Awakening environmental awareness is an absolute necessity in the modern era, which is rife with the challenges of climate crisis and ecosystem degradation. Education plays a central role in this process, transforming society’s perspective from mere consumers to protectors of the environment. More than just theoretical knowledge about global problems, effective education focuses on instilling values of care, responsibility, and the drive to take tangible action. By awakening environmental awareness, we build a strong foundation for the Earth’s sustainability and the future of coming generations.

At various levels, efforts to awaken environmental awareness are continuously being intensified. In schools, the curriculum now integrates more environmental issues into various subjects, not just Science. For example, in English classes, students might be asked to analyze texts about river pollution, while in Arts and Culture, they might create artworks from recycled materials. This approach makes learning more relevant and contextual. For the 2024/2025 academic year, the Jakarta Provincial Education Office launched the “Environmentally Cultured School” program involving 150 junior high schools. This program promotes eco-friendly practices in schools, such as waste segregation, energy saving, and tree planting, which are then evaluated periodically.

Beyond formal settings, awakening environmental awareness is also carried out through public campaigns and social media. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), environmental activist communities, and even individual influencers use digital platforms to disseminate information about environmental issues, tips for sustainable lifestyles, and calls to action. Creative and easily accessible content, such as short videos or infographics, has proven more effective in reaching a wide audience, especially the younger generation. For example, in October 2025, a nature lover community organized a “One Tree, A Thousand Lives” digital campaign that reached over 500,000 social media accounts in a week, inspiring many to participate in tree planting activities. This education is also often supported by security forces, such as the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), in monitoring illegal waste disposal in public areas, emphasizing the legal aspect as part of the education. Thus, awakening environmental awareness is a collective effort involving various parties, for the realization of a sustainable Earth for all.