Editorial: environmental and sustainability education in compulsory education: challenges and practices in Francophone Europe

Abstract This editorial introduces a Special Issue on Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE) in Francophone Europe. It argues that although research in the field of ESE is well established, it is not yet structured at a national level, whether in France, Belgium or Switzerland. The main issues addressed by the contributors are presented with a view to establishing a dialogue with the Anglophone community. Three avenues are identified: (i) exploring the place of ESE in education systems, in terms of a continuum of education, (ii) exploring the specificities of ESE teaching practices, and (iii) exploring teacher education and training practices. The twelve contributions in this issue are then introduced. In conclusion, the guest editors suggest a number of courses of action and prospects for encouraging debate between both researchers and language communities, ranging from collaboration and shared research programmes, to a reworking of educational concepts and practices, and initial and continuing professional development, in relation to pressing pedagogical, social and environmental challenges.