Cultura Ambiental: el camino hacia un futuro ecológicamente equilibrado: Environmental Culture: the road to an ecologically balanced future

Cultura Ambiental: el camino hacia un futuro ecológicamente equilibrado

Abstract

This literature review addresses the concept of environmental culture as a dynamic process that integrates values, attitudes, knowledge, emotions, and practices oriented toward sustainability and respect for the natural environment. It analyzes the historical and epistemological origins of the concept, as well as its evolution in recent years under the influence of critical environmental education, social movements, and contemporary cultural transformations. The results show that environmental culture goes beyond individual ecological behaviors, involving a profound transformation of society–nature relations based on principles of social justice and ecological equity. The discussion highlights significant agreements among authors regarding the importance of education, citizen participation, and the recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems, while also revealing contrasting views on the role of globalization and the most effective strategies for achieving structural change. It is concluded that strengthening environmental culture requires an interdisciplinary approach, coherent public policies, and active commitment from all social sectors to reconfigure our ways of living toward more sustainable, just, and resilient futures.