Environmental Education as a Cross-Curricular Approach

Abstract

Climate change, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss and natural resource depletion are some of the most pressing issues globally facing the twenty-first century. These environmental issues pose risks to the ecological balance, human health, economic development, and future generations. Hence, it is hoped that all the educational systems in the world can prepare students with knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and competencies for solving environmental issues for a sustainable life. Environmental Education (EE) has become a strong tool for education to achieve environmental literacy and responsible decision-making. Environmental Education is no longer an isolated subject but is now being taught as a cross-over subject, which means environmental issues are woven into other subjects such as science, social studies, geography, language, mathematics, arts and technology. This interdisciplinary learning connects subjects to real-world environmental issues, helping students develop holistic understanding and practical awareness. This paper reviews the theoretical basis of EE, the educational value of EE, important principles of EE, advantages of EE, methods for implementing EE and the difficulties in successfully integrating EE into school curricula as a cross-curricular educational approach. It also shows the importance of teachers, curriculum designers, educational institutions and policy makers in environmental sustainability through interdisciplinary teaching and learning. The study found that cross-curricular EE develops holistic learning, critical and creative thinking, awareness of the environment, problem-solving skills, collaborative learning, and responsibility as a citizen. It also plays a major role in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under SDG 4, SDG 13, SDG 15, and SDG 17.