Environmental literacy - a priority of modern education

Abstract

In the modern world, environmental issues are gaining crucial importance not only from an ecological, but also from
an economic and social point of view. Among today's challenges, one of the main ones remains environmental degradation,
climate change, biodiversity loss and inappropriate use of natural resources. To solve these problems, it is crucial to educate a
generation that has environmental awareness, responsibility and behavioral skills. In this context, a special role is played by
environmental literacy - an integrated competence that combines knowledge, values and attitudes, skills and behaviors that
allow a person to understand the importance of the natural environment and make reasonable decisions taking into account the
principles of sustainable development. Environmental education is not limited to teaching ecological topics and accumulating
knowledge. It also includes value education, active citizenship and the formation of practical and responsible behaviors. The
formation of environmental literacy creates an environmentally conscious citizen (UNESCO, 2017), who understands the laws
of nature and his own role in this system. That is why environmental literacy is considered one of the most important goals of
education today. Its teaching is one of the main directions in modern educational policy and practice, especially in the general
education system.