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Promoting Environmental Justice and Sustainability in Social Work: A Call for Curriculum Integration

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Social Work Department, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, India
  • 2Social Work Department, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, India

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 13, Issue (4), Pages 8-12, October,14 (2024)

Abstract

Natural disasters cause displacement and can affect community infrastructure. The incidence of extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods is increasing, and a warmer climate will bring tougher, more frequent storms. States and cities are taking action to anticipate these events. They are establishing adaptation plans, circulating information that is accessible in the native languages of community members, and planning for the needs of particular communities, including people with disabilities who have specific service needs. Social workers are likely to encounter situations in everyday practice that are connected with climate change. This research paper emphasizes the importance of incorporating environmental justice and sustainability into social work education. Social workers play a crucial role in addressing the intersecting social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by vulnerable populations. However, the profession often fails to adequately prepare its practitioners to address these issues. By integrating environmental justice and sustainability principles into social work curricula, future social workers can better understand and address the root causes of environmental problems, advocate for policy changes, foster sustainable practices within their communities, and foster a commitment to contribute to sustainable solutions on an individual and systemic level. This paper explores the rationale for incorporating environmental justice and sustainability into social work education, identifies potential barriers and challenges, and provides recommendations for curriculum integration.

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