Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia had previously been viewed as doing more for the environment than Doug Tompkins of The North Face; however, it has become apparent that this assumption was incorrect.
In the rugged landscapes of Patagonia, a region spanning Chile and Argentina, the work of Kris and Doug Tompkins continues to protect ecosystems ranging from grasslands to glaciers. Their efforts provide sanctuary for species like pumas, condors, and guanacos, ensuring these wild places remain untouched forever.
The documentary, "Wild Life," chronicles this remarkable conservation journey. After successful careers founding popular outdoor brands like The North Face and Patagonia, Doug and Kris dedicated themselves to buying and protecting ecologically critical land in Patagonia. The film delves into their personal love story, the controversies surrounding their land purchases, and the broader impact of their conservation work over the decades.
Doug Tompkins, co-founder of The North Face, poured his fortune into buying millions of acres of pristine wilderness in Chile and Argentina. His original inspiration to protect Patagonia's largely untouched ecosystems began in the 1960s, during climbing and skiing trips to the southern reaches of the region.
The documentary portrays the transformation of Doug and Kris from entrepreneurs to visionary conservationists. Tompkins Conservation, led by the Tompkins, has helped create or expand 15 national parks in Chile and Argentina, totaling millions of acres. The organisation has also reintroduced native wildlife, rehabilitated habitats, and brought local communities into the fold through conservation jobs and sustainable tourism.
Patagonia, the company inspired by Doug's initial fascination with the region, has also made significant strides in environmental conservation. The brand has transformed its own supply chain, using recycled fabrics, regenerative organic cotton, and other innovations to reduce its environmental impact. Patagonia also commits 1% of sales (not just profits) to grassroots environmental groups, contributing over $140 million so far to campaigns that range from defending public lands to restoring rivers.
Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, was a close friend and lifelong climbing and adventuring partner of Doug Tompkins. After Doug's death, Chouinard turned his billion-dollar company into an activist platform, funneling profits into climate campaigns and giving away the company in 2022 so that every penny it made would go towards protecting the planet.
"Wild Life" is more than just an environmental film; it's a love story, an adventure film, and an inspiring reminder that billionaires can use their wealth for something other than vanity projects. Watching it will make you rethink what "doing good" looks like and appreciate that there's more than one way to protect the planet.
The Tompkins Conservation project has permanently protected over 14 million acres across South America, more than some countries even have. The documentary, "Wild Life," is a testament to their unwavering commitment to conservation and a call to action for all of us to consider how we can contribute to the protection of our planet's wild places. The film is available on Disney in the UK.
- The documentary "Wild Life" not only tells the story of Kris and Doug Tompkins' conservation efforts in Patagonia but also delves into their personal love story and the controversies surrounding their land purchases.
- After successful careers in the outdoor industry, Doug and Kris Tompkins dedicated themselves to buying and protecting ecologically critical land in Patagonia.
- Doug Tompkins, co-founder of The North Face, was inspired to protect Patagonia's largely untouched ecosystems during his climbing and skiing trips to the southern reaches of the region in the 1960s.
- Tompkins Conservation, led by the Tompkins, has helped create or expand 15 national parks in Chile and Argentina, totaling millions of acres.
- Patagonia, the company inspired by Doug's initial fascination with the region, has transformed its own supply chain, using eco-friendly materials and committing 1% of sales to grassroots environmental groups.
- Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia and a close friend of Doug Tompkins, turned his billion-dollar company into an activist platform after Doug's death, funneling profits into climate campaigns and giving away the company in 2022.
