Thinking Physical Activity in a Climate Change Context : A Bidirectional Relationship

Résumé

This article synthesises a lecture by Dr. Paquito Bernard on the bidirectional relationship between climate change and physical activities. The core thesis is that climate exposures (e.g., heatwaves, air pollution) are disproportionately reducing physical activity levels, while behaviours associated with physical activities (e.g., transport for sport) contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The article reviews evidence on the impacts on active transport and athletic performance and underscores the social inequalities exacerbated by these effects. It advocates for promoting active travel, updating physical activity guidelines for climate realities, and revising high-emission transport practices in sports. It concludes with a call for physical education communities to engage in activism and advocacy to accelerate structural changes, such as cycling infrastructure, for a climate-resilient future.