Abstract: Development in the 21st century portends grave implications for the environment, natural resources and ecosystem. This study therefore put in perspective the challenge of this trend for education. This study highlighted the different international organization position on sustainability and strategies for achieving it. The study traced the history and development of environmental education were appraised and framework for the development of environmental education in Nigeria, suggested, based on the features of environmental protection principles, the international commission on education for the 21 century report and the international conference of adult education recommendations for sustainable development through life-long learning. This study appraised environmental education in Nigeria and recommended features it must posses in order to achieve sustainability in the 21st century.