RAISING AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Environmental education is currently one of the most important subjects in education, a topic that is always part of the planning of teachers and schools that need to demonstrate a greater commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the benefits of environmental education awareness in the school environment. This research used the integrative review method, which combines the analysis of quantitative and qualitative studies to answer a specific research question. The search was conducted in the following indexed article databases: SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Google Scholar. The results point to the decisive role of environmental education in promoting awareness and changing student behavior through a critical understanding that questions and transforms dominant social practices. Environmental education needs to function as an extra force for action and transformation, seeking to inspire individuals to adopt a new ethic in relation to the environment, because when theoretical knowledge is combined with sustainable practices, this education can effectively sensitize people to the importance of conservation and the responsible use of natural resources. It is concluded that environmental awareness and preservation in schools is indispensable, especially in current times, where deforestation rates are growing disproportionately. However, it is necessary for all education professionals to be committed to staying up-to-date on the subject, seeking in their theoretical and practical classes to prepare future generations to respect and care for natural resources.