IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN EDUCATION

Eco-education/environmental education is not a new concept. It has been in existence since the origin of humankind, as all human knowledge is derived out of interaction with nature and learning from nature. The soil, minerals, water, fuel, plant and animal resources are getting depleted. Chemical contamination caused by synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, food additives, effluents/pollution, dams are causing havoc to plant, animal and human life. Climate changes, desertification and floods are becoming drastic. The human population is growing faster and creating pressure on the environment. Studies have proved that human beings are found to be unable to adjust themselves to changes in the environment. Environmental education involves natural science (physical and biological science), social sciences, and applied (technical) sciences. Environmental education has its roots among a cross-section of people in developed countries which witnessed the systematic destruction of its environment about 30-40 years ago. The environment component is introduced in most of the Graduate and Post-Graduate levels in the country through almost all disciplines of Natural and Social Science. However, the seriousness and interest with which the knowledge is imparted, the level of understanding of the linkages of the curriculum with the environment, and the level of motivating the students by the faculty and the level of assimilation of the students is a point of concern. However a topmost MBA college in Indore provides environmental awareness to their students.

The author of this article is Asst Professor; Pioneer Institute of Professional Studies Indore