Health of the environment

Most of the scientific community agrees that climate change is a real, pressing issue. However, the subject of climate change remains controversial and politically charged to the rest of the population. The researchers in this study looked at how science, emotion, and politics intersect and inform communication, particularly with youth. Youth will have to grapple with the devastating realities of climate change if action is not taken, yet not much research has focused on youth voice on climate change action.

Sustainability and sustainable development have become key tenets to economic, social, and political prosperity around the globe. Since the mid-twentieth century, these concepts evolved into teaching and application through the Education for Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG) in 2017 based on the United Nations' Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). However, the definitions and intentions of sustainability and sustainable development are not always agreed upon, inciting questions by some.

Conservation education may help humans and wildlife coexist. In particular, education aimed at children may shape their long-term views of wildlife, and children's knowledge may even transfer to parents, amplifying the impacts of education across generations. One strategy often integrated into short conservation awareness programs is anthropomorphism, or attributing human-like traits to wildlife and other non-human animals. This approach can increase human connection to the species in question, which may in turn help solidify learning and promote conservation behaviors.

A food system is the path that food travels and includes the growing, shopping, cooking, eating, and disposing of food. Modern food systems face multiple issues. Many people across the world do not have access to a constant supply of food. Additionally, global agriculture is a main driver of human-induced climate change. Environmental education can play a pivotal role in raising awareness around the socially and environmentally unsustainable nature of modern food systems.

The fossil fuel industry is a significant contributor to climate change. Many believe that we must transition to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to slow the effects of climate change. However, the fossil fuel industry often uses its considerable economic power to block this from happening. The authors of this paper suggested that the fossil fuel industry aims to portray a positive image of itself to the public.

Adaptation to climate change has become increasingly important throughout the world to ensure human and environmental wellbeing. Studies have shown that communities in Southern Africa are experiencing erratic weather patterns that effect traditional farming practices and crops, leading to food security issues and famine. Research has shown that younger generations are willing to adapt and implement new tools and strategies. However, in certain communities where farming practices have been long-established, changing practices to adapt to climate change is difficult.

Climate change (CC) education has become more prevalent in schools throughout the United States. Currently, the majority of CC education is conducted in a science classroom setting, typically with middle-school to college aged students. While it is important to provide young adults and adolescents with CC education, it is essential that it is integrated into programming for all ages.

In the past few years, national parks in the United States have experienced an increased number of visitors, and with that, the amount of waste has also increased. Research has focused on identifying ways to reduce littering behavior by park visitors. However, little research has been conducted on visitors' waste generation, proper waste disposal, or the drivers of visitor behaviors around waste management. This study used visitor surveys to determine what factors influence waste generation and disposal behaviors to help inform future management strategies.

The marine environment plays a vital role in regulating our drinking water, weather, climate, coastline, and our food. Yet, it has faced extreme degradation in recent years, primarily from human activities, which in turn effects human health and wellbeing. Many countries have identified the need to provide youth with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about marine environment-related issues. For example, Taiwan has integrated marine education into the K-12 curriculum to increase ocean literacy among young individuals.

Anthropogenic causes of environmental degradation, including destruction of natural habitats, pollution, and uncontrolled industrialization, can have negative impacts on human health. These factors disproportionately affect those who contribute the least to environmental degradation, such as children and people living in developing countries where social, economic, and political conditions are unstable. To try to reduce avoidable health-related challenges associated with environmental degradation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has prioritized health education and promotion.