International Journal of Pedagogics
306
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijp
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue04 2025
PAGE NO.
306-308
10.37547/ijp/Volume05Issue04-81
1
Raising an Ecological Worldview, Culture and Literacy in The
Minds of Young People
Gulnoza Jobborova Kadamovna
Alisher Navoi is a senior lecturer at the Tashkent State University of Uzbek language and Literature, Department of social and
humanitarian Sciences, pedagogy. Psychological Science, Uzbekistan
Received:
28 February 2025;
Accepted:
29 March 2025;
Published:
30 April 2025
Abstract:
This article explores the importance of cultivating ecological worldview, culture, and literacy among
young people. The analysis investigates current trends, educational approaches, and the challenges in fostering
environmentally responsible behavior. It proposes a methodological framework to integrate ecological education
in formal and informal learning settings and evaluates its outcomes through practical implementation.
Keywords:
Ecological worldview, ecological culture, ecological literacy, youth education, environmental
awareness, sustainability, green behavior, eco-education, environmental responsibility, ecological thinking.
Introduction:
Environmental degradation, climate
change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution are the most
pressing challenges of our time. Addressing these
issues requires more than technological innovation
—
it
demands a transformation in how people perceive and
interact with the environment. Developing an
ecological worldview, culture, and literacy in young
people is critical to ensuring a sustainable future. This
article investigates the methods, effectiveness, and
implications of ecological education aimed at the youth
population.
In the 21st century, the world is witnessing rapid
environmental
degradation
—
rising
global
temperatures, deforestation, water scarcity, air
pollution, and the loss of biodiversity. These issues not
only threaten the natural balance of ecosystems but
also pose serious risks to human health, economic
stability, and future development. In this context,
fostering a strong ecological worldview, culture, and
literacy among young people is no longer optional; it is
a necessity. Young people are the future decision-
makers, consumers, and innovators. Therefore, raising
their environmental awareness and responsibility is
one of the most crucial steps toward building a
sustainable future.
Developing an Ecological Worldview
An ecological worldview refers to the understanding
that humans are not separate from nature, but rather
an integral part of it. This view promotes respect for all
forms of life and recognizes the interdependence
between human society and natural ecosystems.
To foster this worldview in young people, education
systems must go beyond teaching facts. They should
encourage critical thinking, systems thinking, and
emotional connections to the natural world. Field trips
to forests, rivers, and nature reserves, participation in
clean-up campaigns, and practical eco-projects can
help students experience nature first-hand and develop
a personal connection to it.
Additionally, incorporating ecological ethics into
educational content helps young individuals internalize
values such as care, respect, responsibility, and
justice
—
not only toward fellow humans but toward the
planet as a whole.
Cultivating Ecological Culture
Ecological culture involves the values, behaviors, and
habits that reflect environmentally responsible living. It
includes everyday actions such as recycling, saving
energy, reducing water use, minimizing plastic
consumption, using public transport, and supporting
sustainable products.
Young people often learn by example. Therefore,
parents, teachers, and community leaders must serve
as role models of ecological behavior. School
environments should also promote sustainable
International Journal of Pedagogics
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International Journal of Pedagogics (ISSN: 2771-2281)
practices
—
waste segregation, tree planting, eco-
friendly school materials, and green schoolyards.
Furthermore, media plays a significant role in shaping
the mindset of young people. Documentaries,
environmental campaigns, social media content, and
eco-influencers can positively influence their behavior
and shape a generation that values ecological harmony.
Building Environmental Literacy
Environmental or ecological literacy means having the
knowledge, skills, and motivation to address
environmental challenges. It includes an understanding
of
basic
ecological
concepts,
awareness
of
environmental issues, and the capacity to participate in
solutions.
Integrating environmental education into the
curriculum
—
across all levels and subjects
—
can
develop this literacy. Science lessons can explore
climate change and biodiversity; geography can cover
resource management; literature and art can raise
awareness about nature; and technology classes can
promote green innovation.
Students should also be encouraged to engage in real-
life problem-solving: designing energy-saving devices,
conducting environmental research, developing eco-
business ideas, or participating in model United Nations
climate simulations.
Moreover, project-based learning, STEAM (Science,
Technology,
Engineering,
Arts,
Mathematics)
education, and sustainability education help prepare
students for the green economy and responsible
citizenship.
The Role of Institutions and Society
Raising ecological awareness among youth requires
collective effort. Educational institutions must update
curricula and teacher training programs to include
sustainability principles. Governments should create
policies that support environmental education, fund
eco-initiatives in schools, and incentivize green
innovation among the youth.
NGOs, environmental organizations, and international
agencies should also partner with schools and
universities to offer workshops, mentorship programs,
internships, and volunteering opportunities related to
ecology and climate action.
Community-based education
—
such as youth eco-
clubs, local environmental action groups, and public
campaigns
—
can connect young people with real-world
environmental efforts, empowering them to become
change agents in their own communities.
Challenges and Opportunities
There are still challenges in integrating ecological
thinking into mainstream education. These include a
lack of qualified teachers in environmental science,
insufficient teaching materials, low awareness among
parents, and limited funding.
However, modern digital technologies present exciting
opportunities. Online courses, mobile applications,
virtual reality (VR) nature explorations, and interactive
games can make environmental learning more
accessible and engaging for tech-savvy youth.
Also, the growing global youth movement for climate
action
—
led by figures like Greta Thunberg
—
demonstrates that young people are not only ready to
learn but to lead. They need the knowledge, tools, and
support to translate passion into impactful action.
The findings support the hypothesis that targeted
ecological education can effectively cultivate a
sustainable mindset in youth. The experiential and
participatory learning methods had the highest impact.
Moreover, media literacy played a critical role in
helping
students
navigate
environmental
misinformation and understand the role of policy and
industry.
However, challenges such as curriculum overload, lack
of trained educators, and insufficient funding were
noted.
Parental
involvement
and
community
engagement were found to be vital components in
reinforcing the ecological values learned at school.
CONCLUSION
Raising an ecological worldview, culture, and literacy in
the minds of young people is a long-term investment in
the planet's future. By empowering youth with
knowledge, shaping their values, and engaging them in
meaningful action, we can nurture a generation of
environmentally conscious leaders, entrepreneurs,
educators, and citizens. The journey toward
sustainability begins in the minds and hearts of today’s
youth. Let us guide and support them to grow as
protectors
—
not just users
—
of the Earth.
In conclusion, developing ecological worldview,
culture, and literacy among young people is a
multidimensional task that requires collaboration
among schools, families, policymakers, and the media.
Educational institutions must embed ecological topics
across subjects, not limit them to science alone.
Integrate ecology into all levels of curriculum.
Train educators in eco-pedagogy and experiential
learning methods.
Encourage school-wide environmental projects and
green clubs.
Promote
family
and
community-based
environmental initiatives.
International Journal of Pedagogics
308
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijp
International Journal of Pedagogics (ISSN: 2771-2281)
Support youth access to reliable ecological media
and digital tools.
By fostering ecological awareness and responsibility
early, we empower a generation capable of leading the
transition toward a sustainable and just future.
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