The ecological function of modern social education is the role of education in protecting the ecological environment. With the rise of modern civilization, mankind has gradually become the master of nature, but at the same time, the gradual depletion of natural resources and the obvious degradation of ecological environment have also become global problems that plague mankind. Protecting the environment and paying attention to sustainable development have become an important theme of social development today. Education plays an important role in protecting the ecological environment and promoting sustainable development, which is embodied in the following aspects: firstly, people's awareness and responsibility of protecting the natural environment are improved through environmental education; The second is to create science and technology through development, effectively solve ecological problems, and improve the ability of human beings to protect the ecological environment and sustainable development.