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Article

Evolving Roles for International Social Work in Addressing Climate Change

by
Julie L. Nagoshi
1,*,
Vijayan K. Pillai
2 and
Mashooq A. Salehin
3
1
Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
2
School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
3
College of Health & Human Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and State University, 1601 E Market St, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14010035
Submission received: 5 August 2024 / Revised: 2 January 2025 / Accepted: 7 January 2025 / Published: 13 January 2025
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Global warming and ozone layer depletion signal the onset of climate change, a “slow-onset” disaster exacerbating poverty and social inequality. Addressing this requires global cooperation, as exemplified by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13, which focuses on climate action. Mitigation measures include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to clean energy, and enhancing community resilience. Social workers play a crucial role in climate change adaptation, engaging in community resilience, advocacy, and policy influence. Their work spans individual counseling, social protection, and addressing environmental refugee crises. As climate change impacts intensify, social workers must expand their roles internationally, advocating for human rights, social justice, and disaster risk reduction. Human rights frameworks guide social workers in addressing climate-related health and social inequalities, emphasizing empowerment and equity. International social workers contribute significantly to disaster response, pandemic recovery, and community resilience, advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting sustainable development. Their evolving role underscores the need for a comprehensive, transnational approach to social protection, ensuring equitable access to resources and fostering a more just and resilient global community.

1. Introduction

Global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer have become increasingly prominent in international public debate and the political agenda as early indicators of climate change (Boetto 2017; Crutzen and Golitsyn 1992). Climate change is a natural hazard threatening human life and property. Unlike most natural disasters that are sudden and short-lived, climate change is considered a ‘slow onset’ disaster due to its gradual and long-term impacts (Chan 2019). Climate change is expected to exacerbate poverty and social inequality; making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities to access vital health services and information (Drolet et al. 2015). Consequently, public policy measures worldwide are shifting focus to the impact of climate change in mitigating future outbreaks of diseases and addressing health equity issues accompanying disaster onset (Cheng et al. 2021).
In this evolving context, international social workers are called upon to play a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change. Their work aligns closely with the theory of advocacy in social work, which emphasizes the need to amplify marginalized voices and challenge systemic inequalities. By adopting an empowerment approach, these professionals foster self-determination and build capacities within communities, enabling them to take charge of their own development in the face of environmental challenges.
This paper explores the evolving responsibilities of international social workers in addressing disasters caused by climate change. By examining the societal and structural changes that arise from environmental shifts, this study aims to highlight the crucial current and potential roles for social workers to play in disaster prevention and community resilience.
This study employs a theoretical and conceptual analysis methodology to explore the roles played by international social workers in addressing the human consequences of climate change. Grounded in human rights and advocacy theories, we examine existing literature, both theoretical and practice oriented, to identify and analyze the modalities of social work intervention in international settings. By integrating normative and applied perspectives, this approach provides a comprehensive understanding of how social workers have engaged with climate change induced social challenges.

2. Addressing the Evolving Climate Change Context: Its Relevance for Social Work

2.1. Global Frameworks for Addressing Climate Change

Since climate change is a global issue involving all nations, a unified and systematic approach to control was developed by global bodies such as the United Nations under the sustainability approach. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Rice et al. 2022). SDG 13 aims to combat climate change and its impacts by taking urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience to climate related hazards, and integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (Mathbor 2012). Thus, a broad international framework exists to support various national objectives and goals designed to ensure that resources, knowledge, and partnerships are effectively mobilized (Bäckstrand 2006). Dealing with future disasters requires coordinated efforts of a team of physical, social, and applied scientists from all branches of the sciences, including the helping professions.

2.2. Climate Change Mitigation Measures

Several mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce the pace of climate change (Erickson 2017). These measures include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to clean energy sources, improving energy efficiency, implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, and promoting education and awareness about climate change causes (Deb et al. 2021; Wang et al. 2010). Mitigatory actions also entail empowering communities to develop adaptive strategies to deal with climate change impacts, such as promoting resilience to extreme weather events (Goode et al. 2021; Mummery and Mummery 2019). By actively engaging with global and national efforts focused on mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development integration, social workers play multifaceted roles in building a global community based on capacity development at both the individual and community levels.
This paper examines the emerging roles for international social work in preventing disasters resulting from climate change. An examination of these emerging roles requires a theoretical scrutiny of the anticipated societal and social structural changes that occur with climate change.

3. Empowerment, Advocacy and Human Rights: A Theoretical Framework for Social Workers Addressing Climate Change

As climate change progresses, the realities and circumstances of human life are significantly altered due to the rise of issues such as food scarcities, exponential increases in the number of environmental refugees, and both national and international conflicts over limited resources (Leichenko and O’Brien 2024). Social workers have responded to these pressing issues by employing individual level interventions such as counseling while simultaneously addressing these challenges through mechanisms of social protection and social insurance (Vlasceanu et al. 2024). Historically, interventions and resolutions to these problems have been largely confined within the parameters of national policies and mandates. However, these constraints have prompted a broader acceptance within the social work profession of the necessity to consider external influences on social, political, and economic contexts, as well as their implications for individual well-being (Chan 2019).
The urgent needs arising from climate change necessitate that international social workers remain committed to their professional mission of empowering impoverished populations. While theories of advocacy, empowerment, and human rights have played a crucial role in guiding social work interventions, the emergence of global issues such as climate change calls for rethinking professional intervention in a global context. A global perspective grounded in justice values is essential for effectively addressing global issues such as climate change (Gonzalez-Benson and Siciliano 2021).
The principles of environmental justice significantly enhance the discourse on empowerment, advocacy, and human rights within international social work as it pertains to climate change. The growing emphasis on addressing global outcomes beyond immediate international boundaries, along with the rise of the environmental justice paradigm, has profoundly transformed advocacy and empowerment approaches. These developments are redefining social work interventions in the context of climate change induced disasters, resulting in the emergence of a comprehensive framework that aligns with the core values of social work while expanding the profession’s role in addressing global environmental challenges (Gray et al. 2013; Krings et al. 2020; Teixeira and Krings 2015). Diverse community values are sustained through empowerment as environmental justice emphasizes self-determination, equal participation in decision making processes, and education regarding environmental issues (Nesmith and Smyth 2018). Advocacy efforts call for just public policies, opposition to destructive corporate practices, and the promotion of individual action. Adherence to and promotion of human rights principles and emphasizing their role are crucial to holding governments and organizations accountable for climate action through human rights frameworks.
Social workers serve as catalysts for social transformation by employing advocacy at various levels of intervention; micro-advocacy focuses on direct support for individuals or communities, while macro-advocacy seeks systemic reforms to address root causes of inequities (Erickson 2017). In an international context where cultural competence is paramount due to economic factors or political climates affecting community agency over their circumstances—advocacy intersects with global forces alongside cultural differences (Borrmann et al. 2007).
Empowerment theory complements advocacy by reinforcing self-determination while building capacities among individuals. It posits that individuals possess inherent capabilities to contribute meaningfully to their own development while moving away from traditional welfare models. Empowerment operates on multiple levels: personal empowerment enhances self-awareness; community empowerment strengthens collective capacity for advocacy; societal empowerment fosters systemic transformation through challenging oppressive structures (Rice et al. 2022). Empowerment also questions internalized oppression at personal levels while enhancing capacities among individuals and communities to achieve greater control over their circumstances (Deb et al. 2021).
By incorporating environmental justice principles into their rights-based practice involving empowerment and advocacy, social workers can more effectively engage in environmental justice work that promotes sustainable and equitable solutions to climate change issues globally. These principles strengthen social workers’ capacity to address complex intersections between social and environmental challenges in an increasingly interconnected environment. Specifically, they emphasize the protection of vulnerable populations while enabling practitioners to advocate for policies that prioritize health, shelter, environment, and safety for those disproportionately impacted by climate change (Stamm 2023).
Social justice has long been a foundational principle guiding social work practice. However, as global challenges like climate change emerge, social workers must adapt their approach to operate effectively in transnational contexts. The human rights perspective provides several key advantages for social workers operating in international disaster response. First, it offers a universal standard that transcends national boundaries, aligning with the global nature of climate change impacts. As Sands (2023) notes, intergovernmental organizations can use human rights laws to improve well-being beyond national borders. Second, human rights frameworks enable a comprehensive approach to complex issues. Stamm (2023) argues that this perspective allows social workers to address the multifaceted health, economic, and social dimensions of climate change. Third, human rights principles emphasize accountability and empowerment. They provide social workers with tools to hold governments and organizations responsible while ensuring affected communities participate in planning and implementing solutions (Restrepo-Mieth 2023). Finally, the human rights approach aligns closely with social work’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and promoting equity. It offers a clear ethical foundation for practice in diverse international contexts (Matthies et al. 2017).
Integrating human rights into international social work is essential as it ensures adherence to principles of equity, dignity, and justice. Human rights frameworks provide universal standards for assessing needs while designing interventions that acknowledge interconnectedness among various rights. Higashida (2024) presents a comprehensive theoretical framework for exploring the role of international social work concerning advocacy, empowerment, and human rights within the context of climate change’s impact on humanity. A human rights approach enables practitioners to address both symptomatic issues as well as root causes of societal problems while transitioning from immediate relief efforts toward addressing structural challenges (Wang et al. 2010). Incorporating environmental justice principles into this framework allows for a more nuanced understanding of empowerment as it relates to community engagement in ecological decision making processes. International social workers contribute significantly toward strengthening global movements advocating for social justice by addressing pressing issues such as migration protection for refugees along with equitable access to healthcare challenges faced worldwide. Thus tackling climate change necessitates integrating intersectionality into advocacy theory, which often requires collaboration among communities/organizations/policymakers leading to the creation of platforms enabling representation from marginalized groups effectively (Crutzen and Golitsyn 1992).
This integrated theoretical framework, grounded within a rights-based approach, provides a robust foundation enabling international social workers to confront both causes/consequences arising from climate change effectively. By addressing global challenges comprehensively, the framework also fosters engagement across nations. This approach also tackles multifaceted impacts encompassing health, economic, and social dimensions thoroughly (Stamm 2023).

4. International Social Workers: Changing Roles and Responsibilities

4.1. Expanding the Role of Social Workers

Analyzing the structural factors that shape national and international social policies allows social workers to actively engage in expanding their roles to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. With the emergence of intergovernmental organizations and the increasing recognition of the intersection of local problems with international issues, there is a growing awareness that transnational influences must be taken more seriously in addressing social problems (Drolet et al. 2015; Saraseko 2023). Although the effects of climate change are vast and geographically variable, intergovernmental organizations and world bodies can play a crucial role in improving human well-being beyond national boundaries through human rights laws, international codes, and coordinated efforts to address global challenges (Sands 2023). The evolving role of social workers in addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change highlights the need for comprehensive and transnational approaches to social protection and disaster risk reduction, ensuring that policies and programs are designed to improve human well-being in an interconnected world (Davies et al. 2008; Jackson 2017; Rana et al. 2022). International social workers are called upon to play roles in both the national and international contexts.

4.2. Advocacy and Data Collection in Global Forums

International social workers serve as advocacy liaisons, connecting multiple issues and promoting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in global forums and transnational movements. Global forums such as WHO and the World Social Forum provide meaningful platforms for connecting multiple issues and advocating for millions affected by climate change. Experiences gained from participation in transnational movements greatly enhance their ability to advocate for the poor. Furthermore, they help link the poor affected by climate change related disasters with the transnational organizations providing necessary health and social services with significant leadership provided by international social workers (Healy 2008).
International social workers play an important role in collecting and analyzing critical data to advocate for health and social equality for vulnerable populations during climate change. The collection and analysis of timely data are necessary for successful advocacy. During disasters resulting from climate change, data related to morbidity and mortality rates among frontline healthcare workers in both developed and developing countries, as well as populations at risk, are greatly needed (Nagesh and Chakraborty 2020). A large number of international social workers with expertise in social development and healthcare systems have historically assisted in this process. This collaboration of international social workers with healthcare systems is necessary for informed consumption of mortality and morbidity data accompanying new and emerging public health models, which advocate and address the health needs of vulnerable populations, including the poor (Ambrose-Miller and Ashcroft 2016).

4.3. Addressing Social and Health Inequality

International social workers play a crucial role in addressing social inequality and health inequality. They provide crucial ground level insights and advocacy for social justice and human rights to support the implementation and monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity. They are based on social justice and human rights. The implementation of the sustainable development goals, monitoring their progress, and providing key feedback to policymakers at national and international levels are of the utmost concern now (Lafortune et al. 2020). Much of the monitoring and assessment efforts are indeed carried out by the United Nations, which has observers in almost all countries. However, international social workers, often embedded in the ground level realities of human suffering, are essential to providing indispensable accounts of the anguish resulting from social inequality resulting from climate change. These accounts provide a human face to natural disasters and the colossal deaths resulting from infectious diseases. International social workers can bring and contribute at the ground level and at the policy level much needed humanitarian and social justice perspectives and international study exchanges (Gupta and Pillai 2007). In general, international social workers’ perspectives on social justice and human rights support the ongoing implementation of sustainable development goals (Mapp 2014).
Dissimilarities in civil rights across nations possibly bring about variations in the effectiveness of human rights principles central to the containment of climate change. The results of such divergences can be catastrophic. International social workers with an effective network of communication are well placed to advocate for incremental and comparative changes in civil rights needed for justice for local populations to contain and plan for climate change and impending disasters.

4.4. Disaster Risk Reduction and Response

Transnational social movements, such as the labor and environmental movements, offer social workers new opportunities to address multiple global issues, including the ongoing natural disasters. International social workers are currently members of several parliaments and government councils. Social workers as members of a transnational organization may not only form a social network necessary for seeking global actions for local issues but also derive new tools to examine social problems (Hawkins and Knox 2014). For instance, international social workers may examine and advocate for the provision of transnational social protection and assistance. Through transnational social movements, international social workers may broaden their vision and knowledge to address national and local issues. New theoretical insights may be gained from participatory actions central to social movements. Social movements provide immense opportunities to understand the interconnection between social inequality and multiple global issues. They broaden the understanding and foster the effectiveness of measures of the efficacy of their policy actions at multiple levels of social action.
International social workers have played significant roles in disaster reduction and management in developing countries through the implementation of community-based disaster risk reduction programs. For instance, in the Philippines, social workers worked with local communities to develop and implement community-based disaster risk reduction programs, improving the capacity to achieve sustainability goals. These programs included activities such as raising awareness about disaster risks, conducting training sessions on emergency preparedness, and establishing community response teams (Mendoza et al. 2016).
During the 2015 Nepal earthquake, international social workers provided emergency response and recovery assistance. They played a crucial role in coordinating relief efforts, distributing essential supplies, and providing psychosocial support to affected individuals and families (Sarker et al. 2022). Several workers also collaborated with local organizations and government agencies to ensure the needs of vulnerable populations, such as children, women, and the elderly, were addressed.
In Vietnam, international social workers supported disaster prevention coordination with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and government agencies. They facilitated the development of disaster preparedness plans, conducted community-based risk assessments, and promoted capacity building initiatives to enhance community resilience, demonstrating a clear advantage of the contact person approach over other incentive programs in the long run (Nguyen et al. 2019). They facilitated the development of disaster preparedness plans, conducted community-based risk assessments, and promoted capacity building initiatives to enhance community resilience (Nguyen et al. 2019; Sunil et al. 1999). International social workers also played a key role in advocating for the inclusion of vulnerable populations in disaster prevention and response efforts.

4.5. Prevention, Recovery, and Community Resilience

By educating communities and raising awareness about preventive measures, international social workers play a key role in preventing future disasters. They provide information on hygiene practices, disease transmission, and vaccination programs, helping to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers conducted public health campaigns, distributed educational materials, and organized virtual workshops to promote awareness and understanding of preventive measures (Amadasun 2020; Jones and Westlake 2021).
Advocating for policies and programs that address the social and economic impacts of disasters has been a valuable contribution of international social workers to recovery efforts. Working with governments, NGOs, and international organizations, they have developed and implemented recovery plans that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations (Baker and Cormier 2014). For example, social workers have advocated for increased funding for social services, mental health support, and economic assistance programs to help individuals and communities recover from the impacts of COVID-19 (Itzhaki-Braun 2021).
Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation during disasters has been a vital role played by international social workers. They work with communities to develop and implement water and sanitation projects, ensuring that essential services are available to prevent the spread of diseases. Social workers also advocate for policies that prioritize access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in underserved areas (Dominelli 2020).
Providing psychosocial support to individuals and communities is one-way international social workers address the emotional and mental impacts of disasters. They offer counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health services to help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and trauma. Social workers also advocate for increased funding and resources for mental health services, recognizing the importance of mental well-being in overall recovery (World Health Organization 2015).
Building community resilience is crucial for recovery from disasters. This involves implementing strategies that enhance resilience, such as promoting access to clean water and sanitation, hygiene education, and creating safe environments. Social workers also support community-based initiatives that empower individuals and promote social cohesion, contributing to long-term recovery and resilience (Mannakkara and Wilkinson 2015).

5. Discussion

This study expands upon several key themes identified in previous research on the role of international social workers in addressing the impacts of climate change. Consistent with Healy (2008) and Nagesh and Chakraborty (2020), the results emphasize the importance of international social workers as advocates and data collectors for vulnerable populations affected by climate-related disasters. However, we highlight the critical need for data on morbidity and mortality rates to effectively advocate for health and social equity in disaster-prone regions. These findings reinforce the assertion that data collection is essential for informing advocacy efforts, as previously discussed in the literature.
Additionally, the study supports Mapp’s (2014) conclusion that international social workers are integral to the monitoring and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in relation to social justice and human rights. The study further contributes to this discussion by demonstrating the value of international social workers in promoting local-level engagement with the SDGs, particularly through their work in marginalized communities affected by climate change.
In adding new dimensions to existing scholarship, particularly in the areas of transnational movements and community resilience, we underscore the expanding role of international social workers in integrating indigenous knowledge and local practices into climate adaptation strategies. This perspective extends the work of Schmitz et al. (2012) by emphasizing the importance of context-specific solutions in the global fight against climate change.
Moreover, while previous studies, such as those by Hawkins (2010), have acknowledged the role of international social workers in providing psychosocial support, we underscore the critical role psychosocial interventions play by becoming a vital part of recovery efforts. These findings demonstrate the evolving role of international social workers, moving beyond advocacy and data collection to encompass a broader range of interventions that address the complex intersection of climate change, health, and social inequality.

6. Conclusions

International social workers are at the forefront of addressing climate change, employing a multipronged approach that combines theoretical understanding with practical interventions. Their work spans from global advocacy to local community empowerment, making them indispensable in the fight against climate change and its impacts on vulnerable populations worldwide (Dominelli 2013). By blending empowerment, advocacy, and human rights principles with environmental justice concepts, social workers are uniquely positioned to address the complex intersections between social and environmental challenges in our increasingly interconnected world (Gray and Coates 2015; Hawkins 2010). Moreover, international social workers promote the development and implementation of policies that prioritize marginalized communities. This ensures that their voices are included in global decision making (Alston 2013). They actively participate in preparing climate adaptation strategies that incorporate indigenous knowledge systems and locally tailored solutions (Boetto 2017; Boetto and McKinnon 2013). For example, social workers collaborating with international bodies like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) contribute to equitable policy frameworks that consider the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of populations in the Global South (Schmitz et al. 2012).
Their role extends to fostering intergenerational equity by aiding and advocating for sustainable practices that secure resources for future generations (Miller et al. 2012). Social workers are instrumental in promoting education on environmental stewardship, particularly in regions most affected by climate change, empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices (Zapf 2010). Research highlights the effectiveness of community-based education programs in increasing resilience against climate induced disasters (Besthorn 2012; Coates et al. 2012).
International social workers also play a crucial role in addressing the mental health implications of climate change. Rising temperatures and natural disasters have been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (Hawkins 2010). By providing psychosocial support and integrating mental health services into disaster response frameworks, social workers play a crucial role in ensuring holistic recovery for affected populations. Their contributions to community mental health programs underscore the importance of addressing both physical and emotional well-being in climate resilience efforts (Alston 2013; Matthies and Närhi 2016).
In addition, social workers engage in transdisciplinary collaborations with scientists, policymakers, and humanitarian organizations to tackle the root causes of environmental degradation (Jones and Truell 2012). By bridging gaps between scientific research and community needs, they enhance the effectiveness of global climate initiatives. Studies demonstrate that such partnerships have significantly improved the implementation of sustainable development goals in low-income countries (Ife 2012; Pyles 2013).
By bridging local and international contexts, international social workers provide critical advocacy, data collection, and policy recommendations to protect vulnerable populations and promote social justice (Molyneux 2010). Their contributions to disaster risk reduction and community resilience highlight the transformative potential of their work in fostering sustainable development and human rights (Hawkins 2010; Besthorn 2012). As the world faces increasingly complex transnational issues, international social workers remain pivotal in integrating humanitarian perspectives with innovative solutions, ensuring that no community is left behind in the quest for global equity and environmental sustainability.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.L.N.; Formal analysis, V.K.P.; Investigation, M.A.S.; Writing—original draft, J.L.N.; Writing—review & editing, V.K.P. and M.A.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

No new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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MDPI and ACS Style

Nagoshi, J.L.; Pillai, V.K.; Salehin, M.A. Evolving Roles for International Social Work in Addressing Climate Change. Soc. Sci. 2025, 14, 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14010035

AMA Style

Nagoshi JL, Pillai VK, Salehin MA. Evolving Roles for International Social Work in Addressing Climate Change. Social Sciences. 2025; 14(1):35. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14010035

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nagoshi, Julie L., Vijayan K. Pillai, and Mashooq A. Salehin. 2025. "Evolving Roles for International Social Work in Addressing Climate Change" Social Sciences 14, no. 1: 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14010035

APA Style

Nagoshi, J. L., Pillai, V. K., & Salehin, M. A. (2025). Evolving Roles for International Social Work in Addressing Climate Change. Social Sciences, 14(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14010035

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