How can higher education community contribute to achievement of sustainable development?

Abstract

These days, sustainability confronts us as a serious threat - or, more correctly, its absence is the threat. At the same time, and as a total complete contrast, it also offers most significant opportunities. Our current methods of production and consumption are simply not sustainable in the long term and so, for the purpose of saving the environment, both consumer and producer behaviour needs to be changed. Consumer behaviour is affected by values and attitudes, under the blanket name of ‘lifestyle’. Lifestyle is not only influenced by choice, but connected to socio-economic factors, and to economic resources. Likewise the level of commitment affects the behaviour of the consumer. Education provides some degree of support in changing people’s behaviour and behavioural culture. Sustainability Education is now starting to play an increasingly active role in education. This paper examines the current situation, the trends in educational activity and different solutions within the frame of our international comparison. University activities in environmental education are very useful as a source of raising environmental awareness and helping consumers to make „greener” choices in their lives. Education, in fact, has considerable social value in reducing harmful environmental impacts. Effective education can produce a change in society’s attitudes, values and actions, and the focus on education for sustainability is a key element in the creation of sustainability-focused attitudes and values. What is more, universities should be a major contributor to society’s efforts to achieve sustainability. Keywords: Sustainability Education, sustainability-focused attitudes, sustainability knowledge