The Aegean Declaration on Climate Justice and Social Work

We, the united representatives from diverse academic and professional social work contexts, stand in solidarity. Drawing inspiration from and aligning with the People's Charter for an Eco-Social World and grounding our beliefs in documents and experiences long held within our profession, we send forth this call to action.

From the shores of the Aegean Sea, a region shaped through years of conflict, disasters as well as co-existence and solidarity, situated amidst the aftermath of both Greece's catastrophic wildfires and Turkey's devastating earthquakes, we are compelled to act.

As the climate crisis intensifies, exacerbating societal issues, the urgency becomes palpable. Recognising the vulnerability of our biosphere and the importance of making changes to avoid unsustainability we need to make this social and ecological dimension our core value in our social work practice.

This joint effort extends beyond environmental urgencies; it is a socio-economic challenge, one intimately woven into the fabric and radical history of our profession, directly challenging racism, poverty, discrimination, and the way we envisage our shared futures.

A Clarion Call for Social Workers

Climate Injustice as both Ecocide and Social Injustice: Climate change amplifies existing social disparities. Amidst the irrationality and violence of unregulated markets, we are called upon to confront the intersection of climate and social injustice. In doing so, we are fully committed to working with the Many; the unheard majorities in our societies, who are affected disproportionately by the deadly effects of natural disasters. Engaging *with* communities, resisting hierarchies, and fostering mutual respect and understanding defines our ethos.

We are determined to challenge both the bigotry of misinformation as well as the elitism of technocracy. Communities are fully aware of their needs, challenges, priorities, hopes, dreams. They possess crucial knowledge and inexperience and these need to be cherished and amplified by social work. 

In our pursuit for a sustainable and just future, it becomes impossible to overlook the gargantuan shadow cast by corporate entities in the narrative of environmental degradation. Historical data and contemporary analyses unambiguously point towards an unsettling reality: a disproportionate amount of global greenhouse emissions originate from a remarkably small cohort of multinational corporations. 

We are united in our belief that, to address the impact of the climate crisis, we need to reclaim the Commons; our shared global heritage and resources demand our attention.  Therefore, it is urgent that we consider and develop:

• A New Social and Economic Structure which prioritize a democratic and participative energy policy: Transitioning to clean, sustainable energy systems, prioritizing solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
• Public Transport for All: An emphasis on developing extensive, free public transport systems, utilizing railways for cargo, minimizing the environmental footprint.
• Water and Air: Ensuring clean air and uncontaminated water are considered fundamental rights, beyond the reach of commodification.
• Green Spaces: Reclaiming, restoring, and expanding green spaces for communal benefits and ecological balance.

Advocacy for a robust welfare system is paramount. The crises of our world, from racism to poverty, from discrimination to displacement, are interconnected with the climate crisis. The intricate weave of climate injustice is threaded with the challenges of racism, poverty, and discrimination. As we reimagine our future, a commitment to eradicate these systemic issues is non-negotiable.

The signatories are committed to: 

• Promote Joint training activities for social workers in the region, 
• Establish a support mechanism for social workers affected by natural disasters
• Encourage research collaboration among professional associations and higher education institutions in the region, 
• Encourage neighbouring, cross border local/ regional branches to collaborate to facilitate knowledge transfer.

From the shores of the Aegean Sea, our vision of hope, resilience, and collective action emerges. 

                                           To all social workers, do join us. 

Signatories 

Centre for the Study of Social and Humanitarian Crises,
Hellenic Association of Social Workers,
International Summer Camp for Social Work Students,
İzmir Branch of Turkish Association of Social Workers,
Mugla Branch of Turkish Association of Social Workers,
Turkish Association of Social Workers-Headquarters.