What is Green Social Work? 

Green Social Work works to transform current social work practices by looking at how ecological and environmental crises worsen other forms of inequality; poverty, racism, gender-based violence and more. 

By understanding the relationship between environmental and community wellbeing, Green Social Work seeks to provide tools and resources needed to support and build resilience for those most impacted by climate change.

Practicing Green Social Work

Recognizing Interconnected Inequities 

The impacts of worsening environmental conditions – droughts, extreme weather, and climate-related disasters like wildfires – are disproportionately experienced by marginalized communities. Social inequities, including poverty, discrimination, housing insecurity, and access to healthcare, shape people's ability to access necessary resources while also increasing one's vulnerability to climate risks. 

In Calgary, we are experiencing record-high food bank demands, affordable housing shortages, and defunded public services. It is important to recognize that these social challenges are not occurring separately from each other, rather interconnected with and reinforced by climate change. 

Promoting Holistic Practice 

A Green Social Work approach takes distinct local, social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental factors into consideration when working alongside communities and individuals. 

Empowering Through Advocacy 

Social workers and frontline workers have an invaluable role in advocating for the communities they work alongside. Providing community workers with the resources needed to understand climate change and its socio-economic consequences will inform both interpersonal support and collective advocacy efforts.