Creating a culture of enviro sustainability

The drastic changes in weather conditions are giving Mother Nature a bipolar reputation. Meteorologists are having difficulty accurately determining her moods. The rays of global warming are brighter and clearer than ever before, and while I am not going to preach an apocalyptic message, I suggest that Jamaica must become serious about environmental sustainability. We must create a culture of sustainability, a culture that should start with the youth.

To create this new culture, we must make changes to our values, institutions and ways of living. We must realise when basic needs have been met. We must accept that human development is primarily about humans and does not translate to having more; we must not adopt the habit of overconsumption. The way we care for our environment largely determines whether future generations will be able to enjoy our country's natural resources and all its beauty.

Changing our attitudes means modifying the way we see and perceive things. This is achieved through increasing knowledge and raising awareness. Changing our values suggests adopting actions which improve the relationship between and among individuals and their environment.

standing at the forefront

The United Nations says that nearly half the world's population, or three billion people, are under the age of 25, with nearly 1.3 billion living in developing countries. With approximately 48 per cent of the Jamaica population being youth, there is no better group to lead this cultural change. Whether it is commitment to greening of our schools, participation in political mobilisation for change, or different actions involving peer education, young people must be at the forefront of change.

I am suggesting we begin this change in primary schools. Institutions such as the National Environment and Planning Agency and Jamaica Environment Trust, among others, must become actively involved in consultation and physical action in leading the schools on a path of environmental sustainability.

This preventative course of action is rooted in education. Education enables youth to become pragmatic leaders and stewards with appreciation and deep knowledge of their environment. Education is important to achieving environmental awareness. It helps to encourage and promote positive values and attitudes.

environment clubs

Teach these kids not only about the importance of environmental sustainability but also ways to protect the environment. I am suggesting that the Ministry of Education encourage teachers to pay more attention to the 'Nature and the Environment' aspect of the curriculum.

Schools should develop environment clubs that do more than clean up schools and plant trees. These clubs should be actively involved in encouraging dynamic and creative ways of going green and spreading the message.

Active recycling programmes must begin in all schools. Students should be taught the importance of recycling, so they can teach it to members of their households and communities.

These are just some of the methods that will help to create a new culture of environmental sustainability. The students should become so involved that environmental sustainability becomes second nature - almost like breathing. They will then instil these values in their children and that positive cycle will continue.

Policymakers, teachers and other important stakeholders must be willing to assist in this charge to create a sustainable environment for Jamaica. We must protect her beauty.

Meeckel B. Beecher is Jamaica's youth ambassador-at-large, UN. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and lekceem@gmail.com.