Urgent Call to Action: Apparel Industry’s Role in Combating Climate Change and Reducing Carbon Emissions

Commentary | Timely action on climate change from the fashion sector could prevent larger issues

As the textile and clothing sector is on the brink of a significant increase in emissions, it's crucial for brands and suppliers to accelerate their initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.

Executives in the worldwide fashion, footwear, textile, and related industries need to take the lead in preserving our planet's livability. The truth is, businesses cannot flourish if the communities and environments they operate in are not also prospering. The interconnectedness of commerce, society, and the environment is evident, and it's an unmistakable call to act.

During the initial stages of my profession, I personally experienced the consequences of my procurement choices at different organizations, including VF Corporation, Reebok, and Li & Fung. This motivated me to alter my path and support the work that creates impact.

The progress in our sector isn't as rapid or extensive as it should be. The Apparel Impact Institute reports that the sector's greenhouse gas emissions are projected to increase by 40% come 2030, going beyond 1.2 metric gigatons.

That's positive, yet insufficient. We need to not only reduce the carbon emissions of the consumer goods industry, but also drastically speed up their decline to meet the needs of us, our planet, and future generations. This can only be achieved through targeted, strategic efforts, not just by individual brands, manufacturers, and suppliers "doing more". With time running out, it's crucial that we focus on collective action where it will have the greatest impact.