Physical education and sustainable development: An untrodden path

This paper explores the relevance of sustainable development to physical ed ucation and argues that it is a vitally important concept that presents the opportunity for considerable theoretical and practical development. The im plications of sustainability development for our understandings of physical activity are examined with recognition of the significance of activity beh aviors within sustainable living. In the context of education, the developm ent of critical curriculum theory is advocated since the potential environm ental crisis necessitates profound social change. Possible avenues for the development of critical theory in physical education are identified, and ph ysical education's possible use as a vehicle for the promotion of sustainab le active living is considered. It is argued that such a focus would improv e the subject's contribution toward both the promotion of active living and social transformation for sustainability.