11th Hour Racing and Protect Our Winters Launch the Water Alliance to Activate Climate Leadership Across Water-Based Communities
11th Hour Racing and Protect Our Winters (POW) are proud to announce the launch of the POW Water Alliance — a new initiative that further expands and unites athletes, creatives, scientists, and community leaders from water-based sports and regions to take action at the intersection of climate, land, and water.
The POW Water Alliance was designed with the understanding that land and water systems are inseparable and that effective climate action must address both. From glacial melt and watershed degradation to sea-level rise and ocean acidification, the climate crisis is reshaping the planet’s hydrology and the communities that depend on it. This initiative aims to expand POW and 11th Hour Racing’s reach by engaging water-connected audiences and athletes, creatives, and community leaders to drive measurable policy wins on clean energy and marine protection, while supporting education and storytelling tied to water-based climate solutions, and strengthening the intersection of advocacy, sport, and science for greater impact.
Building on POW’s successful model of climate advocacy through its Athlete, Creative, Science, and Brand Alliances, the POW Water Alliance expands engagement to include those whose lives and work are deeply connected to water. The inaugural cohort includes individuals from sailing, surfing, angling, paddling, and rowing alongside scientists, Indigenous leaders, artists, filmmakers, and brands — all united in their commitment to amplify water-based climate solutions and inspire action through their unique platforms. Inaugural members of the Alliance include world class athletes such as Francesca Clapcich (round the world offshore sailor and Olympian), Hilary Hutcheson (fly fishing guide), Liz Clark (surfer), Christina Cavallo (rower), Eeland Stribling (fly fishing), Meg O’Hara (climate/landscape artist), Shawnee Traylor (scientist), Morgan Massan (creative), among others.
“The Water Alliance builds on a proven model of uniting trusted messengers to influence culture and policy, and reflects 11th Hour Racing’s broader commitment to accelerating ocean and water health through strategic partnerships, innovation, and storytelling,” said Jeremy Pochman, CEO and Co-founder of 11th Hour Racing. “We are scaling that impact across new communities — all united by their connection to water and their determination to protect it. By co-developing this initiative with POW, we’re helping to shape a new narrative — one that links water, land, climate, and community in pursuit of a more sustainable future.”
POW founder and professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones adds, “POW is thrilled to be partnering with 11th Hour Racing in the expansion of our Alliances to launch POW Water. Much like those who explore our planet’s mountains and trails, those who recreate on rivers, lakes, coastlines, and oceans carry powerful stories and deep passion that can shift the climate conversation. Beaches, reefs, and waterways are seeing the impacts of climate change coast to coast and are reshaping recreation, livelihoods, and entire communities. POW’s proven model of community leader–driven culture change, policy advocacy, and movement building presents a significant opportunity in water-based communities. This is a pivotal moment to leverage our strengths in the water space and expand our impact.”
In the near term, the Alliance has developed toolkits, training materials, and digital content highlighting the importance of water and its connection between land and sea, for both the public and Alliance members. Looking ahead, the Alliance will also be advocating on climate education and clean energy projects in addition to the development of Coastal Community Hubs focused on clean energy and water campaigns, water-specific policy campaigns addressing marine and river protections, and ongoing content creation and climate advocacy by Alliance members.
The POW Water Alliance will debut at Climate Week NYC on September 23, with a “Snow To Water: United For Action” mainstage panel at the Nest Climate Campus highlighting the power of trusted messengers, including POW Founder Jeremy Jones, and 11th Hour Racing CEO and Co-founder Jeremy Pochman, to drive climate action grounded in the ocean, rivers, lakes, and coastal communities.
To learn more and meet the POW Water Alliance members, visit www.protectourwinters.org/water.
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Header image credit: Christopher Shane
