Nearly all of the companies and individuals involved in the outdoor category have a deep rooted passion for the environment. From component brands to major retailers, taking care of the earth is of the utmost importance. But as our climate continues to change, our planet has been suffering the consequences.
It’s a fair and important question to ask; how are outdoor companies handling climate change, and is the outlook of the industry going to be altered by the changes in our environment? Let’s examine the impact climate change will have on the outdoor category.Clima
The Variations in Weather
Changes in the climate have led to unpredictability in the seasons. In some areas, these changes have been dramatic. Areas that are accustomed to receiving certain types of weather in certain seasons can no longer count on consistency, which can negatively impact business.
Now let’s consider the impact these changes have on companies that build, provide, and distribute products intended for use in outdoor activity. The inconsistency of weather patterns makes it extremely difficult to forecast trends of consumers, and predict what products will thrive in what markets.
The Impact on Outdoorspeople
This may seem obvious, but changes in weather patterns are beginning to hinder people from doing the things they love. It’s tough to go skiing when you’ve reached January and there’s hardly been any snow fall.
While this is upsetting enough for the obvious reason of people not getting to do what they love, it’s also a danger for the industry. If people don’t get to take part in doing the things they love, business will potentially suffer. Climate change has led to extreme weather patterns. This is a bad thing no matter how you cut it.
Creating Meaningful Change
The issues have for the most part been identified. But what can be done at this point to create genuine, meaningful change? While we know we can’t undo climate change, there are still ways we can make a positive impact.
By understanding the fact that all people and all companies have a responsibility to limit their carbon footprint and utilize sustainable resources, we begin to take a step in the right direction. Some ways companies are doing this include implementing comprehensive strategies, and setting target dates to decrease their emissions by.
The world we live in is not invincible. And for those of us who have built our lives around a love of the great outdoors, the responsibility falls on us to preserve it. From companies to individuals, we can and should all make the pledge to reduce our carbon footprint in 2020.