Definition of Environmental Literacy
The CA Blueprint for Environmental Literacy defines an environmentally literate person as one who “has the capacity to act individually and with others to support ecologically sound, economically prosperous, and equitable communities for present and future generations. Through lived experiences and education programs that include classroom-based lessons, experiential education, and outdoor learning, students will become environmentally literate, developing the knowledge, skills, and understanding of environmental principles to analyze environmental issues and make informed decisions.”
Central Themes for Environmental Literacy
- Air
- Climate change
- Energy
- Environmental justice
- Environmental sustainability
- Fish and wildlife resources
- Forestry
- Integrated pest management
- Oceans
- Pollution prevention
- Public health and the environment
- Resource conservation, waste reduction, and recycling
- Toxics and hazardous waste
- Water