Impact of Environmental Education in Society

With increasing global environmental problems, the experts now suggest that environmental education can influence the society largely. Environmental education is a main source to connect us to the world. This specific course teaches youth about the natural values and the way to build a clean green environment. It also raises general awareness of environment issues and its impacting the environment upon which society is dependent as well as actions can society take to improve and sustain it.The impact of environmental education in Pakistan can be significant in addressing various environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.The Punjab government believed that environmental education can make a difference in Pakistan and it plays a crucial role in promoting environmental education in schools through various policies, initiatives and programs. Keeping this in mind, Maryam Nawaz Shareef, Chief Minister, Punjab has declared environmental education as a compulsory subject in the schools of Punjab to enlighten the youth. CM Punjab would like to make smog free Punjab especially Lahore. For this purpose, she is going to take many essential and effective steps. Most importantly, the government has made the subject matter a part of the school curriculum because the education sector is the main source to address increased environmental problems and provide us better understanding of the current environment scenario and societal responsibility. The aim is to educate the youth concerning environment awareness and enlightenment. Environmental education helps raise awareness about environmental problems such as pollution and smog. This course also educates about deforestation, water scarcity and climate change. By providing knowledge about the causes and consequences of environmental degradation, it empowers individuals to make effective decisions and authorities to take in time actions to protect the environment. Policy makers believed that Environmental education encourages behavioral change by promoting sustainable practices such as waste reduction, energy conservation, water management, and biodiversity conservation.Through this particular education the society are inspired to adopt environmentally friendly habits in their daily lives. In this way, it plays a crucial role in engaging and empowering the youth to become environmentally custodian and activists. Communities are motivated to take ownership of environmental issues and drive positive change in their living standards. Different studies of developed countries depicted that educated citizens are better equipped to demand environmental protection measures, advocate for sustainable development policies, and hold policymakers accountable for their actions related to environmental issues.It also enhances the capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions to address environmental challenges effectively. Through Environmental education, it contributes to conservation efforts by promoting the preservation of biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and natural ecosystems. Ultimately, environmental education fosters a culture of sustainability and promotes the integration of environmental considerations into development planning and decision-making processes. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues, it advocates for a holistic approach to development that prioritizes environmental protection, social equity, and economic prosperity. In Pakistan, environmental challenges such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change are significant concerns, the impact of environmental education can be transformative in building a more sustainable and resilient future for the country. However, to realize its full potential, environmental education efforts need to be adequately supported, resourced, and integrated into formal education systems, community outreach programs, and policy initiatives.