Introduction

This international collection of case study chapters addresses early childhood education for sustainability (ECEfS) across diverse national contexts. The book offers critical reflections about what has been achieved to promote ECEfS through policy, research and practice; what might be the lessons learnt for sharing; and, what is yet to be achieved.

In pragmatic terms, each national case study incorporates policy, research and practice, alongside illustrative initiatives, stories and images to engage readers. The work provides a systematic understanding of the global ECEfS field and facilitates identification of commonalities, divergences and issues for further analysis and synthesis.

The reader is offered a broad text stance incorporating a comparative ECEfS knowledge base and transformative strategies for envisioning sustainable futures with young children. In particular, strategies towards a creative, courageous and radical education that prioritises ethical relationalities with the Earth and sustainable futures for both the human and the non-human species.

This is a timely collection in a world where young children are born into climate crises, economic uncertainties and political instabilities alongside their fundamental rights being eroded. Sustainability is conceptualised worldwide in different ways historically, socially and culturally and this is celebrated by the contributing authors throughout the text.

Many voices are shared from those working towards global sustainability in early childhood education.

This book is aimed at researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and practitioners.