How can we design the future of Earth Education for sustainable societies?

Glenda Lozada
Elementary Science Teacher
Adolfo García Second Unit School
Naranjito, Puerto Rico

We are living in a world in constant change, where the evolutionary processes are more evident and occur in a dizzying way. It is essential from an early age to guide our students to sustainable communities, in order to create a society protected by these postulates.

Let's start by defining what it means to develop a sustainable community, to encourage the attitudes of individuals, skills, knowledge and actions that seek to protect the environment, social and economic equality of that group.

As educators we are calling to become agents of social change and innovation in our educational facilities. It is vital to be able to guide our students to think critically about our reality as individuals, within a collective context, which is intimately interrelated. It is our commitment to guarantee a quality education, which offers opportunities and meaningful experiences to all our participants. This with the purpose of eradicating poverty, hunger and inequality. By encouraging these actions we will be guiding future leaders to create sustainable communities, as we will be demonstrating powerful tools within this globalized world. If we offer lessons in our targeted communities focused on bridging the inequality gap, we will be breaking paradigms that respond to political and economic interests. It is essential to educate them, so that they take immediate action on climate change, poverty, proper management of resources, the use of renewable energy and the development of innovative industries seeking economic activities protected by sustainable production and consumption. All these efforts and initiatives carried out in collaborations and alliances with promoters of peace and justice will result in the emergence of sustainable societies worldwide.

Downloadable version of this essay