INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND VALUES EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

In the context of escalating environmental degradation, the integration of environmental ethics and values education within educational systems emerges as a critical pathway toward achieving sustainable development. By embedding ethical reflection and value-based learning into curricula, learners are empowered not only with ecological knowledge but also with the moral compass necessary to act responsibly. This educational approach cultivates a profound sense of environmental responsibility, encouraging individuals to reflect on the impact of their choices and to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Moreover, such integration enhances critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship, all of which are essential for confronting complex environmental challenges. As the Anthropocene epoch intensifies, it becomes a moral imperative for education systems to nurture ethically grounded citizens who can lead the transition to a just and ecologically balanced future. Institutions, educators, and policymakers must work collaboratively to ensure that environmental ethics and values are not treated as optional themes but as foundational pillars of meaningful education. Only through such a comprehensive and value-driven educational framework can we hope to build a resilient and sustainable world.