Occupational therapy's contributions to combating climate change and lifestyle diseases

Background The interdependence between human occupations, lifestyle diseases and climate change provides an opportunity to address them simultaneously. Occupational therapists' training in lifestyle modification and knowledge about the impact of the physical environment on daily occupations puts them in a unique position to contribute to global efforts of combating climate change and lifestyle diseases through the promotion of sustainable occupations. Aim To illustrate how occupational therapists can contribute to global efforts of combating climate change and lifestyle diseases by framing climate change from a personal and public health perspective. Method In this discussion paper we argue that occupational therapists can use education and lifestyle modification to support individuals in the prevention and management of lifestyle diseases and that they can help design and advocate for environments that promote sustainable occupations. Result This discussion paper highlights the contributions that occupational therapists can make to how we understand and address climate change and lifestyle diseases. Conclusions and significance We argue that by framing the climate change discourse from a health perspective, occupational therapists can contribute to global efforts of combating climate change and lifestyle diseases by supporting individuals to engage in sustainable occupations and communities to facilitate this engagement.