Sustainability Citizenship Competencies
This lesson summarises the overall Sustainability Citizenship Framework of competencies.
Sotiriou et.al., (February 2024). SYNAPSES Training Framework.
| Cognitive Domain (Ways of Thinking) | Intrapersonal Domain (Tools for Working and Living in the World): | Interpersonal Domain (Ways of Working and Living in the World): |
| • Environmental Literacy: Understanding environmental issues and their complexities. | • Ethical and Values-Based Decision-Making: Making decisions based on sustainability principles. | • Civic Engagement: Participating in community and civic sustainability activities. |
| Citizens need to have a fundamental understanding of environmental issues, including knowledge about ecosystems, resource conservation, pollution, climate change, and biodiversity. This knowledge helps individuals make informed decisions and take actions that reduce their environmental impact. | Sustainable citizens should base their decisions and actions on ethical principles, including respect for the environment, social justice, and responsible consumption. Ethical behaviour is at the core of sustainability. | Sustainability citizenship often involves active participation in civic and community activities related to sustainability. Citizens should be willing to engage in local and national initiatives, advocate for policy changes, and collaborate with others to address sustainability challenges. |
| • Critical Thinking: Evaluating sustainability challenges and solutions. | • Resilience and Adaptability: Adapting to evolving sustainability challenges. | • Communication Skills: Effectively conveying sustainability concepts. |
| Critical thinking skills are essential for evaluating complex sustainability challenges and potential solutions. Citizens should be able to analyse information critically, consider various perspectives, and make evidence- based decisions. | Sustainability challenges can be complex and evolving. Citizens should be adaptable and resilient, willing to learn, adjust, and persist in the face of obstacles and setbacks. | Effective communication is crucial for sustainability citizenship. Citizens should be able to articulate their views on sustainability issues and engage in constructive dialogues with others. They should also be able to communicate with policymakers, the media, and the broader public. |
| • Systems Thinking: Understanding the interconnectedness of systems. | • Lifelong Learning: Continuously updating knowledge and skills in sustainability. | • Cultural Competence: Appreciating diverse cultural perspectives in sustainability. |
| Citizens need to understand the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems. This systemic perspective allows them to recognise the far-reaching consequences of their choices and actions. | Sustainable citizens should embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, recognising the need to stay informed about new sustainability developments and strategies. | Citizens should appreciate and respect diverse cultural perspectives, as sustainability is a global concern. Cultural competence helps individuals collaborate across boundaries and understand the cultural dimensions of sustainability. |
| • Sustainability Literacy: Interpreting sustainability-related information. | • Advocacy and Leadership: Leading sustainability initiatives and advocating for change. | |
| Citizens should be able to read and interpret sustainability-related information, such as scientific reports, policy documents, and sustainability indicators. This literacy helps them stay informed and make data-driven decisions. | Sustainable citizens may need advocacy and leadership skills to champion sustainability initiatives and influence positive change in their communities and beyond. | |
| • Global Awareness: Recognizing the global context of sustainability issues. | • Community and Collective Action: Collaborating with others on sustainability efforts. | |
| While focusing on local sustainability efforts, citizens should also recognise their role in addressing global sustainability issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequalities. | Citizens should be open to working collaboratively with others to address sustainability challenges. This involves participating in community-based initiatives, joining organisations, and supporting collective actions. | |
• Foresight: Anticipating future scenarios and consequences. | ||
The ability to anticipate and critically evaluate potential consequences of actions, to apply this foresight in planning and decision-making processes and to plan for alternative future scenarios. |