Committed to climate action? Opportunities for scientific societies to lead the change we need in the world
Dogra S, Reis R, Hinckson E, Ferguson T, Cerin E, Wolfson JA, Chastin S, Van Dyck D, Chillón P, Abu-Omar K, Palmeira AL (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 23
Article Number: 30
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-026-01895-z
Abstract
The climate crisis is undoubtedly compromising human and planetary health. As behaviour change scientists, we must reflect on the behaviours we are promoting, as well as the research and professional practices we engage in, to ensure we are prioritizing human and planetary health. This commentary focuses on issues within the scope of scientific/academic societies by sharing our journey as the Climate Action Committee for the International Society for Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity. First, we provide details on the structure and function of our committee, then we provide insights into the GHG emissions associated with running our society, and finally, we report on our journey thus far, sharing the strategies we have identified that align with current evidence on climate change. We also address the tensions associated with climate action within scientific societies, and hope to begin a dialogue with others to come up with creative solutions that continue to support research and researchers, while addressing the urgency of our climate crisis.
Authors with CRIS profile
Karim Abu-Omar
Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports
Involved external institutions
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Ontario Tech University)
Canada (CA)
Washington University in St. Louis
United States (USA) (US)
Auckland University of Technology / Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau
New Zealand (NZ)
University of South Australia
Australia (AU)
Australian Catholic University
Australia (AU)
Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
United States (USA) (US)
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
United Kingdom (GB)
Universiteit Gent (UGent) / Ghent University
Belgium (BE)
Universidad de Granada
Spain (ES)
Universidade do Porto
Portugal (PT)
Canada (CA)
Washington University in St. Louis
United States (USA) (US)
Auckland University of Technology / Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau
New Zealand (NZ)
University of South Australia
Australia (AU)
Australian Catholic University
Australia (AU)
Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
United States (USA) (US)
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
United Kingdom (GB)
Universiteit Gent (UGent) / Ghent University
Belgium (BE)
Universidad de Granada
Spain (ES)
Universidade do Porto
Portugal (PT)
How to cite
APA:
Dogra, S., Reis, R., Hinckson, E., Ferguson, T., Cerin, E., Wolfson, J.A.,... Palmeira, A.L. (2026). Committed to climate action? Opportunities for scientific societies to lead the change we need in the world. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-026-01895-z
MLA:
Dogra, Shilpa, et al. "Committed to climate action? Opportunities for scientific societies to lead the change we need in the world." International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 23.1 (2026).
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