The impact of human activities on the environment is already quite evident, resulting in increased Earth temperature and extreme weather events. As a result, sustainable development has been the focus of major debates and deserves urgency on the part of society and economic and political leaders.

Environmental awareness is a key factor in the formation of individuals and in their work environment, as it seeks to provide people with the necessary information so that they understand the seriousness of the current situation and the necessary actions to minimize the impact on the environment. It is essential that there is a general awareness of the role of each one of us in the process of decarbonizing the planet, and that companies, governments and global societies assume environmental social responsibility as part of an organic management. Environmental awareness is a slow process, but with a great impact on the future of humanity. It is important that we all assume our role in maintaining a healthier and more sustainable world. Environmental education is essential so that people can have a realistic view of what is happening to our ecosystems around the world and what needs to be done for the planet to continue functioning. In this context, we need to address issues with environmental responsibilities, not only in schools or specific dates that deal with the environment, but also in daily communication with society and companies, so that they adopt sustainable work routines and stimulate a collective awareness about the environmental preservation.

Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility

Responsible business management with the environment must be based on three principles: preventing pollution, reducing the consumption of natural resources and promoting sustainable development. For this, it is necessary to implement actions that include waste management, control of atmospheric emissions and the adoption of sustainable practices in all production processes.

Companies can also engage in environmental social responsibility projects, such as reforestation actions, energy efficiency projects and environmental education actions for the community. These initiatives can bring significant results for the environment and for the company's image, generating added value for the brand. In this process, it is important for companies to be transparent in relation to their environmental management, disclosing information about their greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, and other relevant environmental indicators. This helps create a culture of transparency and accountability that can inspire other companies and individuals to follow suit.

An example of a company with social and environmental responsibility is JBS – the largest Brazilian company in the animal protein-based food sector. JBS has implemented several initiatives to improve its environmental management and reduce its impacts on the environment, such as the “Juntos pela Amazônia” program, which is a company initiative to promote forest conservation and sustainable development in the Amazon region. Through this program, JBS seeks to reduce illegal deforestation in the Amazon, support land regularization and promote sustainable production practices such as encouraging production chains such as cocoa, açaí, pirarucu, in addition to platforms for accessing credit and business consulting, that increase household income by up to 40%.

In addition, JBS has implemented measures to reduce its environmental impact in its operations, such as efficient waste management and the use of clean and renewable energy sources. The company has ambitious goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in its operations and throughout its value chain, contributing to the fight against climate change: JBS has committed to reducing its emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieving net emissions zero by 2040, in addition to encouraging its suppliers to adopt sustainable practices in their activities.

Environmental social responsibility is one of the main trends among Brazilian and global companies. This is because it has a positive impact on the performance of these companies: the Corporate Social Responsibility Index (IRSE) registers a growth of 26% in the last three years in Brazil and 20% in Latin America, pointing to a growing concern of companies in relation to environmental issues.

Education as a Way to Transform the World

The implementation of business practices focused on environmental responsibility is essential for changing production processes and promoting sustainable development. However, there is still much to be done in relation to basic education on awareness of environmental preservation, consumer issues and climate change in schools.

Schools play a key role in educating aware and responsible citizens, capable of making informed decisions regarding the environment and sustainability. In Brazil, the National Education Plan (PNE), governed by Law No. 13,005/2014, establishes goals and strategies for Brazilian education by 2024. Regarding environmental education, the PNE determines that the theme is addressed in an interdisciplinary manner in all levels and modalities of teaching, according to Article 9, Item V.

The PNE provides for the inclusion of environmental education in school curricula, promoting the formation of citizens who are more aware and committed to sustainability, in addition to the integration of environmental education with other public policies, such as the preservation and conservation of natural resources, the promotion of development sustainability and the reduction of environmental impacts. This means that environmental education must be approached together with other practices aimed at encouraging sustainability, in order to guarantee an integrated and effective approach.

It is imperative to encourage schools to set an example and adopt sustainable practices in their daily activities, such as reducing water and energy consumption, using recyclable materials and adapting to sustainable transport. Schools can be a space for carrying out practical activities, such as vegetable gardens and composting, which encourage direct contact with nature and the adoption of healthier and more sustainable habits.

Implementing responsible business practices and environmental education in schools are key to promoting a more sustainable future. The Brazilian National Education Plan recognizes the importance of environmental education as a transversal discipline, and companies can contribute to promoting educational initiatives and social and environmental projects. All these joint actions collaborate in the formation of a sustainable and conscious culture to build a balanced and sustainable future for the next generations.