Environmental Education and Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Futures: A Participatory Action Research in the Context of Sindh, Pakistan

This action research study explores the dynamic relationship between Environmental Education and Lifelong Learning (EELL) as essential components in the pursuit of sustainable futures in the context of Sindh, Pakistan. As the global community grappling with pressing environmental challenges, it has become increasingly imperative to understand how learners acquire and apply environment related knowledge throughout their lives. Utilising the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, this research develops a theoretical framework that sheds light on the complex interplay between EELL. The study identifies three key dimensions that characterize the relationship between EELL: (1) Personal Agency and Responsibility , (2) Adaptive Capacity , and (3) Social Engagement . The first dimension, Personal Agency and Responsibility, underscores the significant role of individual motivation and sense of responsibility in initiating and sustaining lifelong environmental learning. The second dimension, Adaptive Capacity, emphasizes the role of lifelong learning in building resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental changes. The third dimension, Social Engagement, underscores the significance of collaborative learning and community involvement in fostering environmental consciousness. This participatory action research offers valuable insights into the mechanisms through which EELL can jointly contribute to sustainable futures. It highlights the need for educational institutions, teachers, policymakers, intellectuals, and civil society members to promote a culture of lifelong learning and social engagement, empowering individuals to become active proponents of the environment. Eventually, in an era of unprecedented environmental crises, this study offers a useful framework for designing educational strategies and policies that can catalyse sustainable change at both individual and societal levels.