O estado da arte da pesquisa em educação ambiental no Brasil

Abstract

The present study makes use of the results of a research of broader scope. It aims to describe the production of environmental education in Brazil and others countries by Brazilians during the period 1984-2002. Doctoral theses and Master dissertations are the source of investigation, particularly those written in education, ecology, public health and environmental education post-graduate departments. The study reveals the existence of at least 1 Full-professor thesis, 40 Dosctoral theses and 246 Master dissertations, with many environmental topics, pedagogical concepts and processes and political emphasis. Major environmental topics include the relationship between nature and culture, the environmental crisis on metropolis and specific ecosystems. Regarding the pedagogical field, it is pointed out the idea that environmental education is a process which may be included in every educational place and into every subject curriculum. The fomentation of participatory processes oriented towards the construction of a democratic and sustainable society is the most emphasized political aspect. This study concludes by affirming that a new understanding about environmental education in Brazilian universities and in governamental and private research agencies provides a progress in the field and in the public policies related to environment, education and research.