European SWOT Analysis on Education for Environmental Citizenship

Hadjichambis, A. Ch., Reis, P. & Paraskeva-Hadjichambi D. (Eds.). (2019). European SWOT Analysis on Education for Environmental Citizenship. Lisbon: Institute of Education – University of Lisbon, Cyprus Centre for Environmental Research and Education & European Network for Environmental Citizenship – ENEC Cost Action.

Environmental citizenship is crucial for the success of any environmental policy. Sustainable development, a circular economy, a low-carbon economy, and a bio-economy require an effective citizen engagement. Citizens are called upon to adopt environmental attitudes and behaviors, make green choices, increase civic participation, and to be aware of and apply their environmental rights and duties. The contemporary environmental crisis with climate change, biodiversity loss, air pollution, and all other local and global environmental problems demand an education that is capable of empowering environmental citizens. Education plays a key role in shaping future environmental citizens; nobody is born environmental citizen but anybody can become so by education. 

This report presents a SWOT Analysis of an integrated and holistic type of education in Europe “Education for Environmental Citizenship”. The SWOT analysis is presented in two levels. In Part A synthesis of the results of 157 experts from 28 European countries is presented. In Part B the reader can explore the 23 European country reports.

It is important to clarify that this research regarding SWOT analysis was undertaken before any development on the concept of Education for Environmental Citizenship such as common definition and the pedagogical approach. In this fact, it illustrates the experts’ opinion in the different contexts throughout Europe.

We hope that European stakeholders will find it useful.