Spiritual Ecology and Climate Justice: A Systematic Review of Faith-Based Environmental Movements in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Climate change poses an existential threat to Southeast Asia, where rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This research provides a systematic review of faith-based environmental movements, examining how "Spiritual Ecology"—the integration of religious values with ecological preservation—functions as a driver for climate justice. Synthesizing literature from 2021–2026, the study analyzes Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian environmental initiatives in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The review investigates the transition from anthropocentric resource management to "Theocentric Stewardship," where nature is viewed as a sacred trust (Amanah or Dhamma). Findings indicate that faith-based organizations (FBOs) are uniquely positioned to mobilize grassroots action due to their moral authority and local trust. However, the study also identifies a "policy-faith gap" where spiritual advocacy is often sidelined in secular governmental climate frameworks. The research concludes that an inclusive climate justice model must integrate indigenous and spiritual ecological wisdom to achieve long-term sustainability.