Environmental Literacy in Education: A Literature Study to Support Sustainable Development

Abstract

Environmental literacy is an essential competence in addressing increasingly complex global environmental challenges, including climate change, ecosystem degradation, and sustainability crises. This study aims to examine the concept of environmental literacy and the role of education in its development through a literature study approach. Data sources were obtained from relevant scholarly articles and academic publications focusing on environmental literacy and environmental education. The findings indicate that environmental literacy encompasses knowledge, awareness, attitudes, critical thinking skills, and active participation in pro-environmental actions. Education plays a strategic role in strengthening environmental literacy through the implementation of active, contextual, and experience-based learning approaches. However, a gap remains between the urgency of environmental issues and existing educational practices. Therefore, the development of systematic and sustainable learning strategies is necessary to enhance environmental literacy. This study is expected to contribute both theoretically and practically to the advancement of education oriented toward sustainability.