Those of us that live in mountain and outdoor communities have progressed from being aware of what climate change could look like to experiencing its impacts every day. With record-setting heat, shrinking winters, mega-droughts fueling devastating wildfires, and rivers and lakes running half-empty, climate change is an ever-present and visible threat to the communities we love. As four-season tourist destinations, our economies, livelihoods, and mountain culture face immediate and growing risk. We have so much at stake – and with that comes both a responsibility and a powerful opportunity to lead on climate and show what’s possible.
With our first-hand experience seeing climate impacts, deep-rooted environmental values, the economic imperative, and the ability to rapidly deploy solutions, mountain communities have a powerful lever to scale proven strategies, accelerate climate action, and serve as a model for millions of visitors and communities everywhere.
We are a movement of mountain communities leading the charge in achieving ambitious climate goals. As collaborators with a relentless sense of urgency, we’re in a unique position to punch above our weight – driving rapid progress, incubating groundbreaking solutions, and setting an example for communities everywhere. By uniting community leaders, sharing knowledge and amplifying scalable solutions, we’re accelerating progress and redefining what’s possible.
“You aren’t subnationals, you’re super nationals. Local leaders have proven time and again that we can move further and faster than national governments – and when we act together, we’re unstoppable.”
Governor of Washington
