Introduction: From a Single Project to a Systemic Approach to Sustainability—An Overview of Developments in Europe

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to the volume. It summarises and brings into focus the issues raised by the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) programmes in schools across Europe. It draws together the main lessons learnt throughout the UN Decade of ESD (DESD), based on the state-of-the-art of ESD theory and conceptual development; political and social analysis; the various concepts of ESD competencies; and teacher training, as developed by the overview chapters in Part I. It then extracts the main contributions and trends transpiring from the chapters on ESD implementation in different European countries and regions, including: Sweden, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Catalonia, Hungary, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Flanders, France, Cyprus, UK, and the Netherlands, as provided in Part II. Finally, some general conclusions are presented on how ESD could meet the challenges ahead.