We live in the “Anthropocene” era, an era in which human activity plays a significant role in shaping conditions on our planet. In order to survive as a species on Earth, we need to monitor, understand, forecast, mitigate, and adapt with the changing social, economic, biological, geological, and physical conditions on Earth. Successfully addressing these vital challenges requires a continuously iterative process of learning, building, integrating, and using knowledge, including that of natural and social science and humanities throughout society. This recognition presents new challenges that necessitate restructuring the purpose, content, and approach of education. The focus in this entry is on changes needed in science education for this to contribute to a sustainable future for all.

The United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005–2014) aimed to raise awareness internationally of the need for education that supported the multiple goals of sustainable...