ASB MAGAZINE: Patagonia has been named a UN Champion of the Earth, receiving the UN’s top environmental honor for a dynamic mix of policies that has put sustainability at the heart of its successful business model. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognized Patagonia in the entrepreneurial vision category.
“Through its commitment to sustainability and engagement with today’s most pressing environmental issues, Patagonia offers a perfect example of how the private sector can join the battle against climate change, biodiversity loss and other threats to human and planetary health,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme.
“Patagonia shows that sustainability makes economic sense and the company’s success reveals a desire among consumers to see businesses take a leading role in tackling climate change and environmental degradation. Patagonia shows that it can be done, and done well,” she said.
“We are honored to receive this award from the United Nations and we hope it will inspire other companies by showing that you can have a prosperous business and also do good in the world. In fact, that is the only way to ensure your own survival and the survival of the planet,” said Rose Marcario, Chief Executive Officer of Patagonia.
“I have been encouraged to see many businesses recognize that capitalism needs to evolve if we are to have a healthy planet. And I am even more encouraged and inspired by the young activists calling for climate action. We all need to step up and invest in solutions and fight the fight of our lives to save our home planet.” she said.
Champions of the Earth is the United Nations’ flagship global environmental award. It was established by the UN Environment Programme in 2005 to celebrate outstanding figures whose actions have had a transformative positive impact on the environment. From world leaders to environmental defenders and technology inventors, the awards recognize trailblazers who are working to protect our planet for the next generation.
Patagonia is among five winners this year. The other categories are policy leadership; inspiration and action; and science and innovation. The 2019 laureates will be honored at a gala ceremony in New York on 26 September during the 74th UN General Assembly. Also honored at the event will be seven environmental trailblazers between the ages of 18 and 30, who will take home the coveted Young Champions of the Earth prize.
Previous laureates in the entrepreneurial vision category include India’s Cochin International Airport, the world’s first solar power airport (2018); Paul Polman, the former Chief Executive Officer of Unilever (2015); and the U.S. Green Building Council, a private not-for-profit organization that is transforming buildings across the world (2014).
About the UN Environment Programme
The UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
About Weibo
The Champions of the Earth are organised in partnership with Weibo – China’s leading social media outlet for people to create, share and discover content online. Weibo has over 486 million monthly active users.
About Champions of the Earth
The annual Champions of the Earth prize is awarded to outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector whose actions have had a positive impact on the environment. Since 2005, Champions of the Earth has recognized 88 laureates, ranging from world leaders to technology inventors. Visit the website.
