The literacy rate is one of the indicators to measure the ability of reading and writing. It is also to see the level of development of education.

For the age of sustainable development, we need another literacy. That is “environmental literacy”.

Environmental literacy is defined as follows;

An individual’s understanding, skills and motivation to make responsible decisions that considers his or her relationships to natural systems, communities and future generations.

(source: Oregon stage university website)

UNESCO has set the road map and framework of education for sustainable development (ESD).

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology in Japan follows that road map and framework and made a guidebook to teach ESD. Schools start to teach ESD. Therefore, Children’s environmental literacy is improving.

However, for adults, it has not been provided yet. Most of the people who do not have sufficient environmental literacy make policies and do businesses. The results are various kinds of environmental problems.

As mature adult people, we should equip environmental literacy. This is one of adult learning and an essential skill in the 21st century. I will study and practice it and share it with you to make a better world.