Promoting the values of culture, education, and communication
to foster green transformation
Prof. Trung Tran
VNU University of Education, Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam Academy for Ethnic Minorities, Hanoi, Vietnam
VNU University of Education, Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam Academy for Ethnic Minorities, Hanoi, Vietnam
The green transformation promotes cultural, educational, and communicative values, awareness, and behaviors to effectively address current environmental challenges in a sustainable manner (Tran P.M, 2024). Culture alters social values and plays a crucial role in transforming community perceptions about the importance of sustainable development. From encouraging environmentally friendly lifestyles to spreading values regarding resource protection and biodiversity conservation, culture can help foster positive changes in how people interact with the environment. The cultural knowledge of communities, especially those living close to nature, contains valuable insights into resource conservation, and preserving these cultural values will support the green transformation. Education plays a key role in raising awareness and equipping younger generations with the skills needed to address challenges related to climate change and environmental degradation. Learning programs, particularly in STEM subjects, need to integrate content on sustainable development, green technologies, and renewable energy. Education must also provide communities with skills related to green technology, clean production, and the efficient use of resources. Communication can disseminate messages about the green transformation, encouraging communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles. The combination of traditional and digital media can facilitate the rapid and effective dissemination of information, while also influencing organizations and individuals regarding their responsibilities in reducing carbon emissions, using clean energy, and protecting the environment (Liu L., 2024).
1. Promoting the values of culture to foster green transformation
- Education and Raising Public Awareness: Incorporating sustainability and green transition values into educational programs from elementary to university levels. Educational content should emphasize the importance of environmental protection and the role of culture in promoting green behaviors. Utilizing mass media platforms such as television, social media, and film to disseminate messages about environmental protection and sustainable development. These campaigns should creatively leverage folklore and traditional culture to increase appeal and accessibility.
- Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles through Culture: Encourage a lifestyle of moderation, reduce the use of plastics, promote responsible consumption, and prioritize sustainable products. Movements like "green living," "reuse," or "zero waste" should be supported and expanded. Harness local traditions related to nature, such as forest protection rituals or reverence for rivers and mountains, to foster a collective consciousness regarding environmental stewardship.
- Encouraging Environmentally-Engaged Artistic Creation: Encourage artists, writers, and musicians to create works that convey messages about environmental protection. These cultural products can have a powerful influence, helping shift societal awareness toward environmental issues. Combine ecological tourism with the preservation of local cultural heritage. Tourism programs can educate visitors about the sustainable practices and environmental values embedded in local traditions.
- Policy Support and Community Cooperation: Governments and organizations should implement policies that encourage the preservation of cultural values related to environmental sustainability. Facilitating communities to maintain and promote traditions that emphasize harmony with nature is crucial. Leverage the leadership of local authorities, religious leaders, and cultural influencers to spread environmental protection messages. These figures can play an important role in transforming public behaviors and perceptions.
- Leveraging Technology and Social Media to Connect Culture with the Green Transition: Utilize digital technology to preserve and disseminate cultural values related to environmental protection. Online platforms can help create sustainable communities where people share ideas and initiatives on green living. Harness social media to spread knowledge and promote green transition movements in the community, encouraging actions such as reducing plastic waste, adopting renewable energy, and recycling.
- Linking Culture and Science in Environmental Protection: Integrate cultural traditions with scientific and technological initiatives in environmental protection. For instance, many indigenous communities possess valuable knowledge on managing natural resources, which can be effectively combined with modern technological solutions. Intensify research on the role of culture in the green transition, exploring how cultural values and practices can be leveraged to promote sustainable development.
2. Promoting the values of education to foster green transformation
- Integrating Sustainable Development Education into Curricula: Curricula from elementary to higher education should incorporate content related to environmental protection, climate change, and the principles of a green economy. This will help students understand environmental issues and equip them with the necessary knowledge to participate in the green transition. Encourage collaboration across subjects by integrating natural sciences with social sciences and humanities to foster a holistic approach to sustainable development.
- Developing Green Skills and Competencies: Education should focus on developing skills in renewable energy, natural resource management, clean production, and sustainable consumption. Training in these skills will prepare the future workforce to meet the demands of the green economy. Students should be trained to approach and solve complex environmental problems. Critical thinking will enable them to evaluate various environmental solutions and make informed decisions.
- Promoting Active Learning and Practical Experience: Provide opportunities for students to engage in practical projects related to environmental protection and sustainable development, such as participating in conservation activities, waste reduction, or developing renewable energy initiatives. Encourage students to get involved in community initiatives related to the environment, thereby deepening their understanding and connection to local green issues.
- Teacher Training and Capacity Building: Teachers should be equipped with knowledge and skills related to sustainable development to effectively guide and educate students. Teacher training programs should include topics on environmental science, climate change, and integrated approaches to green education. Teachers should be encouraged to adopt innovative teaching methods that emphasize interaction and practical application in lessons on environmental protection and sustainability.
- Developing Sustainable Learning Environments: Schools should serve as models of sustainable development by implementing energy-saving measures, using renewable energy, and managing resources responsibly. Schools can install solar energy systems, promote recycling, minimize waste, and organize field-based environmental education programs. Using digital technology and online learning tools can reduce resource consumption in teaching and learning, thus promoting sustainability within the educational environment.
- International Cooperation and Research on Sustainable Education: Countries and international organizations should collaborate to share knowledge, experiences, and resources on sustainable education. International cooperation initiatives could include academic exchange programs, joint research projects, and sharing best practices in sustainable development education. Strengthen research efforts to explore the most effective educational methods for promoting sustainable awareness and action. These studies will help build evidence-based curricula tailored to specific cultural and societal contexts.
- Developing Educational Policies Supporting the Green Transition: Policymakers should establish clear regulations and standards for sustainable education, including the integration of sustainability goals into curricula and learning activities. Strong policy implementation is essential to ensure that future generations are well-equipped with environmental knowledge and skills. Governments and international organizations should provide funding and resources to support the development of sustainable education programs, especially in financially constrained areas and regions lacking educational infrastructure.
3. Promoting the values of communication to foster green transformation
- Raising Public Awareness About the Green Transition: Organize communication campaigns on mass platforms such as television, radio, print media, and social media to disseminate information on climate change, environmental pollution, and sustainable development measures. These campaigns should deliver clear and accessible messages, making it easier for the public to understand the urgency of the green transition. Invite celebrities and social media influencers to participate in environmental protection communication campaigns, as they can spread messages to a large audience, particularly younger generations.
- Promoting Green Lifestyles and Sustainable Behaviors Through Communication: Encourage the community to share stories, images, and videos of environmental protection activities, such as recycling, tree planting, reducing plastic waste, and saving energy. This helps spread the green lifestyle and inspires others to join. Develop television programs, documentaries, and online videos that educate audiences about environmental protection and sustainable development. These communication products not only provide knowledge but also inspire viewers to change their behaviors toward environmental sustainability.
- Leveraging Digital Technology and Online Communication: Use digital platforms like social media, mobile apps, and websites to develop green communication campaigns. These platforms can provide real-time information, organize online events, and connect communities interested in environmental protection. Utilize data analytics tools to better understand user behavior, allowing for the creation of tailored communication content that targets specific audiences and effectively promotes green behavior change.
- Supporting Policy and Public Dialogue: Communication should create open forums for public discussions on environmental issues and sustainable development policies. This not only helps the public better understand policy decisions but also encourages civic participation in environmental decision-making processes. Communication can play a significant role in monitoring and applying pressure on businesses and governments to comply with environmental regulations, invest in green projects, and be transparent in sustainable development activities.
- International Cooperation and Information Sharing: Communication should encourage international collaboration to share information, experiences, and campaigns related to environmental protection. International events, conferences, and communication partnerships between countries can expand the reach of environmental protection messages. Communication should play a role in bringing successful experiences from other countries into the local context, introducing sustainable development models and green technology solutions that can be adopted.
- Building Online Communities Supporting Sustainable Development: Create forums, social media groups, or mobile apps where users can share experiences, initiatives, and knowledge about sustainable living. These communities can become spaces for networking, learning, and supporting one another in undertaking environmental actions. Organize and promote large-scale environmental action campaigns such as “Clean the Environment Day” or “No Plastic Day” through social media and online platforms. These campaigns foster connections and motivation for the community to participate collectively.
- Inspiring Innovation and Green Technology Development: Communication can play a role in showcasing green technology solutions and environmentally friendly innovations, encouraging businesses and individuals to invest in sustainable technology research and development. Organize awards and recognition programs to celebrate individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development. This can motivate others to pursue green innovation and environmentally conscious practices.
- Developing Diverse Communication Content and Multi-platform Outreach: Ensure green communication content is diverse in format, ranging from videos, podcasts, and infographics to written articles, to engage different audiences. Content should also be communicated in multiple languages to reach an international audience. Develop communication channels tailored to ensure that green transition messages reach even those in remote or underserved areas, such as through community radio or local broadcast networks.
Culture, education, and communication all play important roles in shaping and promoting the green transformation process (Dwortzan, 2022). Changes in cultural awareness, reinforced through educational programs and widely disseminated through communication, will help create a society that is more responsible toward the environment (Shairp R., 2016). Thus, the integration of culture, education, and communication in the green transformation not only advances sustainable policies and technologies but also encourages a new mindset and lifestyle that are more environmentally friendly (Schaub S., 2023).
References
Tran, P.M.; Nguyen, T.; Nguyen, H.-D.; Thinh, N.A.; Lam, N.D.; Huyen, N.T.; Khuc, V.Q. Improving Green Literacy and Environmental Culture Associated with Youth Participation in the Circular Economy: A Case Study of Vietnam. Urban Sci. 2024, 8, 63.
Liu, L.; Tobias, G.R. The impact of environmental literacy on residents’ green consumption: Experimental evidence from China. Clean. Responsible Consum. 2024, 12, 100165.
Dwortzan, M. Global Net-Zero Emissions Goals: Challenges and Opportunities. MIT Climate Portal. 2022.
Shairp, R.; Veríssimo, D.; Fraser, I.; Challender, D.; Macmillan, D. Understanding urban demand for wild meat in Vietnam: Implications for conservation actions. PLoS ONE 2016, 11, e0134787.
Schaub, S.; Ghazoul, J.; Huber, R.; Zhang, W.; Sander, A.; Rees, C.; Banerjee, S.; Finger, R. The role of behavioural factors and opportunity costs in farmers’ participation in voluntary agri-environmental schemes: A systematic review. J. Agric. Econ. 2023, 74, 617–660.
1. Promoting the values of culture to foster green transformation
- Education and Raising Public Awareness: Incorporating sustainability and green transition values into educational programs from elementary to university levels. Educational content should emphasize the importance of environmental protection and the role of culture in promoting green behaviors. Utilizing mass media platforms such as television, social media, and film to disseminate messages about environmental protection and sustainable development. These campaigns should creatively leverage folklore and traditional culture to increase appeal and accessibility.
- Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles through Culture: Encourage a lifestyle of moderation, reduce the use of plastics, promote responsible consumption, and prioritize sustainable products. Movements like "green living," "reuse," or "zero waste" should be supported and expanded. Harness local traditions related to nature, such as forest protection rituals or reverence for rivers and mountains, to foster a collective consciousness regarding environmental stewardship.
- Encouraging Environmentally-Engaged Artistic Creation: Encourage artists, writers, and musicians to create works that convey messages about environmental protection. These cultural products can have a powerful influence, helping shift societal awareness toward environmental issues. Combine ecological tourism with the preservation of local cultural heritage. Tourism programs can educate visitors about the sustainable practices and environmental values embedded in local traditions.
- Policy Support and Community Cooperation: Governments and organizations should implement policies that encourage the preservation of cultural values related to environmental sustainability. Facilitating communities to maintain and promote traditions that emphasize harmony with nature is crucial. Leverage the leadership of local authorities, religious leaders, and cultural influencers to spread environmental protection messages. These figures can play an important role in transforming public behaviors and perceptions.
- Leveraging Technology and Social Media to Connect Culture with the Green Transition: Utilize digital technology to preserve and disseminate cultural values related to environmental protection. Online platforms can help create sustainable communities where people share ideas and initiatives on green living. Harness social media to spread knowledge and promote green transition movements in the community, encouraging actions such as reducing plastic waste, adopting renewable energy, and recycling.
- Linking Culture and Science in Environmental Protection: Integrate cultural traditions with scientific and technological initiatives in environmental protection. For instance, many indigenous communities possess valuable knowledge on managing natural resources, which can be effectively combined with modern technological solutions. Intensify research on the role of culture in the green transition, exploring how cultural values and practices can be leveraged to promote sustainable development.
2. Promoting the values of education to foster green transformation
- Integrating Sustainable Development Education into Curricula: Curricula from elementary to higher education should incorporate content related to environmental protection, climate change, and the principles of a green economy. This will help students understand environmental issues and equip them with the necessary knowledge to participate in the green transition. Encourage collaboration across subjects by integrating natural sciences with social sciences and humanities to foster a holistic approach to sustainable development.
- Developing Green Skills and Competencies: Education should focus on developing skills in renewable energy, natural resource management, clean production, and sustainable consumption. Training in these skills will prepare the future workforce to meet the demands of the green economy. Students should be trained to approach and solve complex environmental problems. Critical thinking will enable them to evaluate various environmental solutions and make informed decisions.
- Promoting Active Learning and Practical Experience: Provide opportunities for students to engage in practical projects related to environmental protection and sustainable development, such as participating in conservation activities, waste reduction, or developing renewable energy initiatives. Encourage students to get involved in community initiatives related to the environment, thereby deepening their understanding and connection to local green issues.
- Teacher Training and Capacity Building: Teachers should be equipped with knowledge and skills related to sustainable development to effectively guide and educate students. Teacher training programs should include topics on environmental science, climate change, and integrated approaches to green education. Teachers should be encouraged to adopt innovative teaching methods that emphasize interaction and practical application in lessons on environmental protection and sustainability.
- Developing Sustainable Learning Environments: Schools should serve as models of sustainable development by implementing energy-saving measures, using renewable energy, and managing resources responsibly. Schools can install solar energy systems, promote recycling, minimize waste, and organize field-based environmental education programs. Using digital technology and online learning tools can reduce resource consumption in teaching and learning, thus promoting sustainability within the educational environment.
- International Cooperation and Research on Sustainable Education: Countries and international organizations should collaborate to share knowledge, experiences, and resources on sustainable education. International cooperation initiatives could include academic exchange programs, joint research projects, and sharing best practices in sustainable development education. Strengthen research efforts to explore the most effective educational methods for promoting sustainable awareness and action. These studies will help build evidence-based curricula tailored to specific cultural and societal contexts.
- Developing Educational Policies Supporting the Green Transition: Policymakers should establish clear regulations and standards for sustainable education, including the integration of sustainability goals into curricula and learning activities. Strong policy implementation is essential to ensure that future generations are well-equipped with environmental knowledge and skills. Governments and international organizations should provide funding and resources to support the development of sustainable education programs, especially in financially constrained areas and regions lacking educational infrastructure.
3. Promoting the values of communication to foster green transformation
- Raising Public Awareness About the Green Transition: Organize communication campaigns on mass platforms such as television, radio, print media, and social media to disseminate information on climate change, environmental pollution, and sustainable development measures. These campaigns should deliver clear and accessible messages, making it easier for the public to understand the urgency of the green transition. Invite celebrities and social media influencers to participate in environmental protection communication campaigns, as they can spread messages to a large audience, particularly younger generations.
- Promoting Green Lifestyles and Sustainable Behaviors Through Communication: Encourage the community to share stories, images, and videos of environmental protection activities, such as recycling, tree planting, reducing plastic waste, and saving energy. This helps spread the green lifestyle and inspires others to join. Develop television programs, documentaries, and online videos that educate audiences about environmental protection and sustainable development. These communication products not only provide knowledge but also inspire viewers to change their behaviors toward environmental sustainability.
- Leveraging Digital Technology and Online Communication: Use digital platforms like social media, mobile apps, and websites to develop green communication campaigns. These platforms can provide real-time information, organize online events, and connect communities interested in environmental protection. Utilize data analytics tools to better understand user behavior, allowing for the creation of tailored communication content that targets specific audiences and effectively promotes green behavior change.
- Supporting Policy and Public Dialogue: Communication should create open forums for public discussions on environmental issues and sustainable development policies. This not only helps the public better understand policy decisions but also encourages civic participation in environmental decision-making processes. Communication can play a significant role in monitoring and applying pressure on businesses and governments to comply with environmental regulations, invest in green projects, and be transparent in sustainable development activities.
- International Cooperation and Information Sharing: Communication should encourage international collaboration to share information, experiences, and campaigns related to environmental protection. International events, conferences, and communication partnerships between countries can expand the reach of environmental protection messages. Communication should play a role in bringing successful experiences from other countries into the local context, introducing sustainable development models and green technology solutions that can be adopted.
- Building Online Communities Supporting Sustainable Development: Create forums, social media groups, or mobile apps where users can share experiences, initiatives, and knowledge about sustainable living. These communities can become spaces for networking, learning, and supporting one another in undertaking environmental actions. Organize and promote large-scale environmental action campaigns such as “Clean the Environment Day” or “No Plastic Day” through social media and online platforms. These campaigns foster connections and motivation for the community to participate collectively.
- Inspiring Innovation and Green Technology Development: Communication can play a role in showcasing green technology solutions and environmentally friendly innovations, encouraging businesses and individuals to invest in sustainable technology research and development. Organize awards and recognition programs to celebrate individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development. This can motivate others to pursue green innovation and environmentally conscious practices.
- Developing Diverse Communication Content and Multi-platform Outreach: Ensure green communication content is diverse in format, ranging from videos, podcasts, and infographics to written articles, to engage different audiences. Content should also be communicated in multiple languages to reach an international audience. Develop communication channels tailored to ensure that green transition messages reach even those in remote or underserved areas, such as through community radio or local broadcast networks.
Culture, education, and communication all play important roles in shaping and promoting the green transformation process (Dwortzan, 2022). Changes in cultural awareness, reinforced through educational programs and widely disseminated through communication, will help create a society that is more responsible toward the environment (Shairp R., 2016). Thus, the integration of culture, education, and communication in the green transformation not only advances sustainable policies and technologies but also encourages a new mindset and lifestyle that are more environmentally friendly (Schaub S., 2023).
References
Tran, P.M.; Nguyen, T.; Nguyen, H.-D.; Thinh, N.A.; Lam, N.D.; Huyen, N.T.; Khuc, V.Q. Improving Green Literacy and Environmental Culture Associated with Youth Participation in the Circular Economy: A Case Study of Vietnam. Urban Sci. 2024, 8, 63.
Liu, L.; Tobias, G.R. The impact of environmental literacy on residents’ green consumption: Experimental evidence from China. Clean. Responsible Consum. 2024, 12, 100165.
Dwortzan, M. Global Net-Zero Emissions Goals: Challenges and Opportunities. MIT Climate Portal. 2022.
Shairp, R.; Veríssimo, D.; Fraser, I.; Challender, D.; Macmillan, D. Understanding urban demand for wild meat in Vietnam: Implications for conservation actions. PLoS ONE 2016, 11, e0134787.
Schaub, S.; Ghazoul, J.; Huber, R.; Zhang, W.; Sander, A.; Rees, C.; Banerjee, S.; Finger, R. The role of behavioural factors and opportunity costs in farmers’ participation in voluntary agri-environmental schemes: A systematic review. J. Agric. Econ. 2023, 74, 617–660.
