Four senior Chinese officials have been dismissed following a controversial fireworks display in the Himalayan Mountains, which sparked environmental concerns. The event, staged by pyrotechnic artist Cai Guo-Qiang in collaboration with Canadian outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx, resulted in calls for a consumer boycott. The stunt disturbed wild animals, melted snow on the mountain caps, and left behind remnants of plastic debris across about 74 acres of grassland. The four officials who were fired include the area’s Communist Party secretary, its public security chief, and two senior members of local environmental agencies. Cai, who also helped organize the fireworks display at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony, said he would assist the authorities with their cleanup efforts. Arc’teryx, which claimed the show was intended to promote mountain culture, conceded it was “out of line” with the brand’s values and would work with authorities to assess the environmental impact of the stunt. The incident severely damaged its conservation-focused image and led to widespread calls for a boycott.
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