Contextualization

The relationship between man, the economy, and nature is a complex and influential issue in our daily lives, with implications ranging from our consumption choices to the policies adopted by governments at various levels. This relationship largely determines the quality of life in our cities and communities, as well as the future of our planet.

For example, Economics studies how natural resources are used to produce goods and services, how these goods and services are distributed and consumed, and how they can be managed efficiently and sustainably. On the other hand, Sociology analyzes social relations and human institutions, including their impact on the economy and interaction with nature.

Man, as a social and economic being, is an integral and fundamental part of this relationship. Our actions, influenced by our social context and economic needs, have a direct impact on nature. The way we use natural resources, such as energy, water, and food, can either preserve or destroy the environment.

The importance of this relationship becomes even more evident when considering issues such as climate change, biodiversity preservation, deforestation, among other environmental issues. Our economy and societies depend on the natural resources we extract from the environment and on nature's ability to absorb and neutralize our waste. Therefore, understanding this relationship is essential for making informed and sustainable decisions.

Practical Activity: The Economy of Sustainability

Project Objective

In groups of 3 to 5 students, you will research, analyze, and produce a proposal for individual, community, or governmental behavior change aimed at promoting socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. Additionally, you should produce a detailed report documenting the entire research, conceptualization, planning, and proposition process.

Detailed Project Description

This project will be divided into four main parts:

1. Research and Conceptualization: Explore the topics of economics, sociology, and environmental sustainability. Conduct in-depth research on the economic and socio-environmental impacts of production chains in different environments, considering different social classes and cultures. Emphasize the analysis of the impacts of excessive consumption and improper waste disposal. Use different sources such as books, articles, documentaries, interviews, etc.

2. Proposal Planning: Based on your research, identify a specific problem that affects your community or another of your choice. Plan an action or policy that could be implemented to solve or mitigate this problem. The proposal should be detailed and feasible, considering the obstacles and challenges that may arise in its implementation.

3. Proposal Development: Create a presentation of your proposal to promote sustainability. Use creative methods to communicate your proposal and convince others of its importance and feasibility. This could be a slide presentation, a video, a poster, a brochure, a podcast, etc.

4. Final Report: Write a report documenting the entire process. This report should include: an introduction to the topic and its relevance; a detailed development of the problem, the research conducted, and the proposal made; a conclusion summarizing the main points and the lessons learned, and the bibliography used in the research.

Necessary Materials

1. Internet access for research;
2. Writing materials (computer, notebook, pen);
3. Materials for the proposal presentation (depending on the chosen format);
4. Software for producing the report (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Word, etc).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Completion

1. Organize into groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Start researching the key concepts. Each group member can focus on a different topic and share their findings with the rest of the group.
3. Discuss and decide together on a specific problem you would like to address.
4. Collaboratively plan your proposal. Think about possible obstacles and challenges, as well as solutions to these.
5. Develop the proposal presentation. Remember to be creative and convincing!
6. Write the final report. Each group member can write a part, and everyone should review the final report before submission.
7. Present the project to the class.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group must deliver:

1. The proposal presentation (in the chosen format)
2. The final report, which must follow the proposed format of Introduction, Development, Conclusion, and Bibliography. The writing of this document should fit and complement the work done in the project, in order to highlight the thought process, research conducted, teamwork, and justification for the proposal made.