REI Statement on Paris Climate Agreement
Jun 1, 2017
For everyone with a deep love for our lands and waters, today is a sad day. To see the United States formally step away from playing a leadership role in the world on the subject of protecting our environment is deeply disappointing. Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement is a step back for the outdoors, for our nation and for our shared future. It is impossible to understand any logic that claims that pursuing clean air, water and land – protecting our environment – is somehow not in the best interest of the United States.
We hope and believe that as a people we will persist in doing the right thing for all future generations. We all must rise to the occasion and hold ourselves, our businesses and our government officials accountable to protect our environment. The co-op remains committed to pushing, and fighting, for environmental stewardship within our own operations, across the outdoor industry, in the communities where we work and through proactive engagement with our elected officials.
About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.