Impact Of Environmental Education On The Development Of Environmental Awareness: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the impact of environmental education on the development of environmental awareness by evaluating 11 selected studies. The methodology involved a comparative analysis of published research, classified according to criteria such as origin, study type, methodological approach, and contributions. Studies from various countries and both quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches were included.

The results indicated that educational programs with interdisciplinary and participatory approaches are the most effective in fostering meaningful environmental awareness. It was observed that environmental education is particularly impactful when implemented from early stages, positively correlating with the development of sustainable attitudes. However, deficiencies in public policy implementation were identified, as regulations in various contexts fail to adequately influence the formation of strong environmental awareness.

Regarding the methodologies used in the studies, quantitative approaches predominated (46.7%), though there is a growing interest in qualitative approaches, allowing a deeper analysis of the factors influencing environmental awareness. The conclusions highlight the need for stronger public policies and well-designed educational programs that integrate cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of environmental awareness. Additionally, community participation and continuous evaluation are essential to ensure the effectiveness of these programs.