THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ON MENTAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

Abstract

Environmental Education is crucial for developing individual mental health and the health of a community. EE through its nature-based learning brings each individual a little closer to the environment which helps them transform to a better person mentally and psychologically with reduced stress, enhanced emotional resilience and better cognitive functioning. Research indicates that exposure to green spaces and outdoor learning experiences decreases levels of anxiety and depression, as well as increases attention and problem-solving ability. Other than the well-being of individual, EE also nurtures stronger social ties of civic engagement, sustainable practices, and the shared responsibility to the environment. Community environmental initiatives, like urban gardening, conservation movements and sustainability projects, can get people together, work together, lead together and feel together helping the community to understand that we are not alone in combating the problems faced in the future. Despite the challenges of limited access to natural spaces, insufficient funding, and curriculum integration barriers, however, very few instrumental changes to EE are made possible. The challenges to achieving these reforms as well as incorporating EE into the community and formal education are addressed with policy reforms, improved investment in EE resources, and novel approaches to EE education. Environmental education enables the society to bring out the healthy and sustainable environment where individuals and communities live mentally and socially.