Desenvolvimento sustentável na educação: a contribuição da educação ambiental nas escolas

Abstract

This study explores the role of environmental education in promoting sustainable practices and values in the school environment. The study addresses the importance of integrating sustainability concepts into the school curriculum, highlighting how this integration can form conscious and responsible citizens in relation to the environment. Initially, the project contextualizes sustainable development. From then on, the urgent need for environmental education in schools is discussed as an effective tool to foster sustainable attitudes and behaviors among students. The research presents a review of the literature that demonstrates how environmental education programs, when implemented systematically and continuously, have the potential to transform students' perception and relationship with the environment. Furthermore, this project addresses solutions and strategies to overcome barriers, emphasizing the importance of public policies and targeted investments. Finally, the project concludes that environmental education is essential to achieving sustainable development and that schools play an important role in this transformation. It is recommended to adopt interdisciplinary and participatory approaches, which involve not only students, but also the school community and parents, aiming to create a culture of sustainability. This study contributes to the understanding of how environmental education can be an agent of change in promoting sustainable development, and suggests that, to achieve effective transformation, a joint effort by educators, school managers, public policy makers and the society in general.