ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICAL VALUES AND THEIR ESSENCE IN EDUCATION

Abstract

The necessity of ecological education emerged to ensure a favorable environment for human life. The quality and health of the environment determine fundamental human rights and the primary goal of civilization's development. Without a natural basis, all social issues necessary for human existence and development lose their significance. Therefore, ecological education should not be limited to being included in the education system but should become its main part. If literature and history are necessary for the assimilation of cultural values, and natural science is essential for understanding natural laws, then ecological education is aimed at forming a truly responsible attitude toward nature, considering the environmental impact of human actions. Thus, the existence and development of humanity in the future are possible. The disruption of ecological relationships, lack of responsibility for the future, and ignorance of environmental impact are the root causes of ecological crises (Smith, 2020).

There is a consumerist approach to nature among graduates of higher and secondary education, as well as within society as a whole. The demand for studying the environment and actively participating in its improvement has not yet reached its full potential. Therefore, the goal of ecological education is to cultivate a responsible attitude towards nature and raise awareness about environmental impact (Johnson & Lee, 2019).