Yvon Chouinard, the founder of outdoor apparel company Patagonia, has established a significant legacy as both an environmentalist and a businessman. Since founding Patagonia in 1973, Chouinard transformed the company into a leading brand in outdoor recreation clothing, while also making a substantial impact in the fight against climate change.

In a groundbreaking move in 2022, Chouinard donated all of Patagonia’s investing stock to a trust, retaining control only over the company’s voting stock. This trust was created to ensure that future profits are directed toward addressing the climate crisis. Since its establishment, the trust has allocated over $71 million to environmental initiatives, including campaigns aimed at mobilizing Patagonia’s customer base to support climate-focused candidates in elections at both local and national levels.

Chouinard’s commitment to environmental stewardship dates back decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, he gained recognition as a prominent mountain and ice climber in Europe and the United States. Early in his career, Chouinard manufactured steel pitons used by climbers. After realizing that these pitons were damaging rock formations in Yosemite National Park, he pioneered what came to be known as “clean climbing” by switching the material to aluminium to reduce environmental harm.

At 87 years old, Chouinard continues to be an active advocate for environmental causes. In recent appearances, he has criticized corporations for their insufficient efforts to mitigate environmental degradation and combat climate change. Through both his business practices and philanthropic efforts, Chouinard remains a notable figure in the intersection of commerce and ecological activism.