Starbucks is rolling out Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, and it reveals how climate change and a fundamental shift in the chain's strategy are transforming the menu

The PSL had its earliest official launch ever this year. With the autumnal drink hitting menus the Tuesday before Labor Day, it makes sense that Starbucks would add a chilled version to the menu.

Starbucks has been letting customers add pumpkin spice syrup to cold brew and iced coffees for years. Now that the chain seems to be committed to launching the PSL before Labor Day, it makes sense that the drink would get officially added to the menu.

According to NASA data, 18 of the 19 warmest years in global history have occurred since 2001.

July 2019 was the hottest month in recorded history, according to data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The average temperature in Newark, New Jersey, the week of September 1 in 2011 was 73 degrees Fahrenheit. In 2018, the average temperature the week of September 1 was 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

A hotter end of summer and early fall makes a chilled version of the PSL even more compelling. So, the arrival of the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew makes complete sense.