Malta : green social work - working toward environmental sustainability

Abstract

The climate crisis is producing whole nations and peoples who are vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate hazards - a reality in which different sectors of threat, such as water shortage impact other sectors including agriculture, health, and eco-systems. One certain phenomenon that climate change is creating is that of environmental migration. Various authors assert that the environmental degradation being created by the climate crisis we are witnessing is precipitating the deterioration of environmental, political, and economic systems that are leading to a global migrant crisis. This article discusses the role that social workers could play in developing eco-wisdom knowledge for themselves and for the communities they serve. They can foster innovation in climate adaptation and resilience for disadvantaged communities. This article explores the response that social work could provide because it recognises the interconnectedness of humans and the broader ecosystems within their physical surroundings. Contemporary social work needs to commit to include environmental justice in its practice. This would be one pivotal way of promoting inclusionary social work that meets some of the 21st century challenges.