“A fireworks show in the Himalayas, organized by the outdoor brand Arc’teryx last month, has sparked controversy for allegedly damaging the natural ecosystem, leading Chinese authorities to punish the officials involved. Arc’teryx has been held responsible for compensating for the environmental damage.”
“According to China’s state-owned English newspaper Global Times and Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Chinese authorities announced the findings of their investigation into the fireworks display held on September 19 in Tibet’s Himalayan region of Rikaze City, Jiangzi County. The investigation found that while the concentration of pollutants in the water and air did not exceed standards after the fireworks, more than 30 hectares of grassland were affected by the movement of vehicles and people involved in the event.”
“The fireworks were set off at an altitude of 4,670 to 5,020 meters, and the combustion time lasted about 52 seconds. Although the actual duration of the event was short, the remnants of the fireworks and plastic fragments were not properly collected afterward. Additionally, the strong light and loud noise from the fireworks likely startled wildlife.”
“It was revealed that the event was conducted without sufficient review and written approval from the relevant authorities. The report pointed out that the fireworks act constituted an artificial disturbance conducted in an ecologically sensitive area. Based on the investigation results, authorities have dismissed Jiangzi County party secretary Chen Hao, and Li Jiping, the deputy county head and public security director, while investigating multiple other officials. A total of 10 individuals were targeted for disciplinary action, with four being dismissed, according to SCMP.”
“Cai Guochang Studio, which planned and oversaw the fireworks event, is also under investigation. Additionally, Arc’teryx has been held accountable for compensating for and restoring ecological damage in accordance with the law. The exact amount of the compensation costs has not been disclosed.”