Benefit of physical activity initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation

Addressing today’s public health challenges requires learning from past successes while adapting to emerging threats. Here we focus on two pressing, interconnected issues: physical inactivity and climate change. We present the Physical Activity and Climate Change (PACC) model, a conceptual framework illustrating how well-designed physical activity initiatives can simultaneously contribute to climate mitigation, support adaptation, and promote health and equity. We provide insights on Indigenous knowledge and contemporary sport, re-imagined urban design, behavioural and equity synergies, and opportunities to develop co-benefit metrics, innovative governance models and cross-sector solutions. We emphasize the need for systems-based, co-designed approaches that prioritize environmental sustainability, health equity and cultural relevance while avoiding unintended consequences. Aligning physical activity and climate change agendas is more powerful than addressing them separately, offering greater combined benefits for population and environmental health. The PACC model offers a practical foundation for advancing integrated, equitable and sustainable solutions.