Fashion Industry's Leadership at COP24

The fashion industry was on hand at COP24 and they are working to transform the industry from an environmental Luddite to and environmental leader. The industry has a well earned reputation for being environmentally destructive. Despite valient attempts from some clothing manufacturers to clean up their act, the industry is often wasteful and highly polluting.

The fashion industry, especially fast fashion, is among the dirtiest industries on earth. Dozens of fashion brands came together at COP24, in Katowice Poland to sign a Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action under the auspices of the UN Climate Change Convention secretariat, UNFCCC. This document is aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement and is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.

Signatories include Adidas, Burberry, Esprit, Guess, Gap, Hugo Boss, H&M, Levi Strauss & Co., Puma, Inditex – which owns brands like Zara and Bershka, as well as retailer Target.

Many fashion brands are already sourcing environmentally sustainable materials. They are supporting low-carbon transport while raising consumer awareness. These brands are looking at scalable solutions through resource and political mobilization. They are also exploring ways of extending the life expectancy of their products as well as recycling.

“I congratulate the signatories of this important charter, which represents a unique commitment and collaboration from an array of fashion leaders. The Charter, like the renowned fashion runways of the world, sets an example that I hope others will follow,” said UNFCCC chief Patricia Espinosa.