1 Transitioning to ‘education for sustainability’

A colourful illustration of SDG 4: Quality Education.
Figure 1  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Goal 4: Quality Education, interpreted by Lene Sørensen Rose
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The image shows a young child reading under a tree. A glass of water and a magnifying glass lay on the grass beside them. Lines trail up from the child's head, showing them connected to the trees, clouds and birds. In the sky, a line reads 'educatiton for everyone'. At the bottom of the illustration it reads: Education can change the world. No. 4 of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Quality Education.

Figure 1  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Goal 4: Quality Education, interpreted by Lene Sørensen Rose...

There are many different views on education for sustainability or sustainable development, where the latter term is more often used. A global goal for sustainable education is defined as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Goal 4 Quality Education:

Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

In this SDG (Quality Education – Target 4.7) sustainable development is clearly stated alongside issues of social equity, diversity, and global citizenship. Less emphasised is the environmental imperative and the relevance of ecological literacy in understanding and responding to the climate crisis. Historically, environmental education and environmental citizenship have been identified as important areas of education for sustainability.

Unit 6 learning outcomes

1.1 Environmental education