Environmental pollution and public education. Case study: Jardines del Castillo, El Salto, Jalisco.

Abstract

In the municipality of El Salto, Jalisco, there is a serious pollution problem that affects the daily life of the population. So far, the social actors who have sought solutions have not succeeded in reversing the environmental impacts that create health and well-being risks for the community. Given this situation, it is important to consider the implementation of both formal and informal Environmental Education programs as an alternative. These programs should promote critical and reflective thinking within the community, emphasizing how individual and collective actions can influence the relationship between human quality of life and environmental conditions. The incorporation of environmental topics into formal education has been limited to internalizing values related to nature conservation. Environmental principles have been introduced through an understanding of the interrelationships between ecological and social systems, highlighting visible problems such as natural resource pollution, waste management, and the disposal of industrial residues. Environmental pedagogy is expressed in the interaction between learners and their natural and social surroundings (Leff, 2000:262). This study aims to describe the current state of Environmental Education in the municipality, particularly in the Jardines del Castillo neighborhood. Teaching it to children and young people is essential to develop the skills, knowledge, values, and capacities needed to prevent future environmental problems and contribute to sustainable development, recognizing Environmental Education as part of a comprehensive formation.