Ecological Citizenship and Environmental Education
While humanity has made remarkable progress in technology and science over the past century, the impact of these developments on nature has often been overlooked. With industrialization and urbanization, the consumption of natural resources has accelerated, and environmental pollution has increased. Consequently, ecosystems have suffered significant damage. This transformation, regarded as a turning point in human history, has disrupted ecological balances and triggered environmental crises (Atasoy, 2005). At this point, the concept of ecological citizenship has gained importance, encouraging individuals to reassess their relationship with the environment and adopt a lifestyle in harmony with nature. This understanding enables humanity to redefine its connection with nature in a healthy way and actively contribute to building a sustainable future.
In this context, the importance of establishing a sustainable relationship with nature is felt more strongly than ever. Achieving this goal requires individuals to develop environmental awareness, respect nature, and adopt behaviors that secure the lives of future generations. At this stage, the concepts of education and ecological citizenship come to the forefront.
Why Should the Human-Nature Relationship Be Reassessed?
The relationship between humans and nature has continuously evolved throughout history. However, in the modern era, this relationship has largely been shaped to favor humans, leading to significant exploitation of nature (Gül, 2013). The rapid increase in fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and environmental pollution following the Industrial Revolution demonstrates that this relationship has become unsustainable.
This unsustainability is most evident in the rising number of environmental disasters occurring across the globe. Events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires associated with climate change are direct consequences of the imbalanced relationship humans have established with nature. It is clear that resolving environmental crises requires this relationship to be reassessed in a sustainable manner (Atasoy, 2005).
Ecological Citizenship and Sustainable Development
Ecological citizenship advocates for individuals to act with environmental awareness, adopt a lifestyle compatible with nature, and aim to leave a habitable world for future generations (Gül, 2013). This concept is directly linked to the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The 2030 Agenda provides a roadmap for humanity and the planet, comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Goals such as Clean Water and Sanitation, Climate Action, and Responsible Consumption and Production are particularly aimed at improving the human-nature relationship. However, achieving these goals requires not only the efforts of governments and institutions but also individuals becoming environmentally conscious (United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, 2024).
Education and Ecological Citizenship
Education is the most effective tool for raising environmental awareness and developing an ecological citizenship identity. The United Nations has proposed the following educational goal to support sustainable development: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, a culture of peace, and global citizenship” (United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, 2024). In line with this goal, education systems need to be restructured to foster environmental awareness. Schools should develop curricula that instill a sense of responsibility toward nature in students.
Gül (2013) also states that individuals with environmental awareness build healthy relationships with both nature and society. This fosters not only environmental protection but also the spread of environmentally friendly habits at the societal level.
Ecological Citizenship at Individual and Societal Levels
Ecological citizenship begins with individuals adopting environmentally friendly habits in their daily lives. These habits include recycling, conserving energy, and reducing plastic usage. However, this transformation should not remain at the individual level but evolve into a societal movement. Municipalities and non-governmental organizations can enhance public awareness by organizing environmental projects. For example, expanding recycling systems is an effective way to increase societal consciousness. As Karalar and Kiracı (2011) emphasize, ecological citizenship is the cornerstone of a sustainable lifestyle and should encompass all segments of society.
Conclusion
In today’s world, where the balance between humans and nature is disrupted, ecological citizenship is the key to restoring this balance. To leave a livable planet for future generations, individuals must act with environmental awareness and live harmoniously with nature. Education is the most effective way to instill this awareness.
Implementing environmental curricula in schools and raising awareness among teachers are essential steps. Moreover, students should be provided with opportunities to interact directly with nature. By nurturing environmentally conscious individuals, we can protect not only the present but also the future.
References
• Atasoy, M. (2005). The Relationship Between Nature and Humans.
• Gül, H. (2013). Ecological Citizenship and Education.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda. (Source: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/).
• Karalar, R., & Kiracı, M. (2011). Educational Policies in Protecting Ecological Balance. (Cited in: Gül, 2013).