Becoming a change agent
In the realm of education for sustainability, learning goes beyond merely acknowledging environmental issues and their interconnectedness. It demands a deeper engagement with empathy, reflection, and personal connection to catalyze a shift in mindset. It is also about actively translating this awareness into meaningful action, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment while addressing potential . Learning is ultimately about becoming a change agent.
In the context of education for sustainability, a change agent can be defined as an individual or group who actively works to initiate, facilitate, and drive positive and sustainable change within their communities, organizations, or broader society. They play a pivotal role in driving the transition towards a more sustainable and equitable world, working at the intersection of education, advocacy, policy, and action.
Whether it’s through grassroots community initiatives, advocating for sustainable policies, or embracing eco-conscious lifestyles, individuals must assume roles as proactive advocates and leaders in the face of our complex global challenges. We and our students must evolve into change agents, equipped with the essential attributes and tools to drive sustainable solutions, leveraging our knowledge, values, and skills to address environmental, economic, and social challenges effectively.
As such, self-reflection is a critical step in this ongoing journey. The following interactive activity guides you and your students through a series of reflection questions to assess where you are on your journey. You are free to remix or embed this h5p tool directly into Moodle, or any other learning management system. Just click the ‘Reuse’ or ‘Embed’ buttons in the bottom-left corner of the activity. Please keep the attribution notes!
“Eco-anxiety is the distress caused by climate change where people are becoming anxious about their future (Coffey et al., 2021, p.1)”. The term "eco-anxiety" usually refers to climate change-oriented anxiety (Kurth & Pihkala, 2022). However, for Kurth & Pihkala (2022, p.1), “the label “eco-anxiety” may be best understood as referring to a family of distinct, but related, ecological emotions”. The authors also discuss “a specific form of eco-anxiety, “practical eco-anxiety,” or “the unease that one experiences when thinking about how to respond to ecological threats like climate change. Given the daunting complexity of these situations, one is uncertain about what the best course of actions is; one’s resulting anxiety not only sensitizes one to these challenges, but also prompts the cognitive engagement and motivation that can help one address them (2022, p.1)”.
