Sustainability science and education in the neoliberal ecoprison

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Wamsler

Purpose Current approaches to sustainability science and education focus on (assessing and addressing) the external world of ecosystems, wider socio-economic structures, technology and governance dynamics. A major shortcoming of such approaches is the neglect of inner dimensions and capacities (which constrains education for sustainability as an end), and a limited capacity to facilitate reflection on the cognitive and socio-emotional processes underpinning people’s learning, everyday life choices and decision-taking (which constrains education for sustainability as a means). More integral approaches and pedagogies are urgently needed. The purpose of this paper is to advance related knowledge. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a reflexive case study of the development of an innovative course on “Sustainability and Inner Transformation” and associated interventions in the form of a practice lab and weekly councils. Findings The paper elaborates on the connections between sustainability and inner transformation in education, offers insights into the process of adapting contemplative interventions to sustainability education and concludes with some reflections on challenges, lessons learnt and future work needed to support more integral approaches. The findings show that inner dimensions and transformation can be a vehicle for critical, improved education for sustainability and how this can be achieved in practice. Originality/value It is only recently that the concept of the inner or personal (sphere of) transformation has received growing attention in sustainability science and education. Despite this interest, such new conceptualizations and heuristics have, to date, not been systematically connected to education for sustainability (neither as an end nor means). The paper presents a critical, reflexive case, which advances related knowledge. It sets a precedent, which other universities/training institutions could follow or learn from.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Krogman ◽  
Gary Machlis

This paper reports on the results of a workshop in Haiti and Puerto Rico to capture what priorities may be important to build sustainability sciences and education. In 2015, approximately 35 individuals attended all or part of the workshop at each location. Participants included academic leaders, university faculty, secondary school teachers, representatives of non-profit organizations, and university and high school students. Haitian participants called attention to the need for reforestation training, systemic solutions for waste management, and sustainable marine resources management. In Puerto Rico, participants called for more training to link civic engagement with sustainable development, social determinants of health, and programming on tsunami preparation and recovery. Members of both workshops asked for sustainability science and education advances in renewable and alternative energy development, general disaster and climate change impact preparedness (e.g. drought), and sustainable agriculture. Haitian and Puerto Rican participants also shared the view that engaging sustainability requires higher educational institutions to partner with communities, primary and secondary school teachers, policy-makers, and especially young persons, to reinforce the values of sustainability, and collectively work across sectors to learn through trial and error together.


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