did you know? Activities to protect the fields we enjoy from climate change｜POW JAPAN

2020/07/17

We empower fellow outdoor enthusiasts who are taking action to protect their fields and lifestyles from climate change
From "What is Protect Our Winters?"

Protect Our Winters JAPAN (POW JAPAN) has been active since February 2019

POW was originally founded in 2007 when professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones saw snow resorts constantly being unable to open due to lack of snow, and decided to take action after noticing something strange about it

The average global temperature has risen by 0.9 degrees from 1880 to the present, and a temperature rise of 1.15 degrees has been recorded in Japan

Sea levels have risen by 19 centimetres due to thermal expansion caused by rising ocean temperatures and melting glaciers. These changes are causing extreme weather around the world, and 97% of scientists worldwide agree that rising carbon dioxide emissions are the cause

So how do you respond to that and take action?

There are over 60 million outdoor sports enthusiasts worldwide, supporting the lives of over 7.6 million people and generating nearly 90 trillion yen in economic activity. While climate change policies and solutions are being led by governments and the business community, the size of the market and the voices of the community cannot be ignored. POW's activities, which began in the United States, have had an impact on snow communities around the world, and the POW network now spans 12 countries

POW JAPAN has also been carrying out various actions since its launch.
As partners in these efforts, it has established a cooperative relationship with 21 businesses, brands, and media outlets, including ski resorts in the Hakuba area, and 16 skiers and snowboarders are carrying out educational activities in various locations as ambassadors.

As an example of how these efforts are beginning to bear fruit, from February 2nd to 4th, 2020, all electricity used at Hakuba Iwatake Snowfield was supplied with 100% renewable energy, and from February onwards, the Alpine Quad Lift at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort has been running on CO2-free electricity all year round

The Global Climate March in Hakuba, a Hakuba version of the Climate March held in September 2019, was held. Following the declarations made by Iki City in Nagasaki Prefecture and Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakuba Village called for a climate emergency declaration, and students from Hakuba High School and others submitted a petition and signatures to the village mayor. In response, Hakuba Village became the first village in Nagano Prefecture to declare a climate emergency in December.
Photo/Yukari

As tangible climate change changes individual awareness and behavior, there is a growing momentum for us snow-loving mountain lovers to join forces with POW and take action that will have an impact on society.
As a participant in enjoying snow-covered mountains, the STEEP editorial team will also take action, however small its contribution may be.

POW JAPAN