Protect Our Winters

We’re thrilled to share that our founder, Jeremy Jones, has been recognized in this year’s National Geographic #NatGeo33, joining an incredible group of changemakers. From pioneering human-powered big-mountain snowboarding to launching Protect Our Winters, Jeremy has spent his life not just exploring wild places—but fighting to protect them. He’s mobilizing the Outdoor State—the millions who live and breathe the outdoors—to push for bold climate action where it matters most. Dive into Nat Geo’s feature highlighting all 33 honorees—scientists, storytellers, innovators, and more NatGeo.com/NG33. Photo by Jonas Fredwall Karlsson for National Geographic

Over 40 former and current EPA officials on both sides of the aisle are sounding the alarm: "We took an oath to protect the American public. We cannot stand by and allow this to happen." In an open letter from EPA staff to the American Public: https://lnkd.in/ev3ewzJn The EPA announced 31 proposed rollbacks weakening environmental protections. Here are three significant threats to climate, clean air and water: 1. Gutting the Endangerment Finding – This critical scientific foundation links greenhouse gases to public health. Weakening it could lead to more pollution from power plants, oil and gas, and vehicles, worsening air quality and extreme weather. 2. Eliminating Mandatory Emissions Reporting – Without accurate data, big polluters can hide their emissions, making it harder to track progress on climate goals and transition to clean energy. 3. Weakened Oil & Gas Standards – Looser rules mean more methane leaks, leading to poorer air quality and increased respiratory health risks. What's next? Courts may block these rollbacks *and we hope the EPA will allow for public input*, while Congress can strengthen protections by passing new laws. States and cities can also step in by enforcing stricter climate policies and expanding local EPA offices to uphold protections. The EPA exists to safeguard our air, water, and climate. However, recently proposed rollbacks are giving polluters a free pass, accelerating climate change, and putting our environment at risk. We will not be bystanders when our planet is at stake. Image by Jake Burchmore

Remember when they floated the idea of making Canada the 51st state? Buying Greenland? Reclaiming the Panama Canal? It's all part of the same playbook—it keeps us overwhelmed, so we miss what actually matters. But this strategy only works if we let it. As POW Science Alliance Captain Alex Lee puts it: "Distraction is a political tactic that weaponizes new information to make public disagreement fractured and incoherent. When confronted with major policy changes, the more new information we are flooded with, the more we have to actively focus. But so long as we can be clear about our values up front, we can be clear about our priorities—we can rise above the distraction by sticking to what matters most." We’re here to help cut through the noise. We want you to know when to take action—and when to log off and get outside. That’s why we’re doubling down on local action: protecting public lands, educating our communities, and driving the clean energy transition. Learn more about the “flooding the zone” strategy and how to stay focused on what really matters. Read our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/eHNiSfqD Graphics by Eliza Carver, POW Creative Alliance Member

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.