Survey: Sustainability education should be core part of school curriculum, broadly focused, better funded
80% of parents consider sustainability education critical to the planet's future
Few topics divide the population like the environment. Whether we’re arguing about governmental regulations or the existence of climate change, once the topic comes up we tend to divide into the comfort of our individual camps.
It can feel like there’s very little common ground and no place to have a conversation. But, according to data from the recent 2024 ALPLA Sustainability in Education survey, that may not be true.
Unlike other environmental topics, sustainability education is one where there seems to be some agreement. We surveyed 1,000 parents, and according to data from the survey, there is broad support among them for sustainability education.
Seventy-two percent of survey respondents said they believe sustainability education should be a core part of school curriculums. More than two-thirds (68%) of respondents believe sustainability should be taught at least weekly, with nearly 30% advocating for daily lessons. Those sustainability lessons shouldn’t be relegated to a sustainability class: 79% of those surveyed support integrating sustainability concepts across all subjects.
“Seeing broad support for integrating sustainability education across school curriculums is encouraging,” said Billy Rice, Sustainability Manager at ALPLA, North America. “To truly prepare students for the future, we must ensure sustainability is taught regularly and woven into various subjects. This isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about equipping young minds to build a sustainable future for all of us.”
The survey also reveals a strong preference for a broad approach to sustainability education. A significant number of respondents—60%—believe instruction should cover a wide range of topics, everything from recycling to energy and water conservation.
Despite the broad support for sustainability education, inadequate funding and insufficient teacher training are still barriers. Only 28% of respondents believe sustainability education is adequately funded, and a mere 29% think teachers have the necessary training to deliver effective instruction.
It’s not a surprise then that 73% of those surveyed support increased funding for sustainability programs in schools.
Still, even with challenges, Americans’ support of sustainability education is because they are optimistic about the impact of that education on the future of the planet.
Our survey shows that 77% of respondents believe students become more environmentally conscious after receiving this education, and 63% think it has a lasting impact on students' lives. These findings underscore the far-reaching benefits of sustainability education, extending well beyond the classroom.
Most compellingly, 80% of respondents see sustainability education as critical to the planet's future. This overwhelming majority underscores the perceived value of sustainability education as a long-term investment in our world's health and survival.
As environmental challenges grow in complexity and urgency, equipping our youth with the knowledge and skills to address these issues becomes increasingly critical. Our 2024 ALPLA Sustainability in Education Survey shows that most Americans recognize that. They support broad, regular sustainability education in the classroom, and they support the increased funding needed to make that a reality.
"The survey results should be a call to action.,” Billy Rice says. “We have the public support; now we need to translate that into tangible changes in our schools. The future of our planet depends on how we educate the next generation about sustainability."
So, is sustainability education an environmental topic we can unite around and the entry point to a much-needed but larger conversation? It may just be.
Few topics divide the population like the environment. Whether we’re arguing about governmental regulations or the existence of climate change, once the topic comes up we tend to divide into the comfort of our individual camps.
It can feel like there’s very little common ground and no place to have a conversation. But, according to data from the recent 2024 ALPLA Sustainability in Education survey, that may not be true.
Unlike other environmental topics, sustainability education is one where there seems to be some agreement. We surveyed 1,000 parents, and according to data from the survey, there is broad support among them for sustainability education.
Seventy-two percent of survey respondents said they believe sustainability education should be a core part of school curriculums. More than two-thirds (68%) of respondents believe sustainability should be taught at least weekly, with nearly 30% advocating for daily lessons. Those sustainability lessons shouldn’t be relegated to a sustainability class: 79% of those surveyed support integrating sustainability concepts across all subjects.
“Seeing broad support for integrating sustainability education across school curriculums is encouraging,” said Billy Rice, Sustainability Manager at ALPLA, North America. “To truly prepare students for the future, we must ensure sustainability is taught regularly and woven into various subjects. This isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about equipping young minds to build a sustainable future for all of us.”
The survey also reveals a strong preference for a broad approach to sustainability education. A significant number of respondents—60%—believe instruction should cover a wide range of topics, everything from recycling to energy and water conservation.
Funding and Training Still Hurdles to Clear
Despite the broad support for sustainability education, inadequate funding and insufficient teacher training are still barriers. Only 28% of respondents believe sustainability education is adequately funded, and a mere 29% think teachers have the necessary training to deliver effective instruction.
It’s not a surprise then that 73% of those surveyed support increased funding for sustainability programs in schools.
Long-Term Impact and Importance of Sustainability Education
Still, even with challenges, Americans’ support of sustainability education is because they are optimistic about the impact of that education on the future of the planet.
Our survey shows that 77% of respondents believe students become more environmentally conscious after receiving this education, and 63% think it has a lasting impact on students' lives. These findings underscore the far-reaching benefits of sustainability education, extending well beyond the classroom.
Most compellingly, 80% of respondents see sustainability education as critical to the planet's future. This overwhelming majority underscores the perceived value of sustainability education as a long-term investment in our world's health and survival.
As environmental challenges grow in complexity and urgency, equipping our youth with the knowledge and skills to address these issues becomes increasingly critical. Our 2024 ALPLA Sustainability in Education Survey shows that most Americans recognize that. They support broad, regular sustainability education in the classroom, and they support the increased funding needed to make that a reality.
"The survey results should be a call to action.,” Billy Rice says. “We have the public support; now we need to translate that into tangible changes in our schools. The future of our planet depends on how we educate the next generation about sustainability."
So, is sustainability education an environmental topic we can unite around and the entry point to a much-needed but larger conversation? It may just be.
