The Easiest Thing Climbers Can Do For Our Future

As climbers, we thrive on grit, determination, and calculated decision-making, and we form an intimate relationship with the natural world. The mountains are not just our playgrounds; they are our teachers. Each ascent challenges us to confront our limits, test our resolve, and respond to the dynamic, often-unforgiving environment around us. We understand the power, beauty, and fragility of these landscapes, and that understanding compels us to act as their stewards.

Every time we chalk our hands or pick up our ice tools, we’re not merely seeking adventure. We’re entering a pact with the landscape, acknowledging its rhythms, testing its boundaries, and learning to navigate its challenges. Each move we make into the vertical—every handhold we choose, every foothold we trust—guides us toward our desired outcome. These moments of focus and intention echo our responsibility in everyday life, particularly when it comes to taking action to protect these landscapes and the communities that live within them—especially when it comes to voting.

Voting is an extension of the stewardship we practice outdoors. Just as we assess the conditions of the rock or ice before us, we must evaluate the choices presented to us at the ballot box. It’s a crucial step in unlocking the future we need—not just for ourselves but for our communities and the planet we call home.

I vividly remember sitting on a ledge high on the West Ridge of K2, the second-highest peak on the planet. We were alone, climbing in alpine style, miles away from the guided masses on the standard Abruzzi Spurr. As I sat there, trying to marvel at the breathtaking views, I was instead struck by the unsettling reality that the mountain was crumbling around us. The temperatures had soared well above what we had anticipated. At an altitude where we might have otherwise considered donning a puffy suit, the climate crisis was forcing us into conditions more akin to rock climbing—57℉ in the shade.

Ancient ice, ice that had been stable for centuries, was melting above us and cascading down the mountain. 6,000 feet below, the glaciers were retreating, their once-mighty ice formations giving way to bare rock and gravel. The mountain was not only changing beneath our feet; it was sending us a clear warning that our world was shifting rapidly.

Each moment spent on that ledge was a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. The warming temperatures were not merely an inconvenience for climbers; they represented a clarion call for us to step up and leverage our stories to drive action on climate and environmental protection. As I looked at the majestic yet fragile landscape, I understood that our adventures were intricately tied to the health of the planet. The experiences we gain in the mountains compel us to advocate for policies that protect the environments we cherish.

It is our responsibility to vote—not just for the landscapes we love but for the well-being of communities across the globe and for future generations we want to see thrive in these wild places. When we engage in the democratic process, we stand for the preservation of our natural world and the equitable treatment of all who inhabit it. Our votes can shape policies that prioritize climate action, conservation, and sustainable practices.

• Related: Is K2, the “Savage Mountain,” Becoming Less Savage?

Climbers understand the value of collective effort. We don’t summit alone; we rely on our partners, our teams, and our communities to reach new heights. As we approach the upcoming elections, it’s crucial to rally together and make our voices heard. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can inspire others to join us in this vital work. Our narratives as climbers hold power; they remind us of our connection to nature and the urgency of our mission.

What can you do right now? Engage in the electoral process and amplify your impact.

Here’s how:

1. Head to Stokethevote.com to ensure you are registered and have a plan to vote.
2. Reach out to at least three friends to ensure they’re registered and have a plan to vote—create a chain of action that amplifies our collective voice (bonus points if they are in a swing state).
3. Ask those friends to ping three or more of their friends.
4. Attend voter engagement events like Protect Our Winters Stoke Fests, where you can connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and learn about the issues at stake.

And remember to vote with intention. Research the candidates and policies that align with your values and the needs of our planet. Every vote counts, and when we show up at the polls, we send a clear message that we care about our environment, our communities, and our future.

So lace up your shoes, tie into your rope, and let’s climb together toward a future where our beloved landscapes remain vibrant and protected for generations to come. As climbers, it is our responsibility to show up. If we all take action, this is a summit that is within reach.

As a professional climber, Graham Zimmerman is one of the most acclaimed alpinists of his generation. After graduating from [what school?] with a degree in geography in 2007, he focused on alpinism, a pursuit that has taken him on expeditions from Alaska to Patagonia to Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan and all over the lower 48 and Canada. His remarkable ascents have earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Piolet d’Or, the highest honor in alpine climbing.

Zimmerman is committed to using his platform for positive change and holds leadership roles in various nonprofits and outdoor organizations, including Protect Our Winters and Dirtroad Organizing. His experiences and stories are captured in his award-winning memoir, A Fine Line, published by Mountaineers Books. He resides in Bend, OR, with his wife, Shannon, and their dogs, Pebble and Iggy.

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