Handbook of Ecological Civilization

This handbook explores the concept of Ecological Civilization (EC) through a transdisciplinary lens, organized into five key sections: 1. Dedication and Foreword; 2. Philosophical, Technological & Scientific Foundations; 3. Transformative Educational Approaches and Applications; 4. Practical Applications & Global Perspectives; and 5. Theory, Policy, and Educational Practice, with an additional Ecopedagogies section and Afterword.

The Dedication introduces EC, tracing its philosophical roots and contemporary relevance, particularly in China’s vision for green modernization. It highlights Dr. John B. Cobb Jr.’s foundational contributions and sets the stage for EC as a paradigm integrating sustainability, education, and global leadership. The Foreword is provided by Mirian Vilela Executive Director of the Earth Charter International Secretariat.

Philosophical, Technological & Scientific Foundations delves into the theoretical underpinnings of EC, drawing from Chinese traditions like Confucianism and the concept of "Unity of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity." Chapters explore EC’s philosophical, technological, and scientific dimensions, addressing topics like eco-intelligence, green algorithms, and compassionate civilization, alongside global perspectives such as Indigenous Maori/Pasifika views and cosmo-politics.

Transformative Educational Approaches and Applications examines pedagogical frameworks for EC, emphasizing innovative teaching methods. It covers ecopedagogy, place-based learning, and the integration of EC into curricula, with case studies from China and beyond, including rural education initiatives and higher education reforms.

Practical Applications & Global Perspectives focuses on real-world implementations of EC, from urban green technology to nonformal environmental education. It includes global case studies, such as African youth engagement with the Earth Charter and children’s ecological imaginaries, highlighting diverse pathways to sustainability.

Theory, Policy, and Educational Practice analyzes EC’s role in shaping educational policies and practices, particularly in China. It explores human-environmental harmony through geography education and critiques competing global paradigms, offering insights into EC as a response to planetary crises.

The Ecopedagogies section connects EC with global environmental pedagogies, integrating Chinese philosophy, Freirean ecopedagogies, and concepts like Ujamaa and glocalization to foster socio-ecological transformation.

The Afterword synthesizes critical ecosophy and peace studies, proposing a systems-based framework for EC in an era of planetary precarity. It draws on Bateson, Guattari, and posthumanism to advocate for educational resilience and collective action toward flourishing futures.

This handbook, with contributions from global scholars, offers a comprehensive exploration of EC, bridging philosophy, education, and practical applications to address the urgent need for sustainable, equitable, and interconnected global systems.