I am currently preparing a paper for the Western Australian Department of Environment (DEC) which will report on the effectiveness of Environmental Education in achieving positive environmental/conservation outcomes. The paper will be presented to Corporate Executive prior to a facilitated workshop aimed at demonstrating the invaluable role EE plays in achieving behaviour change(together with other tools of change) leading to these outcomes and guiding the development of a strategic plan/vision for EE in DEC. I am seeking research papers (preferably recent, independent and longitudinal) that evaluate the effectiveness of EE programs or projects in the areas of biodiversity/threatened species, waste minimisation/resource recovery/contamination, air or water pollution, National parks/conservation reserves and climate change mitigation/adaptation. Please email case studies or links to research reports to [email protected]. Thank you.
David D'Arcy-Burke
Senior Project Coordinator
WA Department of Environment and Conservation
Australia
Effectiveness of Environmental Education Programs
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I'm new to the forum and while I cant provide the information you've requested, I am interested in learning more about the paper you're writing for the Western Australian DEC. Can you tell me how I might find it?
I have a current professional and scholarly interest in environmental education. In particular, my interest as a Landscape Architect is the perceived disconnect between environmental education and the practice of environmental stewardship at youth camps, outdoor and environmental education centers. Understanding how effectiveness is measured is an important component to this, so I look forward to reading the information in the other posts.
Thank you,
Tom Neppl
Tom Neppl
Landscape Architect, Lecturer
Iowa State University
United States
This applies generally to folks who are looking for ways to conduct campaigns to improve local sustainability efforts. I recommend they harness the power of youth involvement. Not only will that improve the resources focused on the current efforts, but can also lay the foundation of a life time commitment among the youth participants. Two resources you might access in the US are: National Youth Leadership Council (http://www.nylc.org/) which has done a bit of work organizing teens around green issues. Their leadership is very accessible.
And of course the national (or local) 4H http://4-h.org/
Mel Tremper
United States
I cannot address your request for reports about the effectiveness of EE in positive environmental outcomes, but I would like to offer a thought piece that may provide insight on why it may EE may not be effective in the US. This is based on our observations of the field after a 7 year investment in helping environmental educators become more inclusive.
Best of luck on your work.
Lisa LaRocque
Intercambios
United States
David,
We did an Employee Energy Challenge and GHG Challenge. The attached power-point lists the financial savings and GHG reductions.
Dr Rosemarie Russo
Sustainability Coordinator
City of Fort Collins
United States
I could not agree more with Mel's comment. I work for Cool the Earth (www.cooltheearth.org) which uses a child-driven model to inspire families to take simple, voluntary behavior modifying action at home to address climate change. George Mason University's Center of Excellence in Climate Change Communication Research has found this child-driven model to be one of the most effective methods to create positive environmental change.
Our own study conducted by a Stanford University senior research scientist to measure the impact and efficacy of the program confirmed that the CTE program: results in increased actions and new actions being taken by kids and their families and; the program gives parents a platform with which to talk about climate change with their kids and increases family dialogue about this important topic. Results from the study will be release this summer.
Tracey Diaz
COO
Cool the Earth
United States
www.cooltheearth.org