Abstract: Submission #131

Abstract Green social work refers to the growing movement within the profession to address environmental challenges through practice. Social workers are increasingly involved in helping communities address issues related to climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. The focus that social work places on community is one of the ways in which it differentiates itself from other professions such as psychology, psychiatry and counselling.
It is however essential and helpful for social workers to travel outside the boundaries of society in order to have a more comprehensive understanding of human suffering (Kondrat, 2013). The ecological setting in which society lives plays a significant part in the development of human beings. This ecosystem is essential for human life, and as such, it needs to be preserved and maintained so that it can continue to fulfil its function. Miller et al. (2012), states that social workers have the responsibility to address environmental problems and play a role as intermediaries or advocates, ensuring assistance and support for individuals affected by such issues.
Green social work operates at multiple levels of practice, from individuals to communities and to global systems. Social workers actively participate in social action at both the micro and macro levels as an integral aspect of their responsibilities as agents of change. Moreover, they strategically align ongoing research and policy endeavors with the primary goals that pertain specifically to the populations that face the highest vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The integration of sustainability-related concepts and methods across various aspects of communal life is of utmost importance in order to enhance the potential for transformative responses in the face of challenges. The presentation will focus of green social work and climate resilience in support of communities in the face of environmental crises.