ESD Learning Outcomes

These are the knowledge, skills and values relevant to sustainable development that Learning for a Sustainable Future considers necessary to ensure a sustainable future.

Knowledge

This is a list of the knowledge that today's youth will need to acquire in order to become responsible citizens in the 21st century.

• The planet earth as a finite system and the elements that constitute the planetary environment.
• The resources of the earth, especially soil, water, minerals, etc., and their distribution and role in supporting living organisms.
• The nature of ecosystems and biomes; their health, interdependence within the biosphere.
• The dependence of humans on the resources of the environment for life and sustenance.
• The sustainable relationship of native societies to the environment.
• The implications of the distributions of resources in determining the nature of societies and the rate and character of economic development.
• Characteristics of the development of human societies including nomadic, hunter gatherer, agricultural, industrial and post industrial and the impact of each on the natural environment.
• The role of science and technology in the development of societies and the impact of these technologies on the environment.
• Philosophies and patterns of economic activity and their different impacts on the environment, societies and cultures.
• The process of urbanization and implications of de-ruralization.
• The interconnectedness of present world political, economic, environmental and social issues.
• Aspects of perspectives and philosophies concerning the ecological and human environments; for example, the interconnectedness of matter, energy and human awareness.
• Cooperative international and national efforts to find solutions to common global issues, and to implement strategies for a more sustainable future.
• The implications for the global community of the political, economic and socio-cultural changes needed for a more sustainable future.
• Processes of planning, policy-making and action for sustainability by governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations and public.

Skills

This is a list of the skills that today's youth will require to contribute to a sustainable future.

• Frame appropriate questions to guide relevant study and research.
• Apply definitions of fundamental concepts, such as environment, community, development and technology, to local, national and global experiences.
• Use a range of resources and technologies in addressing questions.
• Assess the nature of bias and evaluate different points of view.
• Develop hypotheses based on balanced information, critical analysis and careful synthesis, and test them against new information and personal experience and beliefs.
• Communicate information and viewpoints effectively.
• Develop cooperative strategies for appropriate action to change present relationships between ecological preservation and economic development.
• Work toward negotiated consensus and cooperative resolution of conflict.

Values

This is a list of the attitudes and values that today's youth will need to acquire in order to become responsible citizens in the 21st century.

• An appreciation of the resilience, fragility and beauty of nature and the interdependence and equal importance of all life forms.
• An appreciation of the dependence of human life on the resources of a finite planet.
• An appreciation of the role of human ingenuity and the individual creativity in ensuring survival and the search for appropriate and sustainable progress.
• An appreciation of the power of humans to modify the environment.
• A sense of self-worth and rootedness in one's own culture and community. A respect for other cultures and recognition of the interdependence of the human community.
• A global perspective and loyalty to the world community. A concern for disparities and injustices, a commitment to human rights and to the peaceful resolution of conflict.
• An appreciation of the challenges faced by the human community in defining the processes needed for sustainability and in implementing the changes needed.
• A sense of balance in deciding among conflicting priorities. Personal acceptance of a sustainable lifestyle and a commitment to participation in change.
• A realistic appreciation of the urgency of the challenges facing the global community and the complexities that demand long-term planning for building a sustainable future.
• A sense of hope and a positive personal and social perspective on the future.
• An appreciation of the importance and worth of individual responsibility and action.