Boston, September 9, 2025 – Four months after Under Armour reneged on its 2021 pledge to “tackle climate change”, 2.3% of voting investors supported a Green Century shareholder proposal urging the sportswear company to do better. The shareholders are calling on Under Armour to publish a roadmap detailing how it can meet its previously stated climate commitments and to establish milestones that it can achieve along the way.
“Under Armour has taken two steps backwards when investors need it to meaningfully address climate risk, and protect long-term shareholder value,” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. “Under Armour should reinstate its prior plan to tackle climate change, and update that strategy with measurables, so shareholders and the general public can see and applaud any accomplishments.”
In its 2021 plan, Under Armour announced goals to reduce its climate emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The company retracted those goals this year, citing a need to reassess its emissions strategy and targets. Under Armour has yet to provide a timeline or details on the reassessment of its plans to address climate change.
Addressing the apparel industry’s contribution to climate crisis
Footwear and apparel companies play a key role in driving climate change. The industry’s emissions are expected to grow by about 30% by 2030 unless it takes mitigative action. As the effects of a warming climate – from worsening wildfires to more frequent power outages– increasingly impact people, the industry’s climate footprint is attracting concern.
In recent years, several state legislatures have introduced bills requiring fashion companies to disclose their emissions. McKinsey’s 2024 State of Fashion report found that 87% of fashion executives believe sustainability regulations will affect their business this year.
Under Armour quits the team
Almost 700 footwear and apparel companies have agreed to or already set science-based emissions reduction targets as of August 2025. Many of these same companies have also signed the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, thereby committing to maintaining and achieving those goals through industry-wide collaboration.
Under Armour’s call to “Protect This House” used to align with its message to conserve the mountains and trails that many of its customers exercise on. Ignoring that is bad business at a time when a growing number of athletes are concerned about climate change. The company’s unforced errors are putting it at a competitive disadvantage against rivals such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma. All of those companies have set science-based emissions reduction targets and created climate action plans to limit the increase in hotter days and worse air quality.
“When it comes to taking steps to decrease carbon pollution, Under Armour is not being a team player, ” said Giovanna Eichner, shareholder advocate at Green Century. “The company risks losing its good reputation and customers’ money as its competitors do a better job at protecting our house.”
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