O MEIO AMBIENTE COMO GARANTIA FUNDAMENTAL: A INFLUÊNCIA DOS MOVIMENTOS SOCIAIS NA INSTITUIÇÃO DE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS AMBIENTAIS

ABSTRACT This article analyzed the importance of social movements in the consolidation of the environment as a fundamental right in Brazil, with special emphasis on their influence on environmental legislation and public policies. The research, of qualitative and bibliographic nature, employed the deductive method and the technique of content analysis, aiming to understand how social mobilization operates as an instrument of state protection. The findings revealed that social movements were decisive for the formulation of legal frameworks, such as Law No. 6.938/81 (National Environmental Policy) and Article 225 of the 1988 Federal Constitution, in addition to contributing to the monitoring and democratization of environmental decision-making. The case study of Cubatão/SP demonstrated that social pressure can transform contexts of severe degradation into successful experiences of environmental recovery, internationally recognized. Persistent challenges were also identified, including the criminalization of activists, the capture of decision-making processes by economic interests, and the weakening of environmental regulations. It is concluded that the effectiveness of environmental protection in Brazil depends on strengthening social participation and democratic control, with social movements playing an essential role in promoting socio environmental justice. Keywords: Environmental Law; Social Movements; Public Policies; Environment; Socio-environmental Justice.