Advancing Sustainable Development: The Role of Green Social Work and Challenges in India

Green Social Work (GSW) is an emergent and increasingly vital field that synthesizes environmental stewardship with the pursuit of social justice, aiming to confront the multifaceted crises posed by climate change, ecological degradation, and deep-rooted inequalities. In the context of contemporary India—marked by rapid industrialization, urban expansion, environmental vulnerability, and persistent socio-economic disparities—the relevance of GSW has never been more critical. This paper delves into the transformative potential of Green Social Work in India, highlighting its capacity to empower marginalized communities, advocate for climate-resilient policies, and bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and human rights. It critically examines the systemic and structural barriers impeding the growth of GSW, including policy neglect, limited awareness, and insufficient institutional support. By shedding light on innovative practices and grassroots interventions, the paper underscores the imperative for social workers to assume proactive roles as ecological justice advocates, community mobilizers, and policy influencers. Ultimately, it calls for an interdisciplinary, inclusive, and decolonized approach to social work that places environmental justice at the heart of sustainable development agendas.