Book chapter
How Does Faith Influence Pro-Environmental Practice in Schools? Examples from the Pacific Islands
Beyond Belief: Opportunities for Faith-Engaged Approaches to Climate-Change Adaptation in the Pacific Islands, pp.313-326
Climate Change Management, Springer
2021
Abstract
Many environmental problems can be attributed to human behaviour, and education is seen as a means of shaping human behaviour that is pro-environmental. The role of the formal education system in supporting pro-environmental behaviour is considered pivotal and duly highlighted in key documents/plans on sustainable development. This chapter is based on empirical research conducted in Fiji, an island group situated in the South Pacific. The research investigated factors or circumstances that enable individuals to sustain or continue adopting pro-environmental behaviours after they have left the formal school environment. It explored how Environmental Education is provided in schools through the curriculum and pro-environmental practices. Twenty-seven schools participated in the research including faith-based schools (Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Sikh). The research highlighted the significance of religion in shaping how care for the environment is viewed within the schools. The research found differences and similarities between faith-based schools, both within Christian denominations and between religious schools (i.e., Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Sikh). The importance of religion in seeding and guiding their pro-environmental behaviour was also acknowledged by student research participants. This is unsurprising given the presence of various religions in Fiji and the calendar observance of key religious events. This chapter discusses the research findings and highlights the contribution that religion makes to pro-environmental behaviours and why it therefore deserves to be considered in discussions/forums about behaviour change.
Details
- Title
- How Does Faith Influence Pro-Environmental Practice in Schools? Examples from the Pacific Islands
- Authors
- Thelma A Raman (Corresponding Author) - Macquarie UniversityJohannes M Luetz (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Contributors
- Johannes M Luetz (Editor) - Christian Heritage CollegePatrick Nunn (Editor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Publication details
- Beyond Belief: Opportunities for Faith-Engaged Approaches to Climate-Change Adaptation in the Pacific Islands, pp.313-326
- Series
- Climate Change Management
- Publisher
- Springer
- DOI
- 10.1007/978-3-030-67602-5_16; 10.1007/978-3-030-67602-5
- ISSN
- 1610-2010
- ISBN
- 9783030676025
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Centre; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99522308002621
- Output Type
- Book chapter
Metrics
25 Record Views