What happens when Protect Our Winters’ leaders across Europe come together in a national park in Southern Sweden – and what’s next for the organization? Suston asked the outdoor advocate Jordan Wright from POW Europe to share her insights (and of course, she travelled the 1748km to the summit by train).

Sitting in the heart of Söderåsen National Park, with crisp air and autumn leaves dancing in the wind, the annual POW European Leadership Summit kicked off in Röstånga, Southern Sweden. For three days, 24 POW representatives, six brand partners, and three advocacy experts from across Europe gathered to forge a bold path toward impactful climate action. There was a palpable sense of purpose – this wasn’t just another conference; it was a gathering of people united by a shared mission to protect the places they love.

The surrounding nature played its part perfectly. Whether hiking through ancient forests or reflecting on the day’s learnings in the stillness under the Swedish night sky, the summit served as a powerful reminder of what is at stake. Conversations continued to flow into the forest trails, where every step through the woods deepened the group’s connection to their mission at POW.

Below follows the key outcomes of this year’s gathering – and what lies ahead for POW in Europe.

Finding purpose in shared passion

Heidi Kalmari from POW Finland put it best:

“It is meaningful to get together with people who truly share the same enthusiasm and passion for climate work.”

For many attending the summit, this was also a space to reconnect with the people and the cause. As each representative shared their experiences, it became clear that POW is more than an organization; it’s a movement fueled by the passion and commitment of its members. The enthusiasm wasn’t confined to formal discussion, it was present during every shared meal and every walk through the forest.

The organization’s close collaboration with pioneering companies has allowed POW to amplify its voice across Europe. Representatives from Atomic, Icebug, icebreaker, Nidecker, and Oatly joined activists for workshops, seminars, film screenings, and outdoor adventures, blending learning with nature.

At the summit, the success of Oatly’s Voat! campaign during the European elections was presented, showcasing efforts similar to POW’s own Ride Bike Climb Vote! campaign, which successfully galvanized the outdoor community to vote. Both campaigns highlighted the power of collective action and underscored the importance of collaborating with organizations equally committed to driving change.

 

Building on success: Advocacy and action

Much of the summit was dedicated to reflecting on POW’s increasing influence at the European level. Thanks to last spring’s pan-European election campaign, POW has gained visibility and credibility, positioning itself as a key player in climate advocacy. During the summit, representatives from the Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and Ohana Public Affairs provided insights into the evolving landscape of European climate policy, helping POW sharpen its strategy.

As Dirk van den Berg from POW Netherlands noted, collaboration was a central theme:

“We learn from organizations outside our bubble because we realize that we don’t have all the knowledge and wisdom. This collaborative spirit was essential to understanding how to navigate the political landscape post-election and how to push for transformative climate policies.”

Inclusivity and intersectionality: A key focus

One of the most important discussions at the summit revolved around diversity and inclusion. Aneela McKenna and Yasmin Dufournet from Opening Up The Outdoors (OUTO) led a workshop that challenged attendees to confront their own biases and consider how POW can better reflect the diverse communities it seeks to represent. It was a session that left a lasting impact on everyone.

Max Hänisch from POW Europe captured the sentiment:

“Real people, real purpose, all working towards real change.”

The conversation about inclusivity wasn’t just about representation; it was about ensuring that the climate movement addresses the needs of marginalized communities, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. As Clara Edwards from POW Sweden noted, true climate justice requires acknowledging the connections between environmental degradation and social inequities.

Moving forward, POW in Europe is committed to making the outdoors—and the climate movement—more inclusive and accessible. The insights gained from OUTO’s workshop will shape future strategies to ensure that the movement is not only fighting for the environment but also for social justice.

Low-emission mobility: Leading by example

For POW, leading by example is a core value, and low-emission travel was a central theme throughout the weekend. Many attendees, including Giorgia Garancini from POW Italy, travelled over a thousand kilometers by train to reach the summit. This commitment to sustainable travel reinforced the importance of practicing what we preach. As Giorgia put it:

“Would you travel 1372 kilometers by train to see your colleagues? If they’re as great as this bunch, then my answer is YES!”

The summit was a living example of the low-emission mobility options that POW advocates for. This emphasis on sustainability didn’t stop at travel. The summit’s vegetarian meals and outdoor activities were carefully designed to minimize the environmental footprint, further embedding POW’s values into the gathering.

Looking ahead: Downstream and beyond

One of the summit’s highlights was the outdoor movie night on the first evening, which included the preview of Downstream, a joint science and film project produced in collaboration with icebreaker and the VF Foundation, and a project that will anchor POW’s Year of the Glacier campaign for 2025. The film follows French hydro-ecologist Dr. Juliette Becquet as she investigates the impact of glacier loss on ecosystems and communities worldwide. This powerful screening served as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change and a call to action for everyone involved in the movement.

The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy was a significant topic of discussion. Representatives brainstormed ways to raise awareness about the negative impacts of the games, particularly in the more remote regions of the country. During the session, it was made clear that POW in Europe has substantial work ahead and important milestones to achieve in addressing these negative impacts. The ideas, strategies, and connections forged in Röstånga will ripple across Europe, strengthening the movement and driving action forward.

A community of purpose

By the end of the summit, one thing was clear: This group of activists is not only ready to make change happen but to grow and evolve together. As Max from POW Europe reflected, “It feels a bit like home.”

The sense of community that was created in Söderåsen will continue to serve as a foundation for the work ahead.

Whether through upcoming campaigns, strengthening partnerships, or creating greater inclusivity within the movement, the 2024 POW Leadership Summit was a landmark. It reaffirmed that the fight against climate change is not just about protecting the environment – it’s about creating a more just and equitable world for all.

As the group hiked back from one final adventure in Söderåsen National Park, the future of POW in Europe felt bright. The path ahead may be challenging, but with the collective strength of this community, it’s one that we are more than ready to walk.

 

All images: © Robert Nyquist 2024