Transitioning Green Social Work to the Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The international social work community has become aware of green social work, which is based on an understanding of the relationship between humans and the physical environment. A key principle of green social work is that when environmental problems or natural disasters occur, the most affected individuals are the vulnerable individuals in society. Another essential conceptual framework for green social work is environmental justice. In 2012, green social work was integrated into the global social work and social development agenda as a framework for social development officers and practitioners worldwide to apply to their practice. However, at the practical level, green social work still requires significant development and momentum to foster a fairer society and environment. Following the United Nations' announcement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, green social work has been integrated, extended, and merged into the (new) global social work and social development agenda. It now aims to create equity in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This reflects the expansive conceptual evolution of green social work. Social workers can serve as key mechanisms to drive the SDGs, which incorporate green social work, ultimately leading to a just society across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Finally, this article presents case studies that emphasise the integration of social work practice and SDGs objectives.