#United States #Boulder #Protect Our Winters #POW Water #Climate Advocacy

Protect Our Winters Introduces the Water Alliance

In an exciting development for climate advocacy, Protect Our Winters (POW) has officially launched the POW Water Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative designed to rally athletes, scientists, creatives, and brands within water-centered communities. The aim is to foster united climate action focusing on oceans, lakes, rivers, and waterways.

This initiative signifies a determined expansion of POW's advocacy efforts, building on its successful model that has empowered the outdoor sports community since its inception in 2007. With the involvement of 11th Hour Racing as a founding partner, the POW Water Alliance plans to mobilize climate leaders to address critical environmental issues affecting freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Founded by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, POW has built a grassroots movement around climate change, encouraging over 180 million Americans involved in outdoor activities to advocate for sustainable practices. The new alliance shifts this focus towards the aquatic realm, addressing pressing concerns such as warming waters, sea-level rise, and increased extreme weather events.

Core Objectives of the POW Water Alliance

the POW Water Alliance is concentrating its efforts on various water-centric climate issues. The initiative will support policy engagement across different levels—local, regional, and national. The program places strong emphasis on effective climate storytelling and community mobilization.

Founding members of this alliance include prominent figures from various water sports, showcasing a diverse representation of voices:

• - Hilary Hutcheson: A conservation advocate and fly-fishing expert from Montana.
• - Eeland Stribling: A wildlife biologist and comedian who champions equitable access to outdoor spaces.
• - Francesca Clapcich: An Olympian and professional offshore sailor affiliated with 11th Hour Racing.
• - Christine Cavallo: A national rower and climate communicator for the United Nations.
• - Liz Clark: A dedicated solo sailor and surfer recognized for exploring sustainable living at sea.
• - Mario Ordoñez-Calderón: An Indigenous Mayan surfer advocating for cultural and environmental consciousness.
• - Cliff Kapono: A professional surfer also earning a Ph.D. in chemistry, merging Indigenous wisdom with modern science.

Additionally, the alliance is collaborating with numerous creatives and scientists, including surf photographer Morgan Maassen and climate artists Jill Pelto and Meg O'Hara.

Collaborative Efforts for Greater Impact

The POW Water Alliance builds upon POW's previous partnerships with brands committed to sustainable practices. With the backing of organizations such as Fishpond and the Surfrider Foundation, the initiative is poised to engage a wider audience committed to revitalizing marine environments.

Jeremy Jones expressed enthusiasm about this expansion, stating, "Those who engage with our planet's waters carry powerful stories and deep-seated passions that can influence the climate narrative. Beaches and rivers are profoundly impacted by climate change, affecting recreation, livelihoods, and entire communities. Our model provides a unique opportunity to mobilize climate advocacy across aquatic ecosystems."

Meanwhile, CEO of 11th Hour Racing, Jeremy Pochman, shared his vision for this collaboration, emphasizing a unified approach to advocating for ocean and water health, reinforcing the nexus between water, land, and community well-being.

Debuting in NYC's Climate Week

The POW Water Alliance debuted during Climate Week NYC, featuring a panel discussion titled "Snow To Water United For Action" at the NEST Climate Campus. Highlighted speakers included Jeremy Jones, Francesca Clapcich, and Meg O'Hara, focusing on actionable steps needed for climate resilience in aquatic ecosystems.

For those interested in learning more about this initiative and how to get involved, further details can be found on POW's dedicated web page at Protect Our Winters.

About Protect Our Winters

Founded in 2007, Protect Our Winters is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals passionate about protecting their favorite outdoor spaces from climate change. The organization promotes non-partisan policies to safeguard our natural resources for future generations. To become a part of this movement and learn more about POW, visit Protect Our Winters.

As we collectively navigate the impacts of climate change, initiatives like the POW Water Alliance remind us of the connectedness of our efforts and the importance of community-driven advocacy in preserving our planet's precious waters.