​According to the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India (2006), Environmental Education (EE) can be defined as 'a process of recognizing values and clarifying concepts in order to develop skills and added tools necessary to understand and appreciate the interrelationships among man, his culture and his biophysical surroundings. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions.

 

EE also denotes a study of environment and its dynamics, environmental degradation and it various forms, factors degrading environment and its impact on man's life. Environmental Education (EE) is education 'about' the environment, 'from' the environment and 'for' the environment. It is a multi-disciplinary field integrating disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, earth science, atmospheric science, mathematics, and geography.

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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) states that EE is vital in imparting an inherent respect for nature among society and in enhancing public environmental awareness. UNESCO emphasises the role of EE in safeguarding future global developments of societal quality of life (QOL), through the protection of the environment, eradication of poverty, minimization of inequalities and insurance of sustainable development (UNESCO, 2014a).

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The term often implies education within the school system, from primary to post-secondary. However, it sometimes includes all efforts to educate the public and other audiences, including print materials, websites, media campaigns, etc.. There are also ways that Environmental Education (EE) is taught outside the traditional classroom. Aquariums, zoos, parks, and nature centers all have ways of teaching the public about the environment.

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It is also aimed to take responsible actions necessary for preservation, conservation and improvement of the environment and its 5 components.

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The components of Environmental Education (EE) are:

1. Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental challenges

2. Knowledge and understanding of the environment and environmental challenges

3. Attitudes of concern for the environment and motivation to improve or maintain environmental quality

4. Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges

5. Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges​​