ECOLOGICAL Literacy of the system can have ripple

 In many places, people are struck and effects across the entire
devastated by various natural disasters,
ecosystem.
locally, nationally and globally.
 Thus, disaster preparedness and risk Systems Thinking
management have been the targets of the
government and educational institutions Ecosystems function as networks,
through various plans and programs. with each element (plants,
Eco-literacy and Sustainable Development animals, microorganisms, etc.)
 Considers ecological systems and awareness playing a role in maintaining
of how society operates within natural
aspects as an educational imperative. balance.
 The basic principles of ecoliteracy are good Systems Thinking
starting points to explore fundamental lessons
that can be learned from nature for the For example, deforestation in one
reform of society (Wahl, 2017).
area can affect biodiversity, water
Orr and Capra (1990)
cycles, and climate patterns
o Coined the idea of ecological literacy as
globally.
creating a new emphasis on the need for
education to integrate understanding of the 2. understanding
interdependence between natural processes
ecosystem
and human ways of life.
principles
Sustainability
Understanding Ecosystem
o Sustainability is the practice of meeting our
needs without compromising the ability of Principles
future generations to meet theirs. It focuses
Eco-literate individuals have a
on balancing environmental care, economic
growth, and social well-being. The goal is to grasp of basic ecological concepts,
use resources wisely to ensure long-term
health for both people and the planet. such as:

Understanding Ecosystem

Principles

Energy flow (e.g., sunlight

converted into energy through

photosynthesis)

Understanding Ecosystem

Principles

Energy flow refers to how energy

Core principles of eco-literacy moves through an ecosystem. In simple
1. Systemsthinking terms, it'
Systems thinking helps individuals s the transfer of energy from
understand that actions in one part one part of the ecosystem to another.
Understanding Ecosystem Eco-literacy teaches individuals to

Principles value and support these natural

For example, plants capture energy from the sun capacities by reducing human

through photosynthesis, which is then passed on to activities that strain ecosystems,

animals when they eat the plants. This energy such as pollution and overexploitation of resources.

continues to flow through the food chain as animals 4. Cultural and

eat other animals and eventually returns to the Social Context

environment through processes like decomposition. Cultural and Social Context

Understanding Ecosystem Eco-literacy recognizes the

Principles importance of human cultures,

Food webs (how energy and values, and institutions in shaping

nutrients move through different our relationship with the

trophic levels) environment.

Understanding Ecosystem Cultural and Social Context

Principles It promotes a sense of environmental

Biodiversity (the variety of life ethics, stewardship, and

forms in an ecosystem, responsibility.

contributing to its resilience) Cultural and Social Context

Understanding Ecosystem For example, eco-literate individuals

Principles understand that indigenous knowledge

Carrying capacity (the number systems often provide sustainable

of organisms that an ecosystem methods of interacting with the

can support sustainably). environment and can offer valuable

What happens to an ecosystem insights for modern societies.

if its carrying capacity is Pollution

exceeded? is the introduction of harmful

3. resilience and substances or products into

adaptation the environment, which can

Resilience and Adaptation have detrimental effects on

Nature is inherently resilient and air, water, soil, and living

adaptable, meaning ecosystems organisms.

can recover from disruptions if Pollution

their core functions remain intact. It occurs when contaminants

Resilience and Adaptation are released into natural

systems in quantities or Water Pollution

concentrations that exceed Sources: Industrial

the environment' discharge, agricultural

s ability to runoff (pesticides and

absorb or neutralize them. fertilizers), sewage and

Pollution wastewater, and oil

Air Pollution spills.

Contamination of the air by Pollution

pollutants such as gases (carbon Water Pollution

monoxide, sulfur dioxide), Effects: Harm to aquatic life (fish kills,

particulate matter (dust, soot), loss of biodiversity), contamination of

and chemicals (volatile organic drinking water, and disruption of

compounds). ecosystems.

Pollution Pollution

Air Pollution Soil Pollution

Sources: Vehicle The contamination of soil with

emissions, industrial hazardous chemicals or waste.

processes, burning fossil Pollution

fuels, and wildfires. Soil Pollution

Pollution Sources: Pesticides, industrial waste,

Air Pollution heavy metals (lead, mercury), and

Effects: Health problems improper disposal of chemicals.

(respiratory issues, heart Pollution

disease), environmental Soil Pollution

damage (acid rain, global Effects: Reduced soil fertility, harm to

warming), and visibility plants and animals, and potential

reduction (smog). health risks to humans through

Pollution contaminated food.

Water Pollution Renewable energies

The presence of harmful Solar

substances in water Energy

bodies like rivers, lakes, Geothermal

and oceans. Energy

Pollution Hydroelectric
Power to observe natural processes and

Wind critically assess how human

Power activities impact ecosystems.

Energy harnessed Observation and Critical

from the sun using Thinking

solar panels or solar They can analyze environmental

thermal systems. data, identify patterns of

Energy generated degradation or resilience, and

from moving propose solutions.

water, typically 2. ProblemSolving and

using dams to Innovation

create a flow that Problem-Solving and

drives turbines. Innovation

Energy obtained By understanding how ecosystems

from heat stored function, eco-literate individuals

within the Earth, can innovate solutions to

typically accessed environmental challenges.

through Problem-Solving and Innovation

geothermal wells. This could involve designing

Energy captured sustainable agriculture systems,

from wind using creating energy-efficient

wind turbines. technologies, or implementing

Hydroelectric policies that reduce waste and

Power conserve resources.

Solar Energy 3. Collaboration

Wind Energy and Civic

core principles of Engagement

eco-literacy Collaboration and Civic

[Link] Engagement

and Critical Eco-literate individuals collaborate

Thinking in groups and organizations to

Observation and Critical promote sustainability, support

Thinking conservation, and increase

Eco-literate individuals are trained environmental awareness.

4. ActionOriented Mindset

Action-Oriented Mindset

Eco-literacy involves not only

grasping ecological principles but

also taking action to live sustainably,

such as reducing consumption,

supporting green policies, and

promoting environmental education.

ACTIVITY

BRING YOUR ART

MATERIALS TOMORROW!

include a short bond paper to

your list of materials.

ASSIGNMENT

CHALLENGE PAPER.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

WILL BE SENT TO YOUR GC.

Thank you!