Confronting Challenges
Identification of Technological Innovations to Address Disasters Developed by Social Work: The Experience of Brazil and Australia View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Maria Isabel Barros Bellini, Niki Edwards, Julie King, Nadianna Rosa Marques
This investigation aims to answer the research problem: What technological innovations and strategies for coping with disasters, developed by social work in Brazil and Australia, can be replicated and disseminated in the interprofessional perspective and in collaborative practices, contributing to the prevention and mitigation of the effects of these events in different realities? The objective is: Identify and disseminate technological innovations and strategies for coping with disasters developed by social work in Brazil and Australia, in order to enhance the use by different professional areas at the national and international level, contributing in an interprofessional and collaborative way in the prevention and mitigation of the effects of these events. The methodology covers bibliographical, documentary and field research in a systematic and interdependent way, using the quantitative and qualitative approach. The perspective of totality allows the apprehension of the contradictions and dynamics of the object studied. It is important to highlight that social work is a profession that intervenes in various expressions of the social issue, in the most distinct areas of activity, and in this case, acting in disasters is a demand that presents itself from time to time, requiring immediate action. This research raises debate, reflection, academic production and the elaboration of subsidies from concrete experiences of social workers in two different countries with different social realities. The purpose is to grow interprofessional qualifications for this type of intervention.
Corruption, Gender Inequality and Environmental Performance: From Exploitation to Affection View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Paul D. Larson, Jack Kulchitsky
Corruption, inequality and environmental degradation are rampant around the world today. But are these issues inter-related? If so, how are they inter-related? This paper develops and tests hypotheses based on a review of the literature and theories linking corruption, gender inequality and environmental performance. It contrasts two paradigms of sustainable development – economies of exploitation vs. economies of affection – by positioning them along a continuum. Testing the hypotheses draws on several secondary data sources, including the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). A significant direct effect is found between corruption and the EPI. Corruption is clearly detrimental to the environment. There is also an indirect effect, through gender inequality. Gender inequality is also directly linked to lower environmental performance. GDP/capita and “democracy” enter the analysis as control variables. While the study uses secondary data, all sources are considered credible. The results should inspire businesses, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to invest in, legislate toward and advocate for greater gender equality, as well as stronger anti-corruption policies and practices. This paper appears to be among the first to empirically link gender inequality to environmental performance. It also demonstrates how social issues can impact the environmental performance of nations and suggests sustainable development may best be built on a foundation of gender equality and freedom from corruption, i.e. on an economy of affection.
Featured Resilience in Urban Adaptation: Addressing Socio-Environmental Challenges in the Climate Emergency View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Claudia Ribeiro Pereira Nunes
The research focuses on the socio-environmental challenges faced by vulnerable populations in European cities, including access to green spaces, flood insurance, flood-proofing, community engagement, participatory decision-making processes, and policy interventions, which are under-examined to promote resilience. It also explores the concept of urban resilience and how it can be applied to urban adaptation efforts to ensure equitable outcomes for all residents. This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing a literature review and case study analysis. Relevant academic articles, reports, and policy documents are reviewed to gain insight into the socio-environmental challenges associated with climate change in urban areas and the concept of resilience and adaptation. Case studies from European cities are examined to understand how different adaptation strategies have addressed or exacerbated social injustices. Additionally, interviews with experts in urban planning, environmental justice, and climate adaptation are conducted to gather perspectives on promoting urban resilience in urban adaptation. The results underscore the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations in European cities. It highlights the urgent need for targeted adaptation strategies addressing social injustices. The case studies provide concrete examples of successful and unsuccessful approaches to promoting urban resilience in urban adaptation efforts, further emphasizing the importance of this research. The study provides actionable insights into how policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders can collaborate to develop inclusive and equitable adaptation measures that prioritize the needs of marginalized populations.
