Towards Ecopedagogy and discussion

In his essay Towards Ecopedagogy, Richard Kahn challenges the classic system of capitalism in America and other superpowers and the current methods of environmental education. Kahn challenges capitalism by claiming that it entitles the wealthy countries of the world to continue expanding and promoting themselves as other countries remain in poverty, unable to offer goods or natural resources to sell or trade. Capitalist societies also encourage classism. Those born into a certain class will find it very difficult to rise to a higer class, mainly due to the monetary situation of the family with respect to their class, but also because of education and social acceptance. In addition, Kahn criticizes current environmental education standards and the concept of a "zoo school". He points out the fact that students of a "zoo school" are simply learning the basic facts of wild animals contained in captivity. In reality, he believes students should also be educated upon the inhumanity of the idea of a zoo and petition to prevent the captivity of wild animals, like dolphins, which, instead, patrons could pay $150 to swim with. This promotes his next point, that zoos run on corporate and monetary interests. Students should discourage this and instead learn proper environmental necessities, such as humane diets. Additionally, rather than focusing on improving grades, environmental education should be focused on bioregionalism, environmental awareness, and true sustainability for the planet.