A review of ecological problems facing human society is presented and the relationship of education to social change is considered. Basic environmental limitations which are discussed include population; basic materials such as food, fuels, and water; and environmental tolerance. Ecological hazards which combine with these limitations to result in urgent social problems include laboratory created disease, ozone layer destruction by fluorcarbons, carcinogens in consumer products and food, toxic substances in food, and deforestation. These problems remain largely unsolved in spite of technological interventions of various types including drugs which improve intelligent behavior and enhance awareness, stamina, strength, health, and maximum life-span potential; genetic planning; man/machine symbiosis; and extra terrestrial communication. Educational tactics and strategies which are currently being employed to prepare students for future society include back to basics, deschooling society, career education, tracking and specialized training, behavior modification, racial integration, bilingual and multicultural education, environmental studies, learning by objectives, and computer assisted instruction. Additional research is suggested to evaluate how these strategies encourage social change in desired directions and prepare young people to live in future societies. (DB)