ECOLOGICAL CULTURE IN THE ASPECT OF EDUCATION FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY

The article reveals ecological culture in the aspect of education for the sustainable development of society. It was established that the aggravation of the environmental situation in the world requires the search for new approaches to the analysis of the interaction of nature and society, taking into account the formation of the ecological component of human life and culture. It is realized that ecological culture, which orients a person (society) on a co-evolutionary path of development, requires special attention in this aspect. A survey of respondents from different regions of Ukraine was conducted on the assessment of the ecological state of their region, the loss of plant and animal species, the disappearance of forests, the depletion of the ozone layer, global warming, environmental awareness and peopleʼs attitude to information about the state of the environment. The connection between the need to solve modern environmental problems and the formation of ecological culture among people is proven. The concept of “ecological culture” is considered. It has been established that the concept of “ecological culture” in its modern understanding is manifested in respect and a responsible attitude towards nature. Nature is considered as an equal partner in interaction, and the concept of “ecological culture” clearly captures this component of human culture at the social, group, and personal levels. It has been proven that environmental education is the process and result of assimilation of systematic knowledge, abilities and skills regarding the impact on the environment; a necessary part of ecological culture; the process of systematic and purposeful improvement of conscious and moral attitude towards the environment, organized by influencing peopleʼs feelings, their consciousness, views and ideas; as a way of spiritual and moral improvement of people through the dissemination and use of ecological knowledge. Keywords: ecological knowledge; ecological culture; ecological education; ecological situation; sustainable development; environment; society; natural environment.