Boston, June 11, 2025 – Columbia Sportswear’s investors voted Thursday on a Green Century shareholder proposal requesting that the company set climate emissions reduction targets. The proposal received 7.9% of votes cast.
“Columbia would better serve its investors and bottom line by cutting its climate impact, like so many of its peers have done,” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. “Climate action is a priority for many of Columbia’s outdoorsy customers, so it should be a priority for Columbia.”
In 2020, the owner of several active lifestyle brands pledged to cut the climate footprint of its manufacturing by 30%, but the company quietly stopped reporting on its commitment in 2022. Columbia has not indicated that it will adopt a new goal to keep up with the 649 footwear and apparel companies that have agreed to or already set science-based emissions reduction targets as of May 2025.
Columbia falls behind its mission and peers
Without action, the footwear and apparel industry by 2050 could account for over a quarter of the global climate emissions necessary to limit warming to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. 2024 was the warmest year on record and scientists say climate change added 41 days of dangerous heat and worsened the severity of flooding.
Consumer concern about climate change is rising with the temperature. A PricewaterhouseCoopers survey found that more than 80% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods, and some would be willing to pay 9.7% more for goods that meet environmental standards. Nine out of ten Gen Zers born between 1996 and 2010 believe that companies have a responsibility to address environmental and social issues, according to a McKinsey study.
Columbia’s mission is to “unlock the outdoors for everyone.” Nevertheless, while Columbia stays silent on climate commitments, its competitors — including Patagonia, VF Corp*, and Brooks — have set climate emissions reduction goals that demonstrate they are working to protect the environment their customers value.
“Columbia wants to attract young, active consumers, yet it has backtracked on its ambition to protect the very outdoors they want to experience,” said Green Century Shareholder Advocate Giovanna Eichner. “The company could boost its reputation and competitive edge if it took further steps to protect Earth, not just use it in its advertising.”
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