The youth role in creating a healthy future for the earth: an examination of the link between collective action for the environment and the emotional health of children.

Education for Sustainability in the Secondary Sector—A Review

“…This is an encouraging finding, as this approach can empower students and avoid the development of action paralysis, feelings of powerlessness and guilt which may arise when student learning focuses on environmental problems and causes (Jensen & Schnack, 2006). Taking action for the environment at a local level can turn children’s anxiety and despair about the environment into optimism (Alimahomed & Keeler, 1995; Jensen & Schnack, 2006). Only 11 studies from non-western contexts reported action-orientation (Figure 3), largely a reflection of the relatively low number of studies on secondary EfS in this study from developing countries.…”

Impact of whole-school education for sustainability on upper-primary students and their families

“…Action paralysis involves feelings of guilt and powerlessness, and needs to be replaced by collective action and feelings of shared responsibility. Research shows that through ongoing programs at school, it is possible to turn a child's anxiety into optimistic, action-based concern (Alimahomed & Keeler, 1995;Jensen & Schnack, 2006;Uzzell, 1999;Uzzell et al, 1994).…”