The Environmental Crisis

Abstract The environmental crisis has remained largely outside of social work discourse. The profession in North America has not been part of the discussion to identify new social structures and economic relationships that are being developed in response to environmental destruction. This article highlights some impacts of the environmental crisis and discusses beliefs and values seen as the root causes of ecological destruction and the social injustice connected with it. The author presents the characteristics of an alternative view, one based on the importance of a healthy Earth for a fulfilled humanity. A role for social work and social work education within this alternative view is discussed.