For more than forty years Jesuit Social Services has been committed to building a just society and in 2008 we commenced the journey into understanding the relevance of ecology for the organisation. This paper explores the relevancy and application of ecological justice as a holistic paradigm inclusive of social and environmental justice and seeks to invite further conversations within the community services sector and beyond.

We are entering a new paradigm of justice. In an increasingly complex era of climate crisis, environmental degradation and rising social inequity, new challenges towards building a just society are appearing. Jesuit Social Services, as part of the community services sector, works with the most marginalised and vulnerable. These populations are often the least responsible for ecological risks and threats but are the most affected by their emergence.

This paper explores the relevance of ecological justice in the following areas:

  • Organisational change and leadership
  • Place based disadvantage
  • Criminal justice
  • Infrastructure and communities of justice
  • Energy, housing and food security
  • Carbon Responsibility.

Expanding the conversation seeks to define the nuances and developments of these elements of ecological justice and articulates how we can achieve a just society that contributes to restoring healthy ecological relationships.