Overview

• Arc’teryx and artist Cai Guo‑qiang staged the 'Ascending/Rising Dragon' fireworks on Sep 19 at about 5,500 meters in Shigatse, Tibet, drawing widespread criticism over environmental risks to the fragile plateau.
• Shigatse authorities announced an official probe and dispatched an investigative team, after a county official had earlier said no environmental review was required because 'eco‑friendly' materials were used.
• Arc’teryx and Cai issued public apologies and removed the video; the company said it will commission third‑party environmental assessments and keep a local team on-site to evaluate and remediate any harm.
• Chief executive Stuart Haselden told WWD the brand is accountable, has staff on the ground, will take whatever corrective measures are necessary, and postponed a Climate Week event tied to its sustainability program.
• State media and the China Advertising Association criticized the stunt and noted discrepancies between Arc’teryx’s English and Chinese statements, as experts questioned biodegradability at high altitude and reports cited a 52‑second display using 1,050 pots.