In this lesson, pupils are introduced to the history of sustainability. Using worksheets, they work through important stages of the last 2000 years. They present their findings in plenary and in chronological order. The decisive factor in the presentation is the realisation that concern for the preservation of the biosphere has been addressed from various angles in the course of development. What they all have in common is the discussion of the relationship between humans and nature. Furthermore, it is important that students recognise that throughout history, people have always been aware of the need to preserve nature, even if the consequences of destruction have been perceived to varying degrees. While Francis of Assisi was still talking to birds about their value in solitude in the 12th century, in November 2016, 196 countries agreed to fight climate change and achieve 17 goals for sustainable living and economic activity. The Club of Rome was decisive for this development, but subsequently also a large number of people, especially young people, who are not indifferent to their future. Therefore, after the presentation of this line of development, the plenary will discuss what measures the group or each member can take to support a development committed to sustainability.

The worksheets on the history of sustainability are copied in A4 format.

* Worksheets on the history of sustainability

An interesting contemporary historical approach to the phenomenon of enlightenment:
Gronemeyer, Marianne: Das Leben als letzte Gelegenheit - Sicherheitsbedürfnisse und Zeitknappheit Paperback. Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft 1993.

Cultural-historical outline of the concept of sustainability:
Grober, Ulrich: Die Entdeckung der Nachhaltigkeit. Cultural history of a concept. Kunstmann 2013.