. Students can see the effects of our decisions on the environment, and learn the true nature of how interconnected everything around us really is. The more time students spend outdoors, the healthier they will be. Kids of today need this outdoor time, as activity minimizes obesity and stress – both of which are all too common in modern life.

Create Stronger Communities

We can’t improve the environment without working within communities. Everyone needs to come together to create a better place to live, so environment education is an excellent way to strengthen community bonds and ties. Many environmental issues take place at local level, so work needs to be carried out within the local community. The more people work together, the stronger the community will be.

Ignite Enthusiasm for the Environment

Inspirational environmental education can instill a sense of enthusiasm and purpose into the younger generation. These are the people who will become the decision makers of the future, so if they are full of enthusiasm for environmental projects, and can fully understand the benefits of looking after the world we live in, the world is in safer hands.

Think Beyond the Classroom

Environmental learning should not be a purely classroom-based study. Education about environmental issues transcends the classroom, allowing students to apply the theoretical knowledge they gain from books to real-life situations. Green issues transcend political, social and economic boundaries, so learning more about the environment gives students a greater awareness of the many threads holding this world together.

Foster an Appreciation for Plants and Creatures

We all need a healthy respect for the environment we live in. Students who embark on an environmental education course learn a greater appreciation for the plants and creatures around us. The greater the appreciation they have, the more they want to protect endangered species and environments.

Environmental education is now more important than ever, as the decisions this generation makes will have a profound effect on future generations.