CHEMICALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT: HISTORICAL ASPECTS AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TEACHING

Abstract

Global environmental issues have gained strength since the 1960 decade and the relationship between the chemical industry and the environment has become increasingly tight since then. In this sense, environmental management has gained more space making organizations think strategically about their business and the possible impacts that they can promote on the environment. The present paper shows two brief timelines: the history of the chemical industry and the important events for environmental issues. In addition, it reports an investigation into the insertion of the discipline of environmental management in curricular matrices of institutions in Paraná and didactic experiments carried out at the State University of Ponta Grossa: simulation of environmental audit and analysis of the environmental management of the chemistry teaching laboratories of that institution a from the survey of environmental aspects and impacts and the elaboration of the environmental risk index. Finally, a questionnaire is shown with the graduates who took the discipline and how they perceive the importance of it in professional life. The reflection on social and environmental responsibility is extremely important for sustainable development and the chemist has a leading role in this path.