We see in our modern society an increasing disconnection from the natural world.  In a high school biology class a student commented, "We need to solve human problems not Earth problems." Another student commented on our coral reefs. "Let them be. They can take care of themselves. They will go extinct regardless of what we do..."  A Hispanic student who had recently immigrated to the U.S. asked the question, "Are there butterflies in Arizona? I haven't seen one since I've been here."  

 

Too many people don't view our Earth problems as human problems.

Humans and our environment are not separate distinct problems, but are interconnected. This belief of interconnectedness can be found in many indigenous cultures and traditional knowledge systems around the world yet is largely forgotten in our technology-based and urbanized modern society.   Add to this an increase in misinformation in understanding current global and environmental issues along with a general loss of empathy.  

 

Earth Teach in partnership with other organizations and environmental groups is developing a collaborative learning platform aimed to engage and empower youth and teachers to be educators, communicators, and changemakers while promoting awareness of the current issues impacting our planet and our local communities.   

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​"Culturally we must link learning to the place where one lives---if we become dislocated then we no longer understand." 

​Adapted from Denis Heyck "Schools in the Forest"​​

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