Interview with Rachel Forbes

In the book “Ecosocial Work: Environmental Practice and Advocacy” by Rachel Forbes and Kelly Smith, the authors delve into the intersection of environmental concerns and social work practice. Through insightful discussion and examples, they highlight the importance of integrating environmental justice into social work frameworks and address the profound impact of environmental factors on vulnerable populations. In an interview conducted by NASW-WI intern, Nama Pandey, Rachel Forbes shared moments and perspectives that shaped her work and the content of the book. 

The Grizzly Creek Fire in August 2020 was a pivotal moment for Forbes, the fire ravaged her small town in Glenwood Springs, near the Colorado River. She witnessed firsthand the devastating impact on her community, not only environmentally but also economically and mentally. Forbes witnessed firsthand the destruction of the ecosystem and the consequences that led to her small town. She shared with Nama that this experience solidified her belief in the urgent need to integrate environmental concerns into social work practice, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental health and human well-being. 

In her career, Forbes has been instrumental in promoting climate justice education in social work programs and integrating environmental justice curriculum into accredited programs. She co-founded the Social Work Education Committee, which supports these initiatives and developed resources such as the Curricular Guide for Environmental Justice to aid educators in teaching environmental topics. Forbes defines ecoscoial work as a broad field encompassing various topics, emphasizing the interconnection between human well-being and environmental health. She highlights the need for social workers to address multiple determinants affecting communities, such as food, air, land, water, and safe housing. Forbes emphasized the need for social workers to be climate-aware and understand the implications of climate change on mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations. One example Forbes explained during the interview is the mental health challenges faced by farmers, particularly in rural communities like Wisconsin. Farmers often experience increased stress and anxiety due to environmental factors such as drought, water insecurity, and poor air quality. Despite facing these challenges, Forbes says, many farmers may not acknowledge climate change directly, yet their experiences reflect its impact. This underscores the importance of ecosocial work in addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable populations affected by environmental changes. 

Climate change has profound implications for social work practice and community mental health. Forbes highlighted the emergence of terms like “climate change anxiety” or “ecoanxiety” and emphasized the need for social workers to start using these terms in order to address environmental mental health issues. She hopes that as the future progresses, these terms will be much more integrated in social work. In the interview, Forbes said that she advocates for a place-based approach that recognizes the importance of fostering connections to places and communities as a means of dealing with the grief and uncertainty brought about by climate change. 

Rachel Forbes’s insights provided in the interview and her contributions to “Ecosocial Work: Environmental Practice and Advocacy '' offer valuable guidance for social workers navigating the complexities of environmental issues in their practice. Her dedication to advancing ecosocial justice emphasizes the transformative potential of integrating environmental concerns into social work practice. 

Lastly, Rachel Forbes will be speaking at the 2024 NASW-WI Conference in October, offering further opportunities for professionals to engage with her expertise and insights!

By Nama Pandey, NASW-WI Intern

Book Report on Capturing Ecosocial Work 

Ecosocial Work: Environmental Practice Advocacy by Rachel Forbes and Kelly Smith is a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between social work and environmental justice. 

This book delves into the urgent need for social workers to incorporate ecosocial work practices into their work, emphasizing the critical role of social justice in addressing the climate crisis. Drawing on their extensive expertise, Forbes and Smith provide a nuanced understanding of eco-social work, ecological justice, and climate justice. They emphasize the importance of social workers having a foundational knowledge of climate science, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized and vulnerable populations. The book underscores the interconnectedness of environmental degradation and mental health, urging social workers to recognize and address the psychological impacts of climate instability. Through personal anecdotes and scholarly research the authors illuminate the profound grief, anxiety, and trauma experienced by individuals and communities affected by environmental disasters. 

One highlight of the book is its emphasis on community-based interventions, such as community gardening initiatives, which foster resilience and connection in the face of environmental justice principles into social work education, signaling a hopefully shift towards a more eco-conscious profession. Additionally, the various authors within this publication emphasize the need for social workers to be familiar with terms such as ecological grief, solastalgia, and ecoanxiety so they can provide clients with the language necessary to identify their experience

Overall, this book serves as a rallying cry for social workers to engage in environmental advocacy and practice. By centering environmental justice within the social work profession, the writing aims to empower practitioners to confront the climate crisis with compassion, resilience, and collective action.

By Nama Pandey, NASW-WI Intern