By Mary-Ann Prince
The aspiration for a “better life” dream has inspired many South Africans. Communities have eagerly anticipated prosperity through industrialisation and job creation. However, industrialisation has not only promised a better life, but also brought significant environmental and societal consequences.
The impact includes, but are not limited to, global warming which translates to droughts, threats to marine life, and risks to life on the very planet itself. While numerous efforts have been applied to build the economy, it is imperative to consider whether the cost to humanity has been adequately assessed.
The pursuit of wealth remains a widespread dream, it is crucial to consider who advocates for the victims of environmental degradation as some companies are more interested in wealth than the impact on society.
Green social workers play a central role in South Africa’s endeavours to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations. However, the traditional role of this profession requires enhanced skills, knowledge and attitudes to address the emerging challenges of this new reality.
In this opinion piece, we will explore the future of social work, emphasising the need for social workers to be empowered to fulfil a new and holistic approach.
Traditionally social workers assisted in providing welfare for vulnerable populations, however, the negative impacts of climate change have exacerbated social problems such as gender-based violence, environmental racism and the extinction of animal and plant species. This is where green social work becomes essential.
Green social work in South Africa, is an emerging discipline within the field of social work, addressing social and industrial issues that contribute to environmental challenges such as floods, droughts and changes in our ecosystem. The role of social workers is dynamic, frequently involving interventions in vulnerable communities facing socio-economic and ecological difficulties.
By incorporating the triple bottom line approach - focusing on people, planet and profit - green social work aims to facilitate sustainability and explore ways to create a circular economy. This approach seeks to minimise waste and promote the practices of reusing and recycling with the goal of reducing inequality. Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, green social workers strive to enhance peace and prosperity for both people and the planet.
The new role of social workers in the Anthropocene - a time during which humans have had a substantial impact on our planet.
Jane Addams, a pioneer in the field of social work, focused on addressing urban poverty, labour conditions, and women’s rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her legacy offers invaluable lessons for contemporary green social work.
Addams’ work at Hull House demonstrated an early awareness of the environment’s role in shaping social conditions. She advocated for better sanitation, clean air, and public health reforms, recognising that poor living conditions were often linked to environmental neglect. Her efforts to improve the physical environment of impoverished neighbourhoods highlighted the intrinsic connection between a healthy environment and social well-being.
The impact of climate change necessitates that social work adapts to “the current age in which humans have dominant influence on climate and the environment.” The interconnection between social issues and the environmental issues has given rise to green social work. This field focuses on: disaster preparedness, climate change mitigation, sustainable community development, eco-therapy, and mental health.
Emerging vulnerable populations in South Africa include individuals displaced by natural disasters and those at risk from environmental hazards, such as the disposal of waste by multinational corporations into rivers and land.
In the Anthropocene era, social workers are required to facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders including higher education institutions, researchers, governments, non-profit organisations, and public health institutions.
Green social workers must undertake roles in treatment groups and rehabilitation efforts for individuals affected by climate change-induced natural disasters. The psychological and physiological impacts of displacement can be severe. It is crucial for multinational corporations to not only embrace social responsibility but also urgently reform their product development and operational practices, given the recent increase in natural disasters in South Africa.
How to incorporate green social work in your business
Green social workers have a holistic approach to social reform. They believe in community-based solutions, engaging communities in developing sustainable practices and empowering residents to advocate for environmental justice. Similarly, green social workers are readily available to help shape policies that address climate change, promote renewable energy, and protect vulnerable communities from environmental hazards.
Most importantly, these are the people you want in your organisation to ensure that your business prioritises people, the planet and brings South Africa closer to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mary-Ann Prince is a lecturer at University of Johannesburg.
BUSINESS REPORT