Anyone who has canceled a hike, rock-climbing excursion, or camping trip in the face of a rainy storm knows all too well that weather has a substantial impact on our ability to get outside and do what we love most.

Most of us hear the term climate change and simply brush it off. We think, what do polar bears have to do with us? In reality, climate change touches every single one of our lives. And ESPECIALLY the lives of outdoor athletes.

Let’s find out why.

SLOPES:

To every mountain conqueror who spends their winters glued to the ski slopes, this one is for you.

Snow seasons are shrinking and the ski industry is seeing less and less days during peak season.

A number of areas where snow reliably falls is expected to shrink as the climate warms.

In fact, a study that simulated ski season operations under shifting climatic conditions in southern Ontario found that the season will be reduced by 11 percent to 50 percent by 2080.

This means ski slopes will rely more on artifical snow, which further devastates the natural climate. Meaning a devastating loss of the natural slopes we depend on every winter.

TRAILS

To every wilderness seeker out there, the outdoors is everything to us. Unfortunately, more extreme temperatures mean hotter days. Walking, trail running, hiking, cycling etc. when the temperature is 100 degrees or higher are not as enjoyable or safe.

Likewise, the increase in extreme temperature coupled with drought in areas that need it most signal to increasing forest fires. Good luck going on a run with smoke around you every other week.

WAVES:

And finally, one of the most devastating impacts will be felt by every one of us who grew up thinking we were mermaids.

Impending climate change means that for much of the year water levels may be too low to kayak, raft or canoe. Places, in fact, might be too damaged by storms and flooding to even participate in these activities.

Beyond this, the changing chemistry of the ocean from chemicals and excess CO2 means that coral reefs are dying at unprecedented rates. Meaning the rate of fish is declining far and wide. Affecting divers, snorkelers and even your weekend fisherman. Not to mention the impact this loss will have on wave formation for surfers.

We can’t even begin to measure the impact these changes will have on the tourism industry when barrier reefs die, national parks diminish and beaches erode. To be completely frank, the outlook is grim and the future is fast approaching.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Many of these extreme weather conditions could prevent us from even getting outside, but it can often feel like it’s too big of a challenge to tackle on your own,

Many of us agree “yes there is a problem” but its not my problem to fix. The truth is, its all of our problems.

If you took a bull dozer and plowed down a local preserve area, everyone would agree that was wrong. But by failing to take action to reduce our impact in the things we buy and  how we live our lives, the impact on greenhouse gas is about the same. We might as well drive the bulldozer ourselves.

This isn’t to ignite guilt in any of us. It’s simply to bring a clearer picture into view. If we want to protect our morning runs, weekend bike rides, family beach vacations and that our children, then we each have a role to play in saving this planet.

While our individual actions have little impact on the climate crisis itself. They have a major impact collectively on the message they send to governments, to industries. Collectively, we have the ability to create a ripple of change.

As we move toward a post-COVID world, it is vital that we are determined to lead, innovate, educate and be a force of change. With this belief in mind, we created Wild Habitat.

           Our one-stop concept introduces consumers living an active lifestyle to a variety of businesses setting forward-thinking examples. From skateboards made of bamboo, to activewear designed with recycled water bottles, our goal is to inspire athletes and adventure-seekers to support these thoughtful brands—and play a role in in taking care of our Wild Habitat.

Briana Tautiva