Report on the Integration of Spiritual Care and Climate Action in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Executive Summary

This report details the emerging role of spiritual leaders and chaplains in addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change. By providing emotional, psychological, and community support, this work directly contributes to the advancement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis focuses on initiatives in Maine, USA, which serve as a case study for how spiritual care is becoming a critical component of climate resilience. This approach is instrumental in achieving targets related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Climate Impact on Human Well-being and Maritime Life (SDG 3, SDG 13, SDG 14)

The direct and indirect consequences of climate change are creating significant challenges for human and environmental health, necessitating targeted interventions that support well-being and adaptive capacity.

• Impact on Maritime Environments: Maritime workers report firsthand observations of climate change effects, including larger waves and stronger winds. This experiential evidence highlights the degradation of marine ecosystems and working conditions, directly impacting progress toward SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the well-being of those with ocean-dependent livelihoods.
• Mental Health and Well-being: The psychological toll of climate change is a growing public health concern, undermining SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
  • A 2022 survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that one in 10 Americans experiences consistent anxiety due to climate change.
  • Nearly the same number reported symptoms of depression.
• Spiritual Support as Climate Action: Chaplains provide essential support to populations experiencing climate-related distress, from isolated seafarers to the general public. This work builds societal resilience and addresses non-technical barriers to engagement, such as grief and fear, contributing to the human and institutional capacity-building goals of SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Institutional Adaptation and Partnership for Climate Resilience (SDG 16, SDG 17)

In response to the climate crisis, spiritual and community-based institutions are undergoing significant transformation, demonstrating the adaptability required to build strong and effective institutions as outlined in SDG 16.

1. Evolution of Chaplaincy: The profession has broadened from its traditional military and hospital roles to include diverse, specialized fields such as eco-chaplaincy, reflecting an institutional evolution toward inclusivity and responsiveness to contemporary challenges.
2. Specialization in Eco-Chaplaincy: The formal emergence of eco-chaplaincy addresses the specific spiritual and emotional needs arising from environmental degradation and climate change.
3. Strategic Institutional Realignment: The BTS Center in Portland provides a key example of institutional transformation. Originally a theological seminary, it has refocused its mission to “Spiritual leadership for a climate-changed world,” directly aligning its purpose with global climate challenges.
4. Partnerships for the Goals: The BTS Center’s development of a climate-conscious chaplaincy program in partnership with the national Chaplaincy Innovation Lab exemplifies the collaborative approach advocated by SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), creating innovative frameworks to equip leaders for a climate-impacted world.

Community-Level Initiatives for Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SDG 11)

Chaplains are implementing targeted, community-based programs that strengthen social cohesion and foster emotional resilience, contributing to the creation of inclusive, safe, and sustainable communities as envisioned in SDG 11.

• Processing Climate Grief: Eco-chaplain Circe Moss MacDonald’s monthly “cosmic mass” creates a dedicated space for community members to process grief related to environmental loss, helping to combat emotional numbness and foster a deeper connection to nature and collective action.
• Supporting Climate Activism: Community and climate chaplain Gabe Burford provides spiritual and emotional support to activists through potlucks and meditation groups. This work helps sustain long-term engagement by addressing burnout and fatalism, thereby strengthening the capacity for local climate advocacy.
• Training and Education: The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine ordains interfaith ministers who integrate environmental spirituality into a variety of professional and community roles, embedding climate consciousness across different sectors of society.

Conclusion: The Spiritual Dimension of Sustainable Development

The work of climate-conscious chaplains demonstrates that addressing the spiritual and emotional dimensions of the climate crisis is fundamental to achieving sustainable development. By tackling underlying issues of apathy, grief, and fear, these leaders are building the psychological and social resilience necessary for effective climate action. This human-centered approach is a vital component in realizing the holistic vision of the 2030 Agenda, contributing directly to a world that is not only environmentally sustainable but also healthy, just, and resilient for all.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights several issues that connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article extensively discusses the mental and spiritual health impacts of climate change, such as anxiety, depression, grief, and fear, and the role of chaplains in addressing this “climate grief.”
• SDG 13: Climate Action: This is the central theme of the article. It discusses the direct impacts of climate change (bigger waves, stronger winds, marine heatwaves), the need for climate advocacy, and the importance of building human capacity to cope with its emotional and spiritual consequences.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The article begins by discussing the experiences of seafarers and the changing conditions of the ocean, specifically mentioning “more frequent marine heatwaves,” which directly relates to the health of marine ecosystems.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article touches upon the well-being of maritime workers (seafarers), who are often migrants on long contracts facing “struggles with isolation.” The support provided by chaplains relates to ensuring a secure and supportive environment for these workers.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.4: “By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.” The article’s focus on addressing climate-induced anxiety, depression, and grief through the work of eco-chaplains is a direct effort to promote mental health and well-being. The text notes that chaplains “deal with the emotional responses, whether they’re anger or grief or fear.”

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.” The article mentions the direct experiences of seafarers with “bigger waves and stronger winds” and NASA’s findings on “more frequent marine heatwaves and more intense storms,” which are climate-related hazards that communities and workers must adapt to.
• Target 13.3: “Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.” The work of faith leaders and organizations like the BTS Center, which has a “hard focus on environmental issues” and a “climate conscious chaplaincy program,” directly contributes to building human and institutional capacity to understand and cope with the impacts of climate change.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience…” The article’s reference to research showing that “climate change has led to more frequent marine heatwaves” points directly to a significant adverse impact on marine ecosystems, highlighting the ongoing need for action related to this target.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.8: “Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers…” The article describes a chaplain’s work with seafarers, many of whom are from other countries, by “listening to their struggles with isolation” and providing practical support. This work contributes to a more secure and supportive environment for these migrant workers.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators:

For SDG 3, Target 3.4:

• Mentioned Indicator: The article explicitly cites a “2022 survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication,” which found that “one in 10 Americans reported experiencing consistent symptoms of anxiety because of climate change, with almost as many reporting symptoms of depression.” This survey data serves as a direct quantitative indicator of the prevalence of mental health issues related to climate change.

For SDG 13, Target 13.3:

• Implied Indicator: The growth of eco-chaplaincy and programs like the “climate conscious chaplaincy program” can be seen as an indicator. The number of faith leaders, chaplains, and community programs focusing on climate awareness and spiritual support (e.g., monthly cosmic mass, potlucks for climate organizers) can measure the increase in human and institutional capacity to address climate impacts.

For SDG 13, Target 13.1 & SDG 14, Target 14.2:

• Mentioned Indicator: The article references scientific research and anecdotal evidence that can be used as indicators. This includes “stories of bigger waves and stronger winds” from seafarers and research from NASA confirming “more frequent marine heatwaves and more intense storms.” The frequency and intensity of these climate-related hazards are measurable indicators of climate change’s physical impacts.

For SDG 8, Target 8.8:

• Implied Indicator: The provision of support services for workers in precarious employment. The work of the maritime chaplain, who “offered a quiet ear, listening to their struggles with isolation, as well as practical support,” implies that the availability and accessibility of such psycho-social support for migrant workers like seafarers is an indicator of a safer and more secure working environment.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: themainemonitor.org