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Submission information
Submission Number: 211
Submission ID: 1358
Submission UUID: 856dc065-776a-497f-b138-d2524888adbd
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Sat, 06/28/2025 - 09:16
Completed: Sat, 06/28/2025 - 10:49
Changed: Mon, 07/14/2025 - 09:02
Remote IP address: 41.13.140.232
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Mbola
Roxanne
Ukzn howard
Social work 4th year student at UKZN
Yes
Mr.
Mavuso
Lwazi
UKZN Howard
Lwazi Mavuso, DAC- SWSDSC Chairperson (2025 – 2027), Masters Student, UKZN
No
Abstract
Green Social Work: Building Climate Resilience in Vulnerable Townships in KZN
THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises
SUB 1.1 How social work integrates environmental justice, sustainability, and ecological perspectives into practice.
Oral Presentation
Green Social Work: Building Climate Resilience in Vulnerable Townships in KZN
Authors:
Roxanne Mbola, Student Social Worker UKZN roxannembola@icloud.com, +27 817469901/ + 27 672626375
Lwazi Mavuso, DAC-SWSDC Chairperson (2025-2027), Master Student UKZN mavusolwazi850@gmail.com , +26878506850/ +26879506850
Abstract
The world is facing escalating environmental crises caused by both natural processes and human activities, with climate change emerging as one of the most pressing global challenges. These crises disproportionately impact marginalized populations, intensifying existing social inequalities and exposing vulnerable groups to greater risks such as natural disasters, food insecurity, and health hazards. In response to these challenges, Green Social Work (GSW) has emerged as a vital framework that integrates environmental and social justice concerns into mainstream social work practice. This conceptual paper examines the principles of Green Social Work and its potential role in building climate resilience among marginalized communities.
Drawing on interdisciplinary literature, the paper argues that GSW provides a holistic, justice-oriented approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and the natural environment. It highlights how social work, traditionally rooted in human well-being, can expand its focus to include environmental sustainability, thus reinforcing its commitment to justice in all forms. Strategies such as community engagement, equitable access to resources, and targeted disaster preparedness programs are discussed as essential interventions that align with GSW principles. The paper concludes that adopting Green Social Work is not only timely but necessary in ensuring that vulnerable populations are supported in adapting to climate change, and that social workers play a meaningful role in shaping sustainable futures.
Keywords: Green Social Work, Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Marginalized Communities, Social Work Practice, Climate Resilience, Sustainable Development
Authors:
Roxanne Mbola, Student Social Worker UKZN roxannembola@icloud.com, +27 817469901/ + 27 672626375
Lwazi Mavuso, DAC-SWSDC Chairperson (2025-2027), Master Student UKZN mavusolwazi850@gmail.com , +26878506850/ +26879506850
Abstract
The world is facing escalating environmental crises caused by both natural processes and human activities, with climate change emerging as one of the most pressing global challenges. These crises disproportionately impact marginalized populations, intensifying existing social inequalities and exposing vulnerable groups to greater risks such as natural disasters, food insecurity, and health hazards. In response to these challenges, Green Social Work (GSW) has emerged as a vital framework that integrates environmental and social justice concerns into mainstream social work practice. This conceptual paper examines the principles of Green Social Work and its potential role in building climate resilience among marginalized communities.
Drawing on interdisciplinary literature, the paper argues that GSW provides a holistic, justice-oriented approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and the natural environment. It highlights how social work, traditionally rooted in human well-being, can expand its focus to include environmental sustainability, thus reinforcing its commitment to justice in all forms. Strategies such as community engagement, equitable access to resources, and targeted disaster preparedness programs are discussed as essential interventions that align with GSW principles. The paper concludes that adopting Green Social Work is not only timely but necessary in ensuring that vulnerable populations are supported in adapting to climate change, and that social workers play a meaningful role in shaping sustainable futures.
Keywords: Green Social Work, Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Marginalized Communities, Social Work Practice, Climate Resilience, Sustainable Development
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Fikile
Xaba
Yes
Conceptual paper.
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Grey
Magaiza
Yes
Conceptual Paper-Green Social Work
Accepted