Skepticalscience iconSkepticalscienceSep 2, 2026 ~1 min source read

10 things athletes, fans, and outdoor advocates can do about climate change

Outdoor recreation is a potentially powerful constituency – it engages millions of people across many age groups, demographics, and geographies. July was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous U.S., and wildfire smoke has repeatedly reached unhealthy levels across large areas of the country.

10 things athletes, fans, and outdoor advocates can do about climate change

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Useful takeaways from this story.

Outdoor recreation is a potentially powerful constituency – it engages millions of people across many age groups, demographics, and geographies.

July was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous U.S., and wildfire smoke has repeatedly reached unhealthy levels across large areas of the country.

Many people who love the outdoors are left with choosing between not recreating at all or doing so in marginal conditions.

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The useful part

July was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous U.S., and wildfire smoke has repeatedly reached unhealthy levels across large areas of the country. Many people who love the outdoors are left with choosing between not recreating at all or doing so in marginal conditions. Outdoor recreation is a potentially powerful constituency – it engages millions of people across many age groups, demographics, and geographies.

How it works

  • economy, with a lot on the line as a warming climate threatens outdoor activities.
  • "I think there is a role for outdoor recreation to step up more, be more vocal," said John Burrows, the energy and climate policy director of the Wyoming Outdoors Council.
  • "I think it's a really important constituency." Here are ideas for getting started.
  • Recognize that sports and recreation have more influence than you might think Athlet...

Details worth keeping

Athletes, fans, and outdoor enthusiasts can all be part of the solution. Outdoor recreation is also a substantial contributor to the U.S.

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