The relationship between social work and environmental sustainability: Implications for interdisciplinary practice

Abstract

Schmitz CL, Matyók T, James C, Sloan LM. The relationship between social work and environmental sustainability: Implications for interdisciplinary practice The Brundtland Commission, formally the World Commission on Environment and Development, established by the United Nations in 1983, links peace, security, development and the environment claiming that war, poverty and structural violence result in the oppression and degradation of the human community as well as the physical environment. Likewise, human rights and social and environmental justice are intertwined, and social work, as a profession that collaborates across disciplines and within communities, is uniquely situated to provide leadership in the field of environmental studies. Its strong focus on human rights, social justice and community building creates a sound base from which to engage in the collaborative, creative, interactional processes required for environmental practice. This article seeks to discern a model for environmental social work within the context of interdisciplinary practice with peace and conflict workers and through the integration of inclusive models of economic development.

Beyond Improved Access: Seasonal and Multidimensional Water Security in Urban Philippines

“…At the nexus of social, economic, and environmental concerns, ensuring water security for vulnerable and marginalized groups is an important and emerging area for social welfare research (Pawar 2013;Schmitz et al 2012). Analogous to the concept of food security, water security can be conceived from a basic needs perspective as access "by all people, at all times, to adequate water for an active and healthy lifestyle" Ragsdale 2008, p. 2117).…”

Promoting social and economic equality: Social workers’ contribution to social justice and social development in South Africa and Uganda

“…The case studies demonstrate that human rights and social and environmental justice are intertwined (Schmitz et al, 2012). Gray and Coates (2012: 239) believe that environmental social work broadens the efforts of social workers towards achieving social justice 'by highlighting the extent to which the poorest and most marginalized populations are hardest hit by environmental fallout'.…”

Climate change in Alaska: Social workers’ attitudes, beliefs, and experiences

“…When individuals and families are affected by environmental disasters related to climate change, social workers have the clinical skills to assess needs, provide crisis intervention, deliver goods and services, assure food security, assist with family reunification, and provide culturally sensitive mental health services (Alston, 2015; Appleby, Bell, & Boetto, 2017; Besthorn, 2001; Coates & Gray, 2012; Dominelli, 2011, 2013; Drolet, Wu, Taylor, & Dennehy, 2015; Mason, 2011). Social workers also have the mezzo practice skills to work with and support organizations and communities affected by climate change by engaging in group facilitation, coordinating the community response, building community resilience, engaging in conflict resolution, and empowering communities to act (Bay, 2013; Coates & Gray, 2012; Dominelli, 2011; Lucas & Darby, 2011; Schmitz, Matyok, Sloan, & James, 2012). Moreover, social workers should engage in macro‐level policy practice to address the social and environmental justice issues related to climate by engaging and organizing people to fight environmental injustices and advocating and lobbying for policies and practices that protect the environment and address climate change (Alston, 2015; Appleby et al, 2017; Boetto & McKinnon, 2013; Coates & Gray, 2012; Dominelli, 2011).…”