1. Diversity – cultural, social, economic and biological- This is perhaps a more obvious concept to embed into school education as most subject areas of the curriculum include these themes and issues. Perhaps there does need to be more of a clear signposting of how these topics specifically relate to sustainability, within a wider context 
2. Quality of life, equity and justice- These topics can be complex to many young people and so breaking down what each of these stands for and why they are relevant in todays world could be a path around this 
3. Sustainable change – development and carrying capacity [the number of people, animals, or crops which a region can support without environmental degradation This concepts I have witnessed most successfully in education was within food industries based subjects. This was quite a relevant subject for doing so. Others, such as PE or art may not be as straight forward. A sustainability themed week throughout the school and curriculum, in which each subject focused on sustainability within their own sphere would help to solidify learning and understanding on the issue. 

Adaptations:

1. Curriculum Integration and Interdisciplinary Approaches: Instead of treating sustainability as a standalone subject, integrate its principles across all disciplines. For example, in a history class, discuss the environmental impact of historical events or technological advancements. In a literature class, analyze texts that explore themes of nature, human impact, or social justice related to sustainability. This helps students understand the interconnectedness of issues and fosters a holistic view of sustainability.
2. Teacher Training and Professional Development: Provide comprehensive and ongoing training for educators to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively teach sustainability. This could include workshops on specific sustainability topics (e.g., climate change science, circular economy principles), pedagogical approaches for EfS (e.g., project-based learning, inquiry-based learning), and resources for curriculum development. Support networks and communities of practice for teachers can also foster shared learning and innovation.
3. Community Engagement and Real-World Projects: Connect classroom learning to real-world sustainability challenges and solutions through community engagement. This can involve partnerships with local environmental organizations, businesses, or government agencies. Students can participate in projects such as local clean-up initiatives, designing sustainable school gardens, conducting energy audits, or developing awareness campaigns. These experiences provide hands-on learning, foster a sense of civic responsibility, and demonstrate the tangible impact of sustainability efforts.

Challenges:

1. Lack of Comprehensive Curriculum Integration and Systemic Support: Sustainability is often marginalized or treated as an add-on rather than being deeply embedded across the curriculum. This is exacerbated by rigid curricula, a focus on standardized testing, and insufficient administrative support or funding for EfS initiatives. As a result, EfS can be perceived as less important than core subjects, leading to limited time and resources allocated to it.
2. Insufficient Teacher Training and Resources: Many educators lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively teach sustainability. They may not have received adequate training during their initial teacher education or ongoing professional development. This can lead to a reluctance to address complex sustainability topics or a superficial treatment of the subject matter. Furthermore, a lack of readily available, high-quality educational resources tailored to different age groups and subjects can hinder effective implementation.
3. Psychological Barriers and Cultural Resistance: Individuals often struggle to connect with abstract environmental problems or may experience cognitive dissonance when confronted with the need for behavioral change. Deeply ingrained cultural values that prioritize economic growth and consumerism can also create resistance to sustainability messages. Overcoming these psychological and cultural barriers requires more than just factual information; it demands approaches that foster empathy, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge existing norms.