Understanding the Relationships Between Physical Activity and Climate Change: An Umbrella Review

An abundant body of evidence over the past several decades has demonstrated the myriad benefits to human health resulting from various forms, volumes, and intensities of physical activity.1 Those benefits range from cardiovascular to mental health2–5 and include significant population health impacts such as lower premature mortality6 and reduced costs to health care systems in both high-income and middle-low-income countries.7 Despite raised awareness of these health impacts and increased capacity in physical activity research, policy, and practice around the globe,8–10 inactivity remains a major global health concern, particularly among the most vulnerable populations within and between countries.11

At the same time, research on climate sciences has produced overwhelming evidence that human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases are clear drivers of global warming, triggering extensive changes in the atmosphere, oceans, frozen regions, and living ecosystems.12 Global warming and climate change more generally have prompted an increase in extreme weather events worldwide with dramatic, negative impacts on human communities and entire ecosystems.12 The multiple negative health impacts in the context of climate change include the expansion of vector-borne infectious diseases; cardiovascular risks related to heat;13 threatened access14,15 to housing, health resources, and healthy food sources16; and negative mental health effects.17–20 Studies indicate that climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires induce prolonged psychological distress,17 and that higher global temperatures are associated with poorer sleep quality.21 Moreover, the uncertainty and anticipation of future climate-related crises contribute significantly to widespread climate anxiety, depression, and stress,18 particularly affecting communities deeply connected to their natural surroundings.19 Similarly to physical activity, despite increased awareness about the planetary and human health impacts of climate change and the need for urgent actions, for the most part scalable and sustainable solutions have not yet been implemented.22

As societies grapple with the adverse consequences of climate change, understanding the intricate relationship between climate change and physical activity is crucial for developing sustainable strategies to promote both human and environmental well-being. This relationship is bidirectional, with climate change influencing physical activity behaviors and opportunities, and vice versa. Climate change is closely intertwined with whether people have safe, equitable opportunities to engage in physical activity.23 Warmer temperatures in some regions might prompt people with personal vehicles to drive instead of walking or cycling and exercising in indoor air-conditioned spaces instead of being active outdoors. Conversely, physical activity, particularly active travel like walking and cycling, can mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions, curbing air pollution, and conserving energy.24 This perspective aligns with the concept of sustainable physical activity,25 which considers the environmental impact of various types of physical activity, such as active transportation, local community activities, and basic daily tasks with minimal equipment. Moreover, engaging in outdoor activities fosters a deeper connection with nature, potentially nurturing a sense of environmental responsibility and advocacy for preserving vital ecosystems.23 However, people who commute or travel outdoors by necessity—that is, without access to personal vehicles, or as part of their work—may be subject to disproportionate health risks from extreme heat or other weather events precipitated by a warming global climate.

Physical activity also has environmental implications. For example, engaging in indoor leisure-time physical activities like sport or exercise can lead to adverse environmental consequences, as indoor exercise facilities may increase energy demand for heating and cooling. Additionally, outdoor sports and recreation that involve motorized travel further exacerbate climate change26 through high CO2 emissions27 and the disruption of ecosystems and wildlife habitats.28 Addressing these bidirectional influences is essential for promoting both human health and environmental sustainability.

Over the last few years, a growing body of literature has explored the connections between climate change and physical activity, resulting in numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses29–32 on this topic. However, these reviews have often focused on specific domains of physical activity (eg, active transport) or selected elements of climate change (eg, greenhouse gas emissions, rising temperatures, and others). To date, there is no comprehensive summary of the existing evidence that gathers information from studies across disciplines that describe the overall relationships, gaps, and practical recommendations related to climate change and physical activity.

Understanding and alleviating the effects of climate change on physical activity behaviors is necessary for human health.33 While encouraging physical activity for health benefits is essential, prioritizing activities that minimize negative environmental impacts is equally imperative.23 Additionally, it is essential to consider how climate-sensitive exposures can influence physical activity behaviors. In this context, it is crucial to understand the complex connections between climate change and physical activity, and to advocate for responsible and sustainable practices that recognize the interdependence of human well-being and planetary health.27,33 Umbrella reviews, which summarize and compare individual reviews on a broad research question to establish a high level of evidence, can enable the development of practical guidelines and policy recommendations for complex questions34 like climate change and physical activity. This study aimed to summarize the existing evidence regarding the relationships between physical activity and climate change, as revealed in previous reviews. Nonetheless, the bidirectional nature of the relationship between climate change and physical activity has been understudied. By focusing on existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we can provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between physical activity and climate change, thereby informing interventions and policies for researchers, policymakers, and public health officials.