Environmental Education in Australia
Environmental education in Australia is a vital component of the country's efforts to promote sustainability, conservation, and responsible resource management. The Australian government and various organizations have implemented several initiatives to promote environmental education and awareness among the citizens, particularly in the education sector.
Encouraging connection with endangered species
Some amazing work has been done with children in Australia, putting artwork to the sounds of endangered animals. Learning was carried out with children about endangered species and the 'Songs of Disappearance' soundtrack was used to connect children with the amazing diversity of Australian wildlife, including creatures from the ancient forests, dry deserts and coastlines. Creating artwork to go with the sounds has enabled the children to take action in a positive way. The project was a collaboration between the Australian Conservation Foundation, The Bowerbird Collective and Wild Ambience. The album cover and liner notes feature stunning artwork by children who entered the ACF's Wild at Art competition. This year's Wild at Art competition will run from the 17th June until 12th August 2024.
School Curriculum
Environmental education in Australia is integrated into the curriculum of schools and universities, and students are taught about the importance of conservation, biodiversity, sustainable development, and climate change. Environmental education is also offered through various community programs and workshops, where citizens can learn about local ecosystems, environmental issues, and ways to reduce their impact on the environment.
Environmental education in Australia is a critical component of the country's efforts to promote sustainability and environmental conservation. The government, educational institutions, and various organizations are working together to ensure that Australians are aware of environmental issues and are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to protect the natural environment.
Governmental Organisations
The Australian government has also established various agencies and programs to promote environmental education and research, such as the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water the Australian Research Council, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). These agencies and programs work to develop new technologies, conduct research, and provide education and training to students, scientists, and the general public.
Independent Organisations
Many environmental organizations in Australia work to promote environmental education, advocacy, and awareness. These organizations work to protect the natural environment, promote sustainable development, and educate the public about environmental issues. Examples of such organizations include Greenpeace Australia, and the World Wildlife Fund Australia.
The Australian Conservation Foundation is an independent, community-funded environmental organisation that runs a number of events and campaigns through education and partnerships to protect wildlife, the oceans, rivers and forests.
There are a number of other organisations that are working towards a more sustainable future. Here are a few of the environmental centres:
- The Wilderness Society: The Wilderness Society is an environmental organization that focuses on protecting and preserving Australia's wild places. They work to prevent habitat destruction, protect wildlife, and promote sustainable land management practices.
- The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC): The AYCC is a youth-led organization that aims to tackle climate change by mobilizing young people to take action. They work to educate young people about climate change and empower them to engage in political advocacy and community organizing.
- The Centre for Sustainability Leadership (CSL): The CSL is an organization that provides leadership training and mentorship to individuals who want to make a positive impact on the environment and society. They focus on empowering individuals to take action on sustainability issues in their workplaces, communities, and personal lives.
Resources for Environmental Education in Australia
m
Cisco Global Problem Solvers: a series of videos for upper primary school students, where the diverse group of teenagers solve a number of global problems. Resources are available to go with the videos.
Cool Australia has a range of curriculum materials and a digital library on environmental themes.
Australian Environmental Education - is full of useful information and advice, including information about some excellent games and apps.
Climate Clever Energy Savers supports pupils to carry out energy audits in their schools and helps school leaders develop energy-saving action plans.
The challenges facing Australia from Climate Change
There are a number of significant challenges related to climate change currently facing Australia , including:
- Temperature rise: Australia is already one of the hottest and driest continents on earth, and temperatures are expected to continue to rise due to climate change. This will put increased pressure on Australia's agriculture, water resources, and public health.
- An increase in the number and severity of natural disasters: Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and severe natural disasters, such as bushfires, floods, and cyclones. These disasters can cause significant damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment, as well as loss of life.
- Rising sea levels: Australia has a long coastline, and rising sea levels due to climate change pose a significant threat to coastal communities and infrastructure. This can lead to flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion in coastal ecosystems.
- Drought and water scarcity: Australia is already one of the driest inhabited continents on earth, and climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and severe droughts. This can have significant impacts on agriculture, water resources, and the environment.
- Biodiversity loss: Climate change is expected to lead to significant biodiversity loss in Australia, as ecosystems struggle to adapt to changing temperatures, rainfall patterns, and sea levels. This can have significant impacts on the country's wildlife, ecosystems, and natural resources.
- Economic impacts: Climate change has the potential to have significant economic impacts on Australia, including impacts on agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and public health.
Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort from government, industry, and the community, and will likely involve a range of solutions, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience to natural disasters, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
