BURTON X PROTECT OUR WINTERS CANADA: LEADING THE RIDE TOWARD CLIMATE ACTION
For decades, Burton Snowboards has helped shape the culture of snowboarding, pushing boundaries, building community, and redefining what it means to ride.
But today, leadership in snowsports means more than progression on the mountain. It means standing up for the future of winter.
Since 2013, Burton has been a proud partner of Protect Our Winters Canada and the broader Protect Our Winters movement, helping turn passion for the outdoors into powerful climate action.
Together, we’re building a movement rooted in one simple belief: we all need winter and protecting it requires action.
1. Burton Earth Day march in 2020 / 2. Photo taken by Aaron Blatt
A Legacy Beyond Snowboarding
Burton has long been recognized as a pioneer in snowsports. But what sets them apart is how they’ve leveraged that influence beyond product and performance, using their platform to drive meaningful climate advocacy.
From collaborating on purpose-driven product initiatives with POW US, to supporting advocacy research, engaging their global community, and encouraging voter participation, Burton has consistently shown that brands can play a critical role in shaping a better future.
In Canada, that leadership shows up through:
- Supporting POW Canada’s campaigns
- Helping drive fundraising efforts
- Activating local communities through Burton retail stores
This is what it looks like when a brand steps fully into its responsibility, not just as a market leader, but as a movement builder.
Donna Carpenter and Protect Our Winters in Washington D.C.
Q&A with Emily Foster, Director of Environmental and Social Impact at Burton
To better understand Burton’s approach to climate advocacy, we spoke with Emily Foster about the role brands can play in driving systemic change.
What does climate advocacy mean for Burton?
Climate advocacy for Burton means working in community - with climate activists and scientists, our peers in the outdoor industry, and advocacy organizations, like POW – to combat climate change and transition towards a regenerative economy.
This work is integral to our company's purpose, as a Certified B Corporation.
We prioritize our climate advocacy efforts on renewable energy and protecting public lands from fossil fuel exploitation, because we want to stay focused on areas that are material to our business and address major drivers of climate change. And it’s conceptually simple - STOP adding to the problem and START building the infrastructure and systems for the future.
In action, this looks like connecting climate action to economic and health outcomes, supporting climate friendly legislation, using our brand reach to amplify the calls to action from our partners, and inspiring others to demand change.
Why is policy advocacy just as important as materials and supply chains when it comes to sustainability?
The solutions to climate change require the power of the collective; we can all do our part, but individual action is not enough.
We need entire electrical grids and transportation systems to transform, and those systems need public policy intervention. Through advocacy, we aim for impact beyond our business to accelerate the momentum behind a just transition to a renewable energy economy.
Why do outdoor companies have a responsibility to speak up?
There is an intuitive connection between the outdoor industry and climate change. Our businesses depend on a healthy planet; we can and should lead the charge on advocating for our most precious resource.
This isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s a matter of securing the future of our industry.
We are at a pivotal moment for climate that will shape the trajectory for years to come. As governments backslide on climate commitments and with public trust at an all-time low, it’s time for the business community to step up.
Together - we have reach, we have influence, we have economic power. Let’s use it to build the cultural and political will for climate action.
How do partnerships like Burton’s work with POW help strengthen corporate advocacy?
We take an evidence-based, partner-led approach to our climate advocacy because we believe that is the most effective way to build the movement and to stay true to the mission.
Brands like Burton have an important leadership role in climate action, but we aren’t the experts in climate science or just transition pathways. That’s why we look to our partners, including POW and the Climate Justice Alliance, to guide us on legislative priorities and advocacy opportunities at the right moment to maximize influence and impact.
The Power of Partnership
Burton’s long-standing collaboration with POW demonstrates how partnerships can amplify impact.
By combining Burton’s global reach with POW’s advocacy expertise, this partnership strengthens campaigns, supports evidence-based action, and mobilizes communities across North America.
It’s a shared effort grounded in one belief: real change happens when we act together.