Abstract Environmental education in Iranian schools is of particular importance with the aim of educating a generation that is aware and responsible for the environment. This review article, by examining the existing literature, evaluates the role of environmental education in Iranian schools and examines the current status, challenges, and opportunities ahead. This research, by reviewing the studies conducted, examines the impact of environmental education on students, teaching methods, curriculum content, and existing obstacles. The findings show that the lack of educational resources, traditional teaching methods, and lack of coordination between different institutions are among the main challenges. However, environmental education can play a significant role in increasing awareness, changing attitudes, and creating responsible behaviors in students. Finally, the article seeks to help improve the quality of education and educating a responsible generation by providing policy suggestions and solutions to improve the quality of education and educating a responsible generation.