Conceptual and historical frameworks of environmental education and upbringing: A critical review of the development from early theories to education for sustainable development

Numerous environmental problems are becoming larger and more complex, and as such they require the necessity of environmental education and training of each individual in terms of acquiring knowledge and forming a more responsible attitude towards the environment. In general, environmental education has been developing intensively in a conceptual and qualitative sense in the last fifty years. In order for the younger generations to be familiar with the historical development of environmental education, as well as the basic concepts and terms in this field, it is necessary to constantly improve their scientific literacy. The aim of this paper was to enable students to more easily understand environmental problems and at the same time learn how they can influence the environment in which they live through their responsible behavior. The paper reviews the development of environmental awareness and environmental culture to the environmental education of each individual and the community in general, which is stated as the most general goal of environmental education and training. The work can be an additional source of knowledge in theory and teaching practice.