Rethinking physical activity in a planetary health crisis

09:00 - 10:30
Speaker
Affiliation

Eun-Young Lee

In Situ Health Research Group, Department of Sport Industry Studies, Yonsei Univsersity, South Korea

Date

Jun 26, 2026

Abstract

Physical activity is widely promoted as a cornerstone of population health, yet its role within the broader context of planetary health remains under-explored and under-appreciated. As climate change accelerates and environmental degradation intensifies, the conditions that enable or constrain active living are increasingly shaped by complex interactions between ecological systems, socio-political structures, and behavioral patterns. This presentation examines the intersections between physical activity and planetary health through a systems and equity-oriented lens. Drawing on emerging evidence, it highlights how climate-related exposures both influence and are influenced by patterns of physical activity. The talk also interrogates the often “apolitical” framing of physical activity research, arguing that this positioning can obscure the underlying political, economic, and ideological drivers of health and environmental inequities. By situating physical activity within the broader discourse of planetary health, this presentation calls for a shift from individual behavior change toward integrated, systems-level approaches that address climate action, sustainability, and health equity. Reframing physical activity in this way offers a critical opportunity to align public health goals with the urgent need to address complex global challenges we face today.