Protect Our Winters

What an honor to be part of this panel! I am beyond grateful to be part of this important conversation. Thank you Protect Our Winters / Protect Our Winters Europe & UNESCO

Today marks the first-ever International Glacier Preservation Day (United Nations), underscoring the urgent need to protect these critical ice masses. Glaciologist and POW Science Alliance member Mauri Pelto reports a stark reality:“In 2023 and 2024, for the first time, all 58 reporting Global Reference Glaciers had a negative mass balance. The acceleration of glacier loss led to the creation of an extinct glacier data layer in the GLIMS global glacier inventory.” For 40 years, Dr. Mauri Pelto and Jill Pelto have studied Easton Glacier on Mount Baker, a crucial source of 30 million gallons of runoff daily in summer. This meltwater feeds Baker Lake and the Baker River’s 228 MW hydropower system, sustains the Skagit River’s late-summer flow, and regulates water temperatures to support salmon populations. Nearby, Ice Worm and Daniels Glaciers once fed the Cle Elum River, supplying water to the Yakima Reclamation District for agriculture. In 2023, Ice Worm Glacier disappeared. Now, Easton Glacier is shrinking at a rate of 1.5 meters of water-equivalent ice per year—a loss too significant to be replaced by any artificial means. When glaciers disappear, so do the ecosystems and communities that rely on them. We cannot engineer our way out of this crisis. The only solution is cutting emissions and slowing global warming—before more glaciers vanish forever. Learn more about the importance of glacier preservation, watch the Glacier Preservation Relevance: North Cascade Glacier Climate Project https://lnkd.in/eWEcymYs

In a single day, current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Lee Zeldin threatens the agency's decades of environmental and public health progress. Gina McCarthy, former EPA administrator, is calling this "the most disastrous day in EPA history. Rolling these rules back is not just a disgrace, it's a threat to all of us. The agency has fully abdicated its mission to protect Americans' health and well being." NYTimes What's at risk for the Outdoor State: Clean Air: The administration is reconsidering parts of the Clean Air Act—like the EPA's authority to regulate pollution from power plants and cars—which could lead to lower costs for the fossil fuel industry and dirtier air. Clean Water: Eased regulations under the Clean Water Act make it easier for industries to pollute our waterways, putting rivers, lakes, and drinking water at risk. Communities: Rolling back these regulations benefit polluters, while communities will ultimately bear the cost—through more extreme weather, higher insurance costs, and increased health risks. Everyone has a right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for future generations. Protecting our planet is not partisan, it's common sense.

Every hour, enough energy from the sun hits the Earth to power the world’s electricity needs for 6.5 years. Solar is now considered the cheapest energy source to develop, with costs dropping ~85% in the last 15 years. But to scale it sustainably, we must modernize grid infrastructure and empower households to make the switch to renewables. - A typical home going solar can avoid the carbon emissions of burning 8,440 lbs of coal. - Community solar lets you support clean energy without installing panels. - Cold temps boost solar efficiency, and snow can even help capture more sunlight! - Berkshire East Mountain Resort is leading in solar powered skiing, they run 100% on onsite renewable energy. We're all in on renewable energy, but the transition has challenges—solar panels and batteries rely on materials like lithium and cobalt, and solar requires more land than fossil fuels. But the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, and we're committed to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels—one step at a time. Ready to go solar? Our partners at EnergySage make it easy with their online marketplace, connecting you with pre-screened local installers. https://lnkd.in/e22TYM5F

Federal Judge John McConnell of the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island just blocked Trump’s freeze on key climate provisions under the Inflation Reduction Act. McConnell ruled that the freeze “imposed a categorical mandate on the spending of congressionally appropriated and obligated funds without regard to Congress’s authority to control spending.” Inside Climate News The historic climate measures in the IRA fund projects that cut pollution, lower energy costs, and create good jobs, with over two-thirds of the funding supporting communities leading clean energy efforts—especially those that need it most. Here's what you need to know: - 23 states are suing the administration, including MA, NY, CO, MN, NV, NM, NC, WI, AZ, and more. - This is a cross-partisan issue, impacting jobs & funding in both red and blue states. - The executive branch cannot unilaterally end programs and funding approved by Congress. - This case could set a major precedent for the balance of power in government. While this doesn’t guarantee all IRA funds will be reinstated, it’s a step in the right direction. We’re hopeful the legal system will uphold the Constitution and protect crucial funding for these states. Stay tuned for updates from POW on when to take action and what this means for our work to protect the places we love. Image by Emily Tidwell

Over 3.5 million vertical feet in one year. All human-powered. Noah Dines didn’t just break the record for the most vertical feet skied in a year—he’s turning that momentum into action. A few weeks ago, he was recognized at the Vermont State House for his achievement and had the opportunity to share what he’s witnessed firsthand: winters are changing, and the places we love are at risk. "Winter and the outdoors have given me more in life than I could ever have imagined and protecting these critical resources is crucial for future generations. My time in Europe was eye opening with regards to the real effect of climate change on human lives and served as a stark reminder of how important this work is. I am excited to use my platform to help influence the future of climate policy in this country and beyond. " Noah Dines, POW Athlete Alliance member   Read more about Noah's incredible record Outside https://lnkd.in/eZE9H6my Images by Justin Holder

"Today, we count ourselves lucky if we can ski from mid-January to late February—a season barely half as long as what skiers enjoyed sixty years ago." Dr. Len Necefer, CEO of NativesOutdoors, PhD in Engineering & Public Policy POW Alliance Member Dr. Len N. explores the disappearing winters of Mount Lemmon, the southernmost ski area in North America, where snow seasons have shrunk dramatically due to climate change. Without artificial snowmaking, this Arizona resort is a stark reminder of what’s at stake for ski towns everywhere. Read the full blog to learn more about “The Disappearing Ski Town of Tucson, Arizona: How a Changing Climate Is Erasing the Southernmost Ski Area in North America” https://lnkd.in/ePx2Dcpk This blog was made possible by POW Brand Alliance partner KEEN Images by Len.

Join our team as Sr. Director of Finance & Operations! https://lnkd.in/d6e-M-dY POW is seeking a Sr. Director of Finance & Operations to lead financial strategy and operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance to support our mission of turning outdoor enthusiasts into climate advocates. If you are an experienced finance and operations applicant and have a passion for climate action - apply now! Location: Colorado preferred (remote options: WA, OR, VT, NH) Key Responsibilities: -Oversee financial operations, payroll, and benefits administration -Manage budgeting, forecasting, and compliance -Support HR functions and optimize organizational strategy How to Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to work@protectourwinters.org with "Sr. Director of Finance & Operations" in the subject line. Photo by Gretchen Powers

Hi, we’re POW—let us re-introduce ourselves! It’s been 18 years of hard work, with steep uphills recently. In 2007, professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones founded Protect Our Winters after experiencing how climate change was changing the mountains he loved. What began as one person’s fight to save winter has grown into a global movement that spans all seasons—bringing together athletes, creatives, scientists, and brands to protect the communities and experiences we love. POW represents The Outdoor State—the 175 million people in the U.S. who love getting outside. Together, we are larger than any U.S. state and a voting bloc with the power to drive real change. Just this past year, we: - Led 50+ meetings with federal lawmakers for more climate action - Supported original legislation for clean power in our communities - Helped protect millions of acres of beautiful public lands - Reached 79 million outdoor enthusiasts with trusted info on voting and climate Here’s our compass for more common-ground climate solutions: - We believe in outdoor passion to drive climate action - We believe in science, creativity, and diversity. - We believe in pragmatism over politics. - We believe climate solutions create jobs and prosperity - We believe the energy transition must move faster. Climate change is solvable. We are in the midst of our biggest challenge yet, and we’re not backing down. We’ll meet you on the trail to connect, protect, and win. Outside is our way of life. Join us. https://lnkd.in/geRycZws Images by: Adam Clark, Chris Shane, Katie Cooney, Andy Earl, Gretchen Powers Graphics by Eliza Carver

This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women leading the fight against climate change—on the trails, in the lab, and through the lens. POW Alliance members like Hilary Hutcheson are on the frontlines, advocating for public lands at the Montana Rally, while Bea Kim is making an impact on the global stage, speaking at the United Nations. Athletes like Emily Harrington, Jessie Diggins, and Amie Engerbretson use their platforms to elevate the call for climate action. Scientists like Elizabeth Burakowski and Lydia Jennings are pioneering climate solutions through cutting-edge research. Artists and photographers like Meg O'Hara and Sofia Jamillaro capture the beauty of our world, using their work to inspire action and advocacy. And at the helm of our movement, POW CEO Erin Sprague continues to set the standard for climate leadership—both in the outdoor industry and beyond. These women—and so many more—are making history and driving the movement for a sustainable future. We’re proud to stand alongside them in the fight to protect our planet. Images by Chris Shane, Donny O'Neill, Gretchen Powers