Abstract
The importance of the global climate crisis requires linking physical activity promotion and climate action. This article provides a first overview of interconnections between physical activity promotion and climate action, potential synergies and discrepancies, aiming to stimulate further discussion about this topic. The analysis is based on the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 (GAPPA). The GAPPA covers five perspectives that are of particular relevance with respect to potential links with climate policy: (1) Infrastructures supporting active transport, (2) green spaces and recreational/exercise facilities, (3) exercise programs, (4) mass communication campaigns and mass participation events and (5) training of professionals. Our analysis demonstrates a considerable alignment between strategies for physical activity promotion and efforts for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, in some of the areas, this alignment could still be improved. Additionally, more climate-conscious policies, research and surveillance need to be developed in the field of physical activity promotion.
Highlights
The authors state that there are “... stubbornly high rates of physical inactivity in adolescents and adults...” and “physical activity (PA) rates in children are higher but still leave room for improvement.” Both of these statements can be refined
Experts should engage with the urban planning and transport sectors to ensure that parks and green spaces are built in close proximity to people’s homes and are accessible by active and public transport
Physical activity and exercise programs While many health promoters and researchers are likely to be aware of the potential links between active transport, PA facilities and climate change, other areas of PA promotion may have rarely been considered with respect to their effects on speeding up or slowing down global warming
Summary
Physical activity and exercise programs While many health promoters and researchers are likely to be aware of the potential links between active transport, PA facilities and climate change, other areas of PA promotion may have rarely been considered with respect to their effects on speeding up or slowing down global warming This applies to the GAPPA’s strategic objective “Create active people”: Actions 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6 recommend for the implementation of PA programs and services to be tailored to different target groups, to take place across different settings and to be supported in co-development by all stakeholders and grassroots initiatives. Patient advice regarding the environmental benefits of walking and cycling are currently not covered, not to mention guidance regarding activities that come with a comparably low carbon footprint Implementing such information into future training of health professionals will more closely align PA promotion with objectives for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts to strengthen PA policy monitoring and to potentially integrate it with similar efforts in the field of transport, environmental and climate policy should be stepped up
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