OPPORTUNITIES TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS THROUGH EDUCATION

Abstract

The article discusses possible solutions of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education. People today witness the ongoing deterioration of environmental quality, declining living conditions, climate change, and the depletion of biological resources and mineral reserves. These challenges are not confined to a single country; in the context of globalization, disruptions in the established balance among nations inevitably impact the environment and populations of other, often distant, countries. The three primary factors that shape the life of human society as a whole are environmental, economic, and social. Since individuals exist and function within society, all societal challenges inevitably have a direct impact on each person. In order to ensure the security of the future existence of mankind at the global level, taking into account these three main factors of human life, the SDGs of the United Nations until 2030 were adopted in 2015. They cover all aspects of human life. The issue of achieving the SDGs through education—goals that shape the future of human society—remains highly relevant. To explore the potential of addressing the SDGs through education in Biology classes, an analysis of standard Biology curricula for grades 7–9 was conducted. As an example of education for sustainable development aided by interactive teaching methods, a methodology for conducting a Biology lesson for the 11th grade on the topic «Conservation of terrestrial ecosystems» was developed.