Green Social Work: A Pathway to Social and Environmental Justice in India

e-ISSN 2690-3458 ISSN 2690-3431 JOURNAL OF ACADEMICS STAND AGAINST POVERTY Volume 7, Special Issue, 2025: pages 35-56 Research Paper Journal of Academics Stand Against Poverty, 2025, 7 (Special Issue), 35-56 Green Social Work: A Pathway to Social and Environmental Justice in India Indranil Sarkar1, Pallavi Mitra2 & Priya Banerjee2 1Department of Social Work, Centre for Distance and Online Education, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India E-mail: indranilsak[email protected] 2Department of Environmental Studies, Centre for Distance and Online Education, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India Abstract: India faces severe environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, pollution, and resource depletion, which disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Green Social Work (GSW) offers a crucial framework for integrating environmental sustainability with social justice, promoting inter and intragenerational equity and justice. This study explores the role of GSW in India, analysing its potential to address ecological and climate concerns through community organization, social action, and policy advocacy. Using an exploratory and descriptive research design, the article synthesizes existing literature to examine Indian social work practices that incorporate environmental consciousness. It highlights initiatives such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and grassroots interventions that strengthen resilience and sustainability. The findings emphasize the need for an interdisciplinary approach, positioning social workers as key agents in promoting ecological sustainability and sustainable development in India. Keywords: 1. Climate Refugees 2. Environmental Policies 3. Extreme Events 4. Resilience 5. Social and Environmental Justice 6. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2025 Journal ASAP DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18047345 Special Issue on: Indian Perspectives on Environmental Justice Received 20 July 2025 Revised 5 December 2025 Accepted 20 December 2025 Available online 24 December 2025 1. Introduction The environmental crisis has severely worsened in recent times due to both natural and anthropogenic processes. Extreme weather events, pollution and war situations have intensified the environmental crisis on a global scale (Dominelli 2014; Peek et al. 2020). These factors have exacerbated socio-economic, political, and cultural inequalities, thereby subjecting vulnerable communities to environmental injustice (Dominelli 2014). Dominelli (2014) had defined environmental injustice as society’s failure to ensure environmental security and sustainability. However, according to The Office of Environmental Justice of the USEPA, Sarkar, Mitra & Banerjee, 2025 environmental justice is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, colour, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies (Stephens et al. 2008; Stephens & Chang 2025). This definition addresses the special injustice of unequal exposure to environmental harms. In present society, environmental security is not included within national security at any level (extending from local to global). Hence, there are no military solutions to environmental security (Mukherjee 2017). Environmental insecurities are often seen to stem from scarcity of natural resources and pollution caused by the lifestyles of the affluent. Exploiting the environment for ensuring economic growth leads to a rise in poverty, unemployment, and spread of diseases. This cannot truly be considered development. Furthermore, rising living costs worsen the condition of the poor (Mukherjee 2017). Unsustainable planning and development with unequal distribution of power and resources aggravate structural inequalities and exert the worst impact on poor and low-income people (Dominelli 2013). These also impact the risk mitigating potential and resilience of low-income communities (Dominelli 2013). Such environmental crises experienced in recent times have significantly worsened the environmental and social injustice suffered by poor and vulnerable communities of developing countries like India (Agnimitra & Sharma 2023). Indigenous communities have lost their land and access to natural resources due to the pervasiveness of globalization and the influential multinational corporations. This has transformed the ‘ecosystems people’ into ‘ecological refugees. Climate extremes, displacement, physical and mental health issues, and economic crises are some of the challenges affecting these communities. Recent studies have reported that these challenges have a higher probability of affecting densely populated countries with significant socioeconomic inequality, such as India (Madhanagopal et al. 2022a). Therefore, it has become imperative for social work professionals in India to proactively address issues like discrimination, inequality, marginality, and oppression. Ensuring environmental justice has been a primary agenda for social workers all over the world. Social workers play a significant role in assisting and mobilizing people and natural resources for formulating models of sustainable development and ensuring environmental justice (Dominelli 2013). Social work professionals actively undertake initiatives for achieving environmental justice for affected marginalized communities (Wu, Karabanow & Hoddinott 2022). Social work professionals assess the situation of these communities and administer interventions for the affected. These interventions emphasize how different parameters of environment, industry, urban development, and human society impact environmental and social justice in an interrelated manner (Breen et al. 2023; Dominelli & Ku 2017; Wu & Bryan 2021). They also ensure that concerns regarding human and citizen-based rights are included in relevant curricula (Dominelli 2014). Green social work (GSW), a concept introduced by Dominelli (2012a), reportedly combines theories of social and environmental justice to equip social workers to address environmental crises. GSW is expected to provide a holistic understanding of these social issues by including environmental parameters and analysing their impact on the same (Rajput & Jadhav 2021). 2. Objective and Research Design The present study is a systematic literature review of two related inquiry areas including social work practice and environmental consciousness. This study explores the role of GSW in India, analysing its potential to address ecological and climate concerns through community organization, social action, and policy advocacy. Pertinent environmental issues of India have Green Social Work: A Pathway to Social and Environmental Justice in India Journal of Academics Stand Against Poverty, 2025, 7 (Special Issue), 35-56 37 been critically discussed herein for identifying the sectors requiring active GSW interventions for ensuring environmental justice and security for people of this country. This study also discusses different initiatives, policies, and grassroots interventions that strengthen resilience and sustainability of vulnerable communities in India. Moreover, this study highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach by GSW professionals for ensuring social and environmental justice for vulnerable communities across India. This is followed by a discussion about their inter-relations as well as future research agendas. 3. National Initiatives for Ensuring Environmental Justice in India As the world's most populous and diverse nation, India is presently at a critical stage in its trajectory for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Major environmental issues like urbanisation, environmental degradation, climate crisis, internal displacement, and disasters pose significant challenges to achieving sustainable development (Didenko et al. 2021; Hasnat et al. 2019; Kumar et al. 2022). The constitutional initiatives included the addition of articles 48A and 51A(g) under State Directives and Fundamental Duties specified in The Constitution of India respectively. The legislative mechanisms safeguarding the environment of this country include The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, the Environmental (Protection) Act of 1986, etc. Moreover, judiciary initiative like the formation of the National Green Tribunal have also been proactively preserving and protecting the environmental sustainability of this country (Devarhubli & Shrivastava 2024; Gill & Ramachandran 2021; Meena 2023). Furthermore, in recent times, significant emphasis has been given to sustainable human development which is expected to empower every community to become environmentally sustainable (Parida et al. 2023). The initiatives, policies, and schemes undertaken in recent times reflect India’s commitment to achieving the SDGs (Kumar & Shobana 2023). The plans and policies listed in Table 1 have been undertaken by the Government of India for achieving environmental justice and sustainability as well as for addressing the major environmental issues of this country. As of now, India is yet to undertake any comprehensive national initiative for major environmental issues like hyper-urbanisation or internal displacement (Rajan & Bhagat 2021). However, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is India's most comprehensive strategy to address a few major environmental issues of recent times (Deshpande et al. 2025; Pandey et al. 2024). This is comprised of the following national missions (GoI 2025) that are aligned with global initiatives related to the same concerns:  National Mission for a Green India (for protecting, restoring, and increasing forest cover).  National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (for research, development, and capacity building)  National Solar Mission (for enhancing the usage of solar energy)  National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (for addressing impacts of adverse climatic conditions)  National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (comprised of the PAT scheme and the Financing Energy Efficiency Programme for increasing energy efficiency of industrial sectors).  The National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (for addressing health concerns posed by climate change).  National Water Mission (for encouraging the development of Rain Water Harvesting Structures).  National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (implemented through the Atal Mission on Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Smart Cities Mission). Sarkar, Mitra & Banerjee, 2025 Table 1. Initiatives undertaken to achieve environmental justice in India Initiatives (Year of Initiation) Environmental Issue Addressed Focus Key Features Antyodaya Anna Yojana (2000) Food security Affordable food for the most vulnerable households Ensuring highly subsidized food grains for the poorest households National Environment Policy (2006) Environmental degradation and sustainable development Integrate environment in development Protection of ecological systems, and sustainable resource management State Action Plans on Climate Change (2009) Climate crisis Localization of climate strategies Develops state-specific actions aligned with NAPCC National Water Policy (2012) Water security Water resource management Manages transboundary rivers; Guides planning and development of water resources The PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) scheme (2012) Climate crisis Energy efficiency in large industries Sets targets for energy reduction; Those exceeding targets are issued Energy Saving Certificates which may be traded with those unable to do so Swachh Bharat Mission (2014) Environmental degradation Sanitation and waste management Improves domestic waste management; Promotes waste segregation Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (2015) Environmental degradation Improved infrastructure and living standards for urban areas Improves water supply and storm water drainage; Improves sewerage management; Enhances green spaces; Promotes non-motorized transport Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (2015) Climate crisis Energy efficiency of households Reduces electricity consumption; Encourages usage of energy-efficient appliances National Policy on Biofuels (2018) Climate crisis Alternative source of energy Reduces dependence on fossil fuels; Enhances production and use of biofuels; Encourages conversion of waste to wealth Jal Jeevan Mission (2019) Water security Domestic water supply Ensuring access of potable water for every rural household National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (2020) Climate crisis Reduce fossil fuel use in transport Targets hybrid/electric vehicles; FAME India scheme and PM E-DRIVE scheme are primary components of this plan; Focuses on developing shared transportation and charging infrastructure for all National Bioenergy Programme (2021) Climate crisis Promote biomass and waste-toenergy Cleaner energy, waste reduction National Action Plan on Climate Change (2025) Climate crisis Addressing climate change Comprises of nine national missions in specific areas of agriculture, energy efficiency, green India, Himalayan ecosystem, human health, solar energy, strategic knowledge on climate change, sustainable habitat, and water International Environmental Commitments Climate crisis; Natural disasters; Resource conservation Aligning with global targets and commitments Implementing climate actions; Achieving disaster resilience; Ensuring resource sustainability Green Social Work: A Pathway to Social and Environmental Justice in India Journal of Academics Stand Against Poverty, 2025, 7 (Special Issue), 35-56 39 Despite the aforementioned initiatives, India needs stronger policy enforcement and monitoring, public-private partnerships in green technologies, awareness, and behavioural change at the grassroots level as well as investment in research, innovation, and climateresilient infrastructure for ensuring environmental justice for vulnerable communities (Bhattacharya & Stern 2023). This may be actively achieved by engaging professionals trained in interdisciplinary programmes based on social work, environmental studies. GSW professionals may work in collaboration with other professionals from fields of engineering, economics, public health, architecture, forestry, agriculture, etc. to develop sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities. GSW professionals can play a lead role in interdisciplinary collaborations by articulating the needs, interests, and circumstances of the people, groups, and populations most at risk of environmental harms (Saleh et al. 2024). 4. GSW as Preeminent Promoter of Environmental Justice Conventional SW professionals have reportedly been found to be on par with the general population in terms of consciousness regarding environmental factors. Moreover, a dearth of focus on environmental issues has rendered the existing social policies unsustainable and detrimental for social well-being. Hence, with an increase in environmental concerns in recent times, national and international organizations of social work (SW) have urged SW professionals to include environmental issues within their professional practice (Shaw 2013). Global aggravation of climate change, natural disasters, and ecological crises recorded in present times have subjected the field of conventional social work to new challenges. In this context, GSW has emerged as a specialized paradigm of conventional social work to enable GSW professionals to respond more appropriately to the needs of communities facing environmental crisis and injustice (Dominelli 2013). Table 2 provides a comparative account of conventional SW and GSW professionals. As evident from Table 2, GSW may be considered an extension/evolution of conventional social work that focuses on human-environment interdependencies and addresses the impacts exerted by one on another (Närhi & Matthies 2025). Specialized and interdisciplinary trainings gained by GSW professionals render them more appropriate for working with vulnerable communities as they may provide both immediate human support and participate in advocacy or planning for sustainable mitigation and ecological restoration. GSW professionals are extremely critical of unsustainable development initiatives stemming from neo-liberal capitalist trends of production and consumption as the same results in social and environmental injustice (Dominelli 2023). GSW professionals engage in long term transformative initiatives which pave the path for environmentally just and sustainable communities. Sarkar, Mitra & Banerjee, 2025 Table 2. Comparative account of conventional and green social work Dimension Conventional Social Work (CSW) Green Social Work (GSW) Reference Primary focus Supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities to enhance social welfare, address life challenges, and access services. Besides conventional priorities, GSW encompasses well beings of ecological systems, understanding of humanenvironment interdependency, and socioenvironmental justice. Dominelli 2013 Conceptual framework Based upon the impact of social/environmental context on individuals and groups. Based upon the fact that humans are not only affected by socio-environmental issues, but are a part of them. Rather they are interdependent with each other. Närhi & Matthies 2025; Saleh 2024 Challenges addressed Social issues including poverty, inequality, health, welfare of women and children, addiction, homelessness, discrimination, etc. Besides social issues addressed by CSW, GSW also addresses environmental issues like ecological degradation, climate crisis, disasters, pollution, loss of biodiversity, overpopulation, environmental injustice (especially for vulnerable populations). Kumar & Suhel 2024 Justice aimed for Social justice including individual/ group rights, equity, empowerment, and human welfare. Both social and environmental justice. The latter includes recognition of the fact that environmental impacts often disproportionately affect the marginalised and vulnerable communities, and that sustainable ecosystems are essential for human well-being. Dominelli 2012 Levels of practice Micro, mezzo, and macro Same as CSW but with new or modified practice areas including but not restricted to disaster resilience, climate adaptation, ecological restoration, capacity building, community engagement, inclusivity, advocacy for sustainable development, etc. Breen et al. 2023 Sites of activity Health facilities, educational facilities, social agencies/NGOs. Besides conventional settings, GSW operates with environmental NGOs, disaster relief organisations, climate crisis response teams, community sustainability initiatives, urban/rural ecological planning bodies, etc. Wu et al. 2022 Training and skills CSW professionals are trained in counselling, case management, human behaviour, social policy, group work, ethics, advocacy, etc. GSW professionals possess additional/ expanded trainings regarding environmental issues and policies, sustainability frameworks, disaster management, environmental justice, and systems thinking. Maheswari & Yesudian 2025 Primary assumptions The welfare and functioning of human beings within social and environmental systems. Promotion of sustainable “eco-social” wellbeing (by considering human society and environment as integrated systems). Kumar & Suhel 2024 Challenges & limitations High caseloads, burnout, and limited resources hinder the addressal of complex interdisciplinary issues GSW is an emerging field necessitating specialized training and structured curricula. Practice models are gradually evolving. Yet to gain global institutional recognition. Wu et al. 2022 Green Social Work: A Pathway to Social and Environmental Justice in India Journal of Academics Stand Against Poverty, 2025, 7 (Special Issue), 35-56 41 GSW professionals are specially trained to engage with the following concerns (Dominelli 2012):  Violation of human rights;  Degradation of the environment;  Dearth of equality and corporate accountability in the prevailing economic system;  Exclusion of cultural diversity and indigenous lifestyles;  Dearth of inclusive communities (especially ones with sustainable economic development);  Insufficiency of health and social services;  Disregard for the physical environment;  Acknowledgement of interdependency between the natural ecosystems and the human societies;  Unavailability of resilient societies, infrastructures, and resources. In keeping with these concerns, GSW professionals engage in the following tasks (Dominelli 2012):  Affirming the social, environmental, and human rights of vulnerable communities;  Facilitating protection of the environment;  Securing justice for both vulnerable communities and ecosystems;  Mobilizing people and organizations to undertake collaborative initiatives for achieving environmental sustainability;  Facilitating the inclusion of the marginalized and the vulnerable sectors of the society in policy and decision making. Knowledge and training regarding the functioning of environmental systems helps GSW professionals develop sustainable interventions that facilitate long-term, prevention-oriented environmental justice. GSW professionals carry out their practice in alignment with global SDGs addressing environmental concerns, resource consumption, sustainable development as well as peace and justice. This enables their participation in global policy dialogues and improves their access to interdisciplinary tools that link sustainability with human and environmental welfare (Mavely et al. 2023). 5. Application of GSW for Securing Environmental Justice in India In India, the aforementioned initiatives have been undertaken to address conventional environmental problems. However, these problems have been further exacerbated with time and changes in dynamics of the society, thus rendering them more complex in nature. Therefore, in recent times, it has become imperative to ensure environmental justice for vulnerable communities affected by major environmental concerns for progressing on the path towards sustainable development (Prameela & Sundaram 2024). GSW professionals, equipped with the knowledge of both social work and environmental parameters, may effectively address complex socio-environmental issues. They can engage with the vulnerable communities and ensure environmental justice and sustainability for every individual. Scope and application of GSW for addressing major socio-environmental issues affecting this country in recent times have been discussed as follows. 5.1. Hyper urbanisation Hyper-urbanisation has exerted severe negative impacts on the environment (Dominelli 2012, 2019; Faxriddin o’g’li et al. 2022; Gizelis et al. 2021). Rural to urban migration has been largely Sarkar, Mitra & Banerjee, 2025 responsible for hyper-urbanisation in developing countries (Awasthi 2021). Such migration is motivated by lack of employment, adverse environmental conditions (like droughts or floods), lack of proper infrastructure and services, better job opportunities, etc. (Marta et al. 2020; Medina et al. 2022; Dominelli 2019). In recent times, India is rapidly undergoing transformations in urban landscape and infrastructure development, which is also referred to as hyperurbanisation. Such extensive intra-regional migration occurring as a result of hyper-urbanisation in India is faced by challenges like insufficient health care services, inadequate employment and housing, discrimination against rural migrants in existing urban communities leading to social insecurity of the former, and lack of natural resources (Awasthi 2021). Social work educators are responsible for producing trained professionals who can effectively address such complex challenges posed by urban transformations (Claes et al. 2021). Inclusion of GSW as separate or integrated academic courses will help facilitate such training. GSW professionals can address issues of hyper-urbanisation by identifying underlying environmental causes, considering the accountability of different decision makers responsible for it, and engaging with the affected communities for increasing resilience and promoting sustainability. They can contribute to the empowerment of rural communities and in turn reduce forced internal migration (Keyvanara & Sarfaraz 2024). They can design and implement programs and projects that exert positive socio-economic impacts while ensuring environmental justice. These initiatives include sensitization to and awareness of environmental issues, creation of job opportunities, development of sustainable infrastructure and communities, establishment of local social networks, enhancement of community participation, etc. (Keyvanara & Sarfaraz 2024). GSW professionals can also address public health issues as social issues, i.e., with a concern for the entire community and not just an individual. Moreover, GSW professionals may collaborate with The World Urban Forum and UN-Habitat in addressing issues arising from hyper-urbanisation by raising awareness regarding sustainable urbanisation, facilitating collaborations between different stakeholders and organizations involved in developing sustainable cities, planning and implementation local initiatives, and encouraging public participation (Dominelli 2019). They are reportedly trained to endorse the SDG targets related to food security, sustainable economy, poverty alleviation, and decent employment for everyone. These professionals can participate and present at conferences where they will find ample opportunities to collaborate with other stakeholders engaged in similar commitments. Such collaborations are expected to highlight social work in initiatives for achieving sustainability (Dominelli 2019). 5.2. Climate crisis Climate change is one of the most pressing global environmental concerns. Climate change is exacerbating existing environmental challenges, leading to displacement and migration, both within and across borders. Extreme environmental events, such as droughts, floods, and sea-level rise, are forcing people to leave their homes due to loss of livelihoods, food and water insecurity, and increased risks of natural disasters (Islam & Khan 2018). The Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 addresses mitigation, adaptation, and financial issues related to the global climate crisis. This agreement is reckoned to be the most important in terms of scope and impact (Mukherjee 2017). India was the 62nd country to ratify this agreement in October 2016. Hence, India needs to undertake every possible initiative for ensuring climate resilience of vulnerable communities. This will only be achieved through coordinated community participation and individual initiatives (Mukherjee 2017). Social work professionals play a significant role in ensuring the same (Cwikel 2025). For some of these professionals working at levels of intervention, environmental activism may be a personal initiative. Green Social Work: A Pathway to Social and Environmental Justice in India Journal of Academics Stand Against Poverty, 2025, 7 (Special Issue), 35-56 43 Figure 1. Levels (left) and themes (right) of interventions for green social work professionals Source: Reproduced with permission from Wu & Greig (2022) Climate challenges include direct (physical stress) and indirect (vector-borne) health issues, mental health issues, exposure to extreme weather events and disaster induced displacement. GSW professionals assist with relocation, provide mental health support, and facilitate access to resources for populations at risk or those that are adversely affected. GSW professionals have been reportedly involved in micro (supporting populations at risk), mezzo (educating professionals and working with vulnerable communities) and macro (advocating for enhanced policies) levels of intervention for addressing climate challenges (Cwikel 2025). Schematic representation of such involvement is shown in Figure 1. According to Madhanagopal et al. (2022a) students pursuing social work will be better prepared to respond to climate crises if they participate in social-work internships and certificate programs as part of their course curricula. Adding translational classroom content on relevant topics is also expected to prepare them better. In a recent study by Madhanagopal et al. (2022b), authors discussed GSW practices for recovery and rehabilitation of disaster-affected communities of India and Nepal. According to them, practicing decolonized social work and ensuring human rights of vulnerable communities will help achieve environmental and social justice for such communities and in turn help build disaster-resilience in these regions. Social work professionals working with disaster-affected communities reportedly enhance community participation in disaster management (Hossain 2013). Similar findings have been reported by Samuel et al. (2018). According to them, culturally relevant GSW practices implemented during floods in Chennai had played a crucial role in disaster management and promotion of ecological security. In comparison to conventional social work, GSW is found to be more effective for addressing complex disasters due to its holistic and transdisciplinary approach (Devassy et al. 2024). GSW professionals also play a crucial role in advocacy for national and international climate policies (Nagoshi et al. 2025). 5.3. 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