Can we use a local government institute for the environment in Japan to foster environmental science literacy for sustainability?

Environmental education (EE) using a scientific approach is needed to foster environmental science literacy, which is indispensable for a deep understanding of environmental problems imposed on sustainable communities. We used a national questionnaire survey to research the availability of Local Government Institutes for the Environment (LGIEs) in Japan to revitalize EE. Conventional EE in Japan features themes on nature experiences, waste, recycling and others, which probably initiates interest in environmental issues and promotes simple pro-environmental behaviors. In contrast, EE by LGIEs focuses on themes on water, the atmospheric environment, and radiation and risk communication. This EE is characterized by numerous opportunities to think based on environmental data using LGIEs’ scientific skills for monitoring of pollutants in various environments. LGIEs’ EE fosters literacy that bridges the gap between interest and behaviors and should be incorporated into conventional EE in Japan through political support for developing sustainable communities.