Education in the concept of circular economy in times of global crises

Abstract

The article shows the relevance of transition to a cyclical economy in the society under the influence of global crises. Two hypotheses were proposed. Firstly, the formation of environmental values in Ukrainian society can be traced, which can create the basis for the transition of society to a circular economy model. Secondly, the important role of education in the implementation of the concepts of sustainable development and the circular economy has been confirmed, since it ensures the formation of environmental and economic consciousness, value orientations and social culture, trains specialists and develops the economy, in particular cyclical economy. To assess the hypotheses, the following were used: an online survey of representatives of the educational community. The results showed: 1) insufficient awareness of respondents about the nature of the circular economy; 2) the value of protecting the ecology of the region and the understanding of the importance of environmental protection in Ukrainian society are weak; 3) The most important problems include economic problems, but at the same time, environmental problems of the territories. An analysis of the scientific literature and coverage of foreign practical experience made it possible to determine the ways of developing education in support of sustainable development, the “green” and cyclical economy, the reorientation of higher and postgraduate education towards the training of specialists in the cyclical economy. The results can be useful in the formation and adaptation of educational and environmental strategies.