Global Warming and Mobilization for Consumer Awareness in Brazilian Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Global warming is a consequence of human action which unbalances natural cycles and endangers human life on the planet. Economic, social and cultural changes are urgently needed to address the problem. In particular, unconscious and predatory consumer patterns must be limited, because many greenhouse gas emissions come from the production, use and disposal of consumer items. Higher Education Institutions exert a certain influence on social behavior, and could contribute to raise the awareness of Brazilian society through the implementation of special programs. forexp-Extension forum of private higher education institutions- proposes a national movement to promote the Internal Program for Responsible Consumers (IPRC), which has already produced tangible results, as a source of inspiration. The purpose of this paper is to present a study on consumer patterns and the ensuing mobilization against global warming, as well as to present data from the IPRC developed by Unifacs, a private university in Bahia, in conjunction with REDE, a nongovernmental organization.