Environment, Social Justice and Well being

 

The topics in this project are selected by the students in collaboration with the teachers and the coordinating team. Environmental issues are seen in a broad perspective, which reflects the complex inteconnectedness of social, economic, political and cultural factors in determining the well being of people, populations and nature. Two sets of values are related to the topic selection process. These include:

 

 

a) Social Justice: People and People

basic human needs: the needs of all individuals and societies should be met, within the constraints imposed by the biosphere.

inter-generational equity: each generation should leave to the future a world that is at least as diverse and productive as the one it inherited. To this end, no-renewable resources should be used sparingly, renewable resources should be used sustainably and waste should be minimised.

human rights: all persons should have the fundamental freedoms of conscience and religion, expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

participation: all persons and communitites should be empowered to exercise responsibility for their own lives and for life on earth. This means they should have full access to education, and participate effectively in the decissions that most affect them.

b) Ecological sustainability: People and Nature

interdependence: people are part of nature and should respect it, which means approach nature with humility, care and compassion; be efficient in resource use; be guided by the best available knowledge, and help shape and support public policies that promote sustainability.

biodiversity: very form of life deserves respect independently of its worth to people.

living lightly on the earth: all persons should work to maintain ecological processes, the variety of life and the ecosystems that support them.

interspecies equity: people should treat all creatures decently, and protect them from cruelty and avoidable suffering.

 

 

 

adapted from Fien, J. 1995: Towards Critical Curriculum

Theorising in Environmental and Health Education