Why are Environmental Education &
Natural History Important?

This is our one earth. It is believed to be 4.5 billion years old. In 1500 world population was thought to be less than 500 million. Five hundred years later, earth's population is approaching 6 billion. A very large part of this increase has occurred since 1900 and the beginning of the industrial age in western civilization. Projections are for approximately 93 million new babies each year for the foreseeable future. Obviously, the greater worlds population — the greater negative impact on the environment in which we all live.

Can we sustain a viable world in the face of this unprecedented growth? According to the United States Environmental Protection agency, sustainability is: “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Without action from all of us — the answer is unfortunately, no.

Teachers of all disciplines are critically important to sustaining our world. With conscious actions taken by all, we can make a difference — if we start now. We must address water quality, ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, energy and materials and toxins as they impact on our quality of life.

Members of the animal kingdom are equally impacted by our action or inaction. Natural environments are impacted directly and indirectly by our everyday choices. Teachers, like us, can help people make intelligent and sustainable choices.