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ECO-SOCIAL WORK. NEW CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON OF SOCIAL WORK Szilvia Nyers The call to rethink the economy is not new. In his book Small Is Beautiful, Ernst E. Schumacher warned society about the multitude of production-related problems which were already a heavy burden on the environment in the 1970s (Schumacher 1973). The new transcontinental challenges of our days make their impact felt in nearly every area of life. Global warming, or the pandemic, have brought home to humankind for good that there are no local problems without global consequences. More and more people are convinced that the state of the Earth is deeply worrying, and the guarantee for the future well-being of humankind is a comprehensive change of attitude. As Jane Goodall writes in her recently published book (Goodall — Abrams — Hudson 2021), increasing frustration, hopelessness, and helplessness are spreading more rapidly than ever before. Yet the impact of thousands of small but ethical deeds gives hope of the possibility for change. Through diverse forms of social participation and collective action, the world can potentially become a better place for future generations. In the 21st century, reconsidering the attitude of humans to nature is an ever more pressing task. In this process, education has an undeniable role, for teaching as a power resource may contribute considerably to achieving a sustainable environment and society. This paper aims to interpret the significance of the relationship between humanity and nature via the aspect of social work, and the possibilities it affords for alleviating the complex problems which surround this relationship. More and more people in this line of work think that the training and practice of social workers ought to be expanded with more natural scientific knowledge. The global definition of social work was approved by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Union of Social Workers Training Schools in Melbourne in 2014.” “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities, and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and ' See the 17 goals of sustainable development formulated by the UN (Sustainable Development Goals). Access: https://sdgs.un.org/goals : Global Definition of Social Work. Access: https://ifsw.org/global-definition-of-social-work/
