Felicia S. Ekpu, UtibeAbasi U. Isong and Iboro Bassey Edet

Dept. of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Uyo, Uyo.

Abstract

A well-informed public is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and environmental health education plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge and practices necessary to foster a safer, healthier environment. The paper discusses environmental health education as a tool for promoting sustainable development and forming attitudes toward maintaining a safer environment. In doing this, the paper explained the concept of environmental health education as a process that provides opportunities for people to engage in environmental issues and take action to improve the environment, justified the relevance of environmental health education in creating environmental literacy and developing a greater respect for nature that will enhance effective and responsible decisions making and then identified some major challenges of environmental health education in Nigeria. Based on the discussion of ideas in the paper, recommendations were made that environmental health education should be incorporated into the secondary school curriculum, community members, stakeholders in health sector and environmental health professionals should take proactive measures in creating awareness on the significance of keeping the environment safe for a healthful living.