The rate at which our environment is degrading is frightening, and its deleterious effects are becoming more and more prominent each passing day. It has now become crucial to take every possible step in order to protect it.
One such step is the implementation of environmental education, which was made compulsory in formal education under a ruling by the Supreme Court of India. Although it was added to the curriculum, the subject sadly remains only about the theoretical knowledge of environmental issues, which is not of much help without any practical understanding because hands-on experience is extremely important to deal with problems leading to environmental degradation.
In addition to learning about climate change, increasing pollution, deforestation, groundwater depletion, biodiversity loss and all other facets that are leading to a decline in environmental quality, students should also be able to do something to solve these problems at their level. For instance, they should be skilled in composting and rainwater harvesting at their houses, should know about species of trees they should plant in their area, explore where they can take their used objects for recycling and learn how they can adapt the sustainable way of living.
It is also necessary to train teachers regarding practical learning of environmental education and how they can impart their knowledge to their students. The one-size-fits-all approach is not apt in these circumstances, hence, the syllabus should be diverse and include local problems of the area.
We have to make our younger generation aware and proficient in resolving environmental issues so that they can contribute to the collective efforts of our country towards the betterment of our earth and also influence others to do the same.