Critical thinking

What you can do at this level

• K

  Knows that our understanding of sustainability is always evolving.

• K

  Knows that various biases can influence the discourse on sustainability, including reasoning, communication and political narratives.

• K

  Knows that predominant narratives can shape the formulation of sustainability problems.

• K

  Knows sustainability claims without robust evidence are often mere communication strategies, also known as greenwashing.

• K

  Knows that tackling unsustainable patterns requires challenging the status quo, at individual and collective level, by organisations and in politics.

What you can do at this level

• S

  Can apply personal reasoning to address criticism and arguments on sustainability matters.

• S

  Can analyse and assess arguments, ideas, actions and scenarios to determine whether they are in line with evidence and values in terms of sustainability.

• S

  Can scrutinise information sources and communication channels on sustainability to assess the quality of the information they provide.

• S

  Can reflect on the roots and motives of decisions, action and lifestyles to compare individual benefits and costs with societal benefits and costs.

• S

  Can look at various sources of evidence and assess their reliability to form opinions about sustainability.

What you can do at this level

• A

  Is curious and inquisitive about the links between the environment, human action and sustainability.

• A

  Trusts science even when lacking some of the knowledge required to fully understand scientific claims.

• A

  Takes an evidence-based perspective and is ready to revise it when new data emerge.

• A

  Is willing to accept and discuss sustainability questions, issues and opportunities.

• A

  Is sceptical about information on sustainability before verifying its source and investigating potential vested interests.