From wildfires scorching everything west of the Rocky Mountains to rapidly rising sea levels threatening to engulf the eastern seaboard — it’s become increasingly clear to climate scientists, policymakers and observant people alike that climate change has begun affecting everyone, everywhere, in the here and now.

With a season-opening win in their pocket and a shortened week of classes wrapped up, the Rocky Mountains beckon. For the first time since 2012, the No. 2 Boston University men’s hockey team will...