How to contribute occupationally to ecological sustainability: A literature review

Abstract

Objective: Climate change is of great concern today, and is an important health issue. The changes are related to human occupations and, therefore, an occupational perspective can make important contributions to ecological sustainability. The aim of this scoping literature review was to explore and describe what has recently been written about how occupational therapy/therapists/science can contribute to ecological sustainability and the prevention of more severe climate change. Methods: Publications were used as data. Searches were conducted in databases, journals, reference lists, and citations. Fourteen items, with content related to the contribution of occupational therapy/therapists/science to climate change and ecological sustainability; written in English; having an occupational therapist among the authors; and published between 2008 and 2013; were included. Results: The results revealed four different ways that occupational therapists/scientists can contribute: by adapting to prevent climate change and to existing changes; by cooperating with others; by exploring people's occupational choices and the relationship between occupation and ecology; and by warning of the consequences of the changes. Conclusion: These ways of contributing can be used as a point of departure for further research on this important topic.

Key words::

• climate change
• health and well-being
• occupational science
• occupational therapy
• sustainable development

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.