Educating for Eco-Social Justice: Transcomplex Ecology, Ecofeminism, and the Path to Sustainability

This article explores the interconnection between the environmental crisis and social inequalities, emphasizing the urgency of a transdisciplinary approach in sustainability education. Drawing on Transcomplex Ecology – an integrated framework that recognizes how natural, social, cultural, and relational factors intertwine – this work argues that merely technical or behavioral teaching models fall short in addressing the depth of contemporary challenges. Instead, an inclusive ecological education must also acknowledge how power asymmetries, particularly those affecting women and marginalized groups, exacerbate the impacts of climate change. Ecofeminist thinkers like Carolyn Merchant and Vandana Shiva have long highlighted the parallel between the exploitation of nature and women’s oppression, showing how an ethic of care and the reclaiming of local, often women-centered indigenous knowledge can foster more sustainable and equitable practices. Integrating these insights into pedagogy means promoting empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking, thereby cultivating what Goleman et al. define as “ecological intelligence.” This holistic vision paves the way for transformative education in line with UNESCO’s recent guidelines, ultimately shaping global citizenship that prioritizes justice, inclusion, and non- violence. Strengthening connections with community-based projects and ensuring institutional support are key steps toward building robust, peace-oriented strategies for environmental and social sustainability.