Climate Change Hits Every Sector—from Winter Olympics to U.S. Rivers—While Startups and Reports Urge Urgent Action

From the icy tracks of the Winter Olympics to the rising heat of U.S. rivers, climate change is reshaping every corner of the globe.

Al Roker on Winter Olympics and Extreme Weather

Al Roker sat down with Chase Cain on the television show Predictable to discuss how climate change is affecting the Winter Olympics. He highlighted the growing frequency of extreme weather events and shared the most memorable story of his career, though the specific anecdote was not detailed in the interview.

UN Climate Report Shows Little Progress

The United Nations recently released a report stating that global climate‑fighting efforts have had little impact. With the United States exiting the Paris Agreement, the report warned that the rest of the world must cut emissions even more to compensate. The report’s lead author emphasized, “We have to go faster.”

Climate Change Is Not Seen as a Political Issue

Research from the Environmental Voter Project indicates that Americans do not view climate change as a political issue. The study’s findings suggest that this perception could influence voter priorities in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

Startups Keep Climate Projects Alive Amid Funding Cuts

Even as federal funds dry up, several innovative founders are finding ways to keep their climate projects operational. Examples include FutureBio, which aims to change the fact that only about 9% of plastic is recycled, and RainStick Shower, a Canadian company that seeks to save 80% of the water and energy used in a typical shower by recirculating sanitized water.

Sustainable Fashion and Urban Innovation

The Hurd Co. is working to move the fashion industry away from fast fashion toward sustainable fabrics. Meanwhile, Voltpost is creating electric‑vehicle charging stations on city lampposts to increase accessibility in urban areas.

Reusable Food Containers and Green Energy Tech

Dispatch Goods, founded in 2020, supplies reusable food containers that can be washed and redistributed. Switched Source offers technology that provides a less expensive fix for cities looking to boost their use of green energy.

Tallgrass Pipeline Captures Emissions

The Tallgrass pipeline has begun moving emissions from eleven ethanol plants in Nebraska and one in Iowa to a site in southeast Wyoming. There, the greenhouse gas will be buried 9,000 feet underground, marking a significant step in carbon capture.

Bill Gates Calls for a Strategic Pivot

Bill Gates has argued for a strategic pivot in the global climate fight, suggesting that the focus should shift from cutting emissions to preventing suffering caused by climate impacts.

La Niña Set to Influence Winter Weather

Scientists have confirmed that La Niña is officially here, warning that the winter months ahead will be affected by this weather pattern.

NFL Stadiums Lead in Sustainability

Several NFL stadiums across the United States are among the most sustainable sports venues worldwide, thanks to solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and on‑site composting and recycling programs.

Swiss Glaciers Shrink, Amazon Trees Grow

Swiss glaciers have shrunk 3% this year, the fourth‑largest annual retreat on record. In contrast, giant trees in the Amazon are getting taller and more numerous, as one of the study’s lead authors told NBC News, “We’re not seeing signs of them dying off,” adding, “They are increasing in size and number as well.”

U.S. Rivers Heat Up

A new analysis provides the first in‑depth study of riverine heat waves, showing that U.S. rivers are experiencing unprecedented and unexpectedly intense warming as the planet warms due to climate change.

Key Takeaways

• Climate‑fighting efforts remain insufficient, prompting calls for faster action.
• Startups across sectors—from plastic to fashion—are innovating to reduce environmental impact.
• Climate change perception may shape voter priorities ahead of the 2026 elections.

The breadth of climate challenges—from Olympic venues to rivers—highlights the urgency of coordinated action across all sectors of society.