”Children and adolescents should learn early on about the connections between environment and health and how they can protect themselves against certain environmentally related health risks. Since we are already dealing with the impact of global warming, it is appropriate that educational materials for secondary level education be available about its impacts on health. Global warming and health are a good means of illustrating the connection between mankind and the environment to children and adolescents. For one, extreme heat poses a problem to many people’s health, and the spread of new diseases, for example through mosquitoes, is aided by global warming. Climate change is no abstract phenomenon for it has immediate effects on our society and makes for good discussions in the classroom,” said Federal Minister for Environment Norbert Röttgen.
UBA Vice President Thomas Holzmann added, “We all need an intact environment in which we can thrive without health problems. Since human activity puts a strain on the environment—through noise, greenhouse gases, pollution of waters- it may trigger unwanted health effects. It is important to me that children and youth learn to protect their health against environmental risks. It is equally essential that they recognise how these strains on the environment can be relieved, for it is our goal to protect both the environment and mankind. The educational materials in the environment and health series can bring us a step closer to that goal.“
The “Environment and Health” educational set for secondary level pupils presents the multiple interrelationships of environmental and health protection vividly. The materials emphasise what the pupils themselves can do for the environment and their health. The worksheets in the new chapter on global warming and health adopt a hands-on approach with which to gain knowledge about how global warming affects their health. The chapter on assessing the quality of bathing waters (Bewertung von Badegewässern) was completely revised to take account of the current EU Bathing Water Directive. The chapters on noise and noise protection (Lärm und Lärmschutz) and indoor air quality (Qualität der Innenraumluft) have also been updated.
The workbooks come with tips and background information for teachers on how to use the materials. The field-tested materials for use in science and interdisciplinary lessons are also available as classroom sets.
Other educational materials on many environment issues suited for use in lessons at the primary and secondary levels are also available for free from the BMU‘s Educational Service.
The Educational service was recognized by UNESCO as an official measure under the UN "Decade of education for sustainable development.“
