What competencies physical activity professionals should possess to better integrate climate change related issues into their practice: A Delphi study

Climate change threatens human health and performance, creating new challenges for physical activity professionals. To prepare them, it is essential to define the competencies required to better integrate climate change – related considerations into their professional practice. This study used the Delphi method to identify such competencies. A panel of 143 experts was invited to participate in a three-round Delphi study. Round one used an open-ended questionnaire to gather their perspectives, which were analyzed qualitatively to identify recurring themes and sub-themes. In rounds two and three, experts rated their agreement with each competency using 11-point Likert scales. Items with a median score ≥ 8 were retained for Round 3, and those with improved consensus (≥ 70% of scores ≥ 8) and high stability (median variation < 15% between rounds 2 and 3) were retained as consensus competencies. Thirty-four experts from 10 countries reached a final consensus on 18 competencies: 7 knowledge, 8 skills, and 3 attitudes. Within knowledge, strongest agreement concerned recognizing how climate-related health risks disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and identifying risks associated with physical activity during extreme conditions. For skills, consensus was highest for assessing risks linked to outdoor activity and the ability to adapt exercise prescription and make rapid decisions to ensure client safety. For attitudes, the strongest agreement emphasized willingness to adapt professional practice in response to climate extremes. The 18 identified competencies offer a guide for incorporating climate change related issues into physical activity professionals training program.