SUSTAINABILITY AND CITIZENSHIP: ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AS A PILLAR OF DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This article explores the importance of environmental education in the development of a responsible citizenship committed to sustainability, using a qualitative and exploratory approach. Based on literature review and documentary analysis, it is supported by authors such as Pedro Jacobi and international documents, including the UN Declaration on Sustainable Development. The study examines the role of public policies in promoting sustainable practices in Brazil and highlights interdisciplinarity as a strategy to balance economic growth and environmental preservation. The analysis relates the Brazilian Constitution of 1988, especially Article 225, with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the importance of environmental rights. The study presents initiatives in Castelo, ES, where projects in schools and communities promote awareness and encourage citizen participation. The results show that community-integrated environmental education increases knowledge about sustainability and engagement in solutions that balance economic development and environmental protection. It is concluded that environmental education is fundamental to build a more conscious society, and the formation of critical and proactive citizens is essential for a sustainable future. Brazilian environmental policies, combined with the SDGs, form a robust framework for local actions and collaborative responses to environmental challenges.