Article 1: NAVTIKA VOL XV NO. 3 (April 2025 -July 2025)
Author: Dr. Subhash Chander
Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Delhi University
Abstract
In an era where climate anxiety continues to rise and global challenges demand increasingly complex solutions, the integration of sustainability principles into education has never been more critical. This article explores how we can meaningfully embed sustainable development goals (SDGs) into primary curriculum frameworks as an engaging, transformative approach to education itself.
Introduction
As educators, parents, and research students, we face a dual responsibility: to prepare children for the realities of environmental challenges while empowering them with the knowledge and mindsets needed to create positive change. Sustainability education transcends traditional environmental studies, representing a holistic framework encompassing social justice, economic viability, cultural preservation, and ecological integrity.
Key Insights
When we introduce sustainability principles early, we’re not simply teaching children about recycling or energy conservation. Rather, we’re cultivating a generation that has the capacity to envision alternative futures. Studies like the one done by Ojala (2012) share the linkage between hope and climate change among students.
Practical Strategies
For Educators:
- Prepare educators to embed SDGs within existing subjects rather than creating standalone units
- Encourage collaborative planning to share workload and ideas
- Create projects that explore academic subjects with a universal design approach
- Emphasise an interdisciplinary approach to learning
For Implementation:
- Introduce curriculum in phases: Need analysis, data assimilation, case studies, implementation, transformation phase, and success sharing
- Evolve assessment practices to capture systems thinking and sustainability competencies
- Align school operations with sustainability principles
- Document and share successful integration approaches
For Parent-School Collaboration:
- Share accessible explanations of sustainability concepts being explored in class
- Suggest simple home-based extensions that avoid burdening families
- Create opportunities for families to participate in sustainability initiatives
- Adopt diverse cultural approaches to sustainability
Mental Health Considerations
According to Burke, S.E (2019), both the direct and flow-on effects of climate change place children at risk of mental health consequences including PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, sleep disorders, attachment disorders, and substance abuse. Action-focused sustainability education reduces eco-anxiety.
Conclusion
By thoughtfully integrating sustainability across primary education, we aren’t simply preparing children for tomorrow’s challenges. We’re inviting them to participate meaningfully in creating solutions today, developing the competencies, confidence, and care needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
References
- Burke, S. E., Sanson, A. V., & Van Hoorn, J. (2019). The psychological effects of climate change on children. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(5), 35.
- Kopnina, H. (2020). Education for the future? Critical evaluation of education for sustainable development goals. The Journal of Environmental Education, 51(4), 280–291.
- Ojala, M. (2012). Hope and climate change: The importance of hope for environmental engagement among young people. Environmental Education Research, 18(5), 625–642.
- Rieckmann, M. (2018). Learning to transform the world: Key competencies in Education for Sustainable Development. UNESCO Publishing.
- Zhonggen, Y. (2019). A meta-analysis of use of technology in mathematics instruction and student learning outcomes. Educational Technology Research and Development, 67(5), 1249–1272.
