Introducing environmental education to school going children is essential since it instills in them the values of conserving the environment. This enables them to make a difference both in their schools and in the communities around them. It also provides them with an opportunity to comprehensively understand the myriad of challenges facing the environment, with possible mitigation measures that could be employed to address them. There are numerous advantages of introducing environmental education into the learning systems in schools. Below are some of the key reasons why it is necessary to incorporate environmental education into the teaching curriculum:

Instills respect for nature: Environmental education enables children to understand why it is necessary to respect Mother Nature, and consequently how to reap from the benefits and wonders that nature provides.

Teaches children about environmental challenges: It also teaches children about some of the pertinent challenges that are prone to affect the environment. This subsequently allows them a chance to contribute to the global efforts of protecting the environment. Environmental teaching also prepares the children for future careers, and equips them with prerequisite skills to become professionals in future.

Trains on significance of being kind to nature: This includes being kind to animals and to fellow human beings. It teaches them on why it is important to treat each other well. Children learn that it is important to take care of not just the environment, but on what is on the environment as well. That includes the people around them as well as both domestic and wild animals too.

Enables development of critical thinking skills: The discussions, and teachings on environmental education enables the children to make an analysis and evaluation of the circumstances affecting the environment. This in turn prompts them to make informed judgement and decisions based on their assessment of the situation in relation to the environment. The process results in the children developing critical thinking skills that is beneficial to them in life.

Teaches them to be responsible: The environmental education program demonstrates to the children on the importance of being responsible human beings. This is both on an individual level as well as collectively as a generation.

Assists government meet its objectives: The overall objective of any government is to protect both its citizens as well as their property. This similarly includes protecting the environment in which the people live in. The environmental education programs in schools go a long way in supporting the government’s efforts to safeguard the environment.