What the study found
The authors present a Physical Activity and Climate Change (PACC) model showing that physical activity initiatives can be aligned with climate change mitigation, climate adaptation, health, and equity. They conclude that linking these agendas may offer greater combined benefits than addressing them separately.
Why the authors say this matters
The study suggests that integrating physical activity and climate change agendas is a more powerful approach than treating them as separate issues, because it can support both population health and environmental health. The authors also say this approach should prioritize environmental sustainability, health equity, and cultural relevance.
What the researchers tested
This is a conceptual article, not a study of a single intervention. The authors introduce the PACC model and discuss ideas from Indigenous knowledge, contemporary sport, urban design, behavioural and equity synergies, co-benefit metrics, governance models, and cross-sector solutions.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract states that well-designed physical activity initiatives can simultaneously contribute to climate mitigation, support adaptation, and promote health and equity. It also notes that systems-based, co-designed approaches are needed to avoid unintended consequences and to fit local environmental and cultural contexts.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not report a direct empirical test, specific outcome data, or measured effect sizes. It presents a conceptual framework and does not describe detailed limitations beyond the need to avoid unintended consequences.
Key points
- The paper introduces the Physical Activity and Climate Change (PACC) model.
- The authors say physical activity initiatives can support climate mitigation, adaptation, health, and equity.
- The abstract emphasizes systems-based, co-designed approaches.
- The authors highlight Indigenous knowledge, urban design, and governance as relevant areas.
- The abstract does not describe a direct empirical intervention or quantified outcomes.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Physical activity initiatives may support climate and health goals
- Authors:
- Erica Hinckson, Rodrigo Reis, Marina Romanello, Ding Ding, Ibidun Adelekan, Ana Luiza Favarão Leão, Ellis Ballard, Tarik Benmarhnia, Robert Hogg, James F. Sallis, Adrian Bauman, Andrea Ramirez Varela, Deborah Salvo, Ulf Ekelund, Michael Pratt, I-Min Lee, Harold W. Kohl, Pedro C. Hallal
- Institutions:
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland University of Technology, Austin Community College, Australian Catholic University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique, Harvard University, Human Longevity (United States), Human Longevity (United States), Inserm, Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Saint Louis University, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, The University of Sydney, The University of Sydney, The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Université de Rennes, University College London, University of California San Diego, University of California San Diego, University of Ibadan, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Washington University in St. Louis, Washington University in St. Louis, Washington University in St. Louis
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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