EED2601 Assignment 1 (100% COMPLETE
ANSWERS) – Semester 1, 2025 – DUE 23
April 2025
Course
Environmental Education (EED2601)
Institution
University Of South Africa
Book
Environmental Education
Environmental Education - EED2601 Assignment 1 (100% COMPLETE
ANSWERS) – Semester 1, 2025 – DUE 23 April 2025 ;100 % TRUSTED
workings, Expert Solved, Explanations and Solutions....
QUESTION 1: Key Concepts in Environmental Education (20 marks) 1.1
Define environmental education as proposed by the IUCN. (4 marks)
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines Environmental Education
(EE) as a process that enables individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem-
solving, and take action to improve the environment. It aims to develop a population that is
knowledgeable about the environment and its associated challenges, motivated to take
responsible action, and equipped with the necessary skills to address environmental concerns.
This definition emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of environmental education, integrating
knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and participation to foster sustainable environmental
management.
1.1 Define environmental education as proposed by the IUCN. (4 marks)
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), environmental
education is defined as:
"A process aimed at developing a world population that is aware of, and concerned about, the
environment and its associated problems, and which has the knowledge, skills, attitudes,
motivations, and commitment to work individually and collectively towards solutions of current
problems and the prevention of new ones."
,This definition emphasizes the holistic nature of environmental education—developing
awareness, knowledge, skills, and active participation—to encourage sustainable interaction
with the environment.
1.2 Explain the shift from nature studies to environmental education. (4
marks)
1.2 Explain the shift from nature studies to environmental education. (4 marks)
The shift from nature studies to environmental education represents a transition from a focus
on simply learning about the natural world to a broader, action-oriented approach that integrates
environmental issues with social, political, and economic contexts.
1. Nature Studies:
o Focus: Primarily focused on understanding the natural world—plants, animals,
and ecosystems.
o Goal: To teach students about the environment in a passive manner, where nature
is studied without necessarily addressing how human actions affect it.
2. Environmental Education:
o Focus: Expands to include not only the study of nature but also the relationship
between humans and the environment.
o Goal: Aimed at creating awareness and motivating individuals to take active roles
in solving environmental problems, such as pollution, deforestation, and climate
change.
The shift marks a move from purely descriptive study to a more holistic, problem-solving
approach that encourages sustainability and environmental stewardship.
, The shift from nature studies to environmental education occurred as the focus broadened
from simply appreciating nature to understanding and addressing complex environmental issues.
1. Early Nature Studies – Initially, education about the environment centered on nature
appreciation, focusing on plants, animals, and ecosystems without considering human
impact.
2. Growing Environmental Concerns – With increasing environmental problems (e.g.,
pollution, deforestation, and climate change), there was a need for a more
comprehensive approach beyond just biological and ecological knowledge.
3. Introduction of Environmental Education – Environmental education emerged to
integrate scientific, social, and ethical dimensions, emphasizing human responsibility,
sustainability, and problem-solving.
4. Action-Oriented Learning – Unlike nature studies, environmental education encourages
active participation in conservation efforts and sustainable practices, equipping
individuals with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges.
1.3 Describe the holistic environment and its components as outlined in the
study guide. (4 marks)
The holistic environment, as outlined in the study guide, refers to an integrated and
interconnected system that includes all the physical, biological, and human aspects of the
environment. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all components and how changes in one
part of the environment can affect the others. The key components of the holistic environment
include:
1. Natural Components: This includes the physical environment (land, water, air) and the
biological components (plants, animals, ecosystems). These elements work together in
natural processes like the water cycle, nutrient cycles, and energy flows.
2. Human Components: This encompasses human society, culture, economics, and
technology. Humans play a significant role in shaping the environment through activities
such as agriculture, industry, and urbanization, which impact natural systems.
3. Social and Economic Systems: These systems include policies, practices, and human
behaviors that influence the way resources are used and managed. They shape
sustainability efforts and the way humans interact with the natural world.
4. Cultural and Ethical Dimensions: The values, beliefs, and ethical considerations that
guide human interactions with nature are an essential part of the holistic environment.
This includes how societies view environmental stewardship and the moral responsibility
to protect the planet for future generations.