This summer has been breaking heat records around the globe. 

“Heat waves in US and Europe would have been ‘virtually impossible’ without climate change,” said a CNN headline this week.*

It’s not a stretch to say that Al Gore’s 2006 documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” about climate change was eye-opening on many levels, especially because much of what he said so long ago is coming true.

It’s scary.

Do you know what else is an inconvenient truth?

The inactivity crisis.

While the climate and inactivity crises have distinct characteristics, they share similarities regarding the urgency for action, global consequences, and impact on human well-being. 

Here are 3 inconvenient truths about the two crises and their impact that you need to know.

1. Health Implications:

• The climate crisis poses significant risks to human health, including increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems due to air pollution, the spread of infectious diseases, and malnutrition due to food scarcity and agricultural disruptions.  
• The inactivity crisis, sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity contribute to various health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health disorders.  These non-communicable diseases are responsible for 7 in 10 deaths worldwide.**

2. Global Consequences:  

• Climate change impacts the entire planet, resulting in rising global temperatures, more frequent and intense extreme weather events (such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods), sea-level rise, loss of biodiversity, and ecosystem disruptions. These changes have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, economies, and vulnerable populations.  
• The inactivity crisis has a global impact on public health systems and economies. Physical inactivity increases healthcare costs, decreases work productivity and significantly burdens healthcare systems worldwide.

3. Urgency of Action:

• The climate crisis demands immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, enhance resilience, and adapt to the changing climate. Failure to act swiftly may damage the planet and exacerbate social and economic inequalities.
• Addressing the inactivity crisis requires concerted efforts to promote physical activity, create environments that facilitate active lifestyles (such as fostering walkability and access to recreational spaces), and raise awareness about the importance of regular exercise (aka play!). Delaying action may lead to a continued rise in chronic diseases and associated healthcare costs.

As you can see, both inactivity and climate change require interdisciplinary approaches, policy interventions, and individual behavioural changes to mitigate their effects and create a sustainable future.

What action can you commit to this week regarding your health that will help you improve your quality of life while decreasing your risk of disease?

Let me know.

Play on!

Your coach and friend,
Janet xox

PS: Whenever you are ready, here are three more ways I can help you PLAY for life:

1. Click here to grab a copy of The Play Book:  How To Get In The Habit Of Good Health
2. Join the FREE 7-Days of Healthy Habits Course that can help you starting today.
3. Want to work with me personally on your health while having fun? Click here to book a call.