Office of Environmental Education

**What is Environmental Education?** Environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions. The components of environmental education are: - **Awareness and sensitivity** to the environment and environmental challenges - **Knowledge and understanding** of the environment and environmental challenges - **Attitudes** of concern for the environment and motivation to improve or maintain environmental quality - **Skills** to identify and help resolve environmental challenges - **Participation** in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges Environmental education does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of action. Rather, environmental education teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking and it enhances their own problem-solving and decision-making skills. The [National Environmental Education Act of 1990](https://www.epa.gov/education/national-environmental-education-act-0) requires EPA to provide national leadership to increase environmental literacy. EPA established the Office of Environmental Education to implement this program.