ABSTRACT
Public universities are being called upon to search for solutions to the environmental crisis. However, the different views of the environment can postpone actions that solve problems. The environmental actions undertaken in the universities are still considered sporadic and of little expression, with the predominance of a naturalist view and the belief in technology as a solution. The involvement of companies in the courses can influence the production of knowledge and also reduce college education to the role of serving the interests of the market. These can delay the overcoming of problems, since critics of the current model of exploration/production/consumption/profit are not incorporated. The environmentalization of the public universities arises then as a challenge. Some changes are necessary such as in the academic structures and in pedagogical practices so that they can utilize environmental knowledge.
KEYWORDS:
Higher education; public university; environmentalization; environmental education