In a recent incident, Canadian outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx faced sharp backlash for staging a firework show in the Tibet.
The brand, in collaboration with a Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, performed a high-altitude pyrotechnic show that ignited not only the skies over Shigatse but also debates over environmental damage and cultural sensitivity.
The ‘Rising Dragon’ performance involved long stretches of choreographed fireworks and clouds of colored smoke along snow-capped Himalayan ridgelines.
While designed as a dramatic promotional event, the display quickly drew criticisms online. Many netizens questioned both its aesthetics and its environmental impact.
“It doesn’t even look beautiful,” one user wrote, while another warned that “the shock is estimated to kill a lot of small animals.” Others criticized the brand’s price tag, with one post reading, “The clothes are quite expensive.” Another comment read “Let’s be more thoughtful in future.”
Accusations of cultural imperialism also surfaced noting that the event took place in a region where Chinese activities are already a source of tension. For many Tibetans and environmental advocates, the fireworks represented yet another example of outside forces imposing themselves on a fragile ecosystem and culture.
In response, Arc’teryx issued an apology, stating that only biodegradable, environmentally friendly materials were used, and that wildlife had been coaxed away using salt bricks.
Tibet, which is often described as the Third Pole, is experiencing climate warming twice the global average, putting major rivers and livelihood downstream at risk.
Dams across Tibetan rivers have drawn repeated criticism from environmentalists, especially the recent project on Yarlung Zangbo, which has raised concerns from the neighbouring countries as well.
The firework show, though centered on a single event, reflects deeper concerns. As China grapples with balancing economic growth, cultural sensitivities, and environmental issues, even a seemingly artistic display can trigger global debates.
