The majority of the clothing’s environmental footprint occurs in the supply chain, from raw material production to garment manufacturing.
During this year's COP 26, Countries are expected to declare plans to cut emissions, and industries ranging from technology to fashion are being called upon to show up with something to offer, as spectators push for more specificity than they’ve seen in the past from both the public and private sectors.
A brand’s material choice alone for instance is responsible for over half its total emissions.
This then calls for brands to work with their suppliers hand in hand to reduce the footprint of their own items and take steps like investing in renewable energy and improving on wastewater treatment.
Meanwhile, suppliers lag in investing in such developments since brands are not willing to pay more for the benefit of buying from more sustainable factories.
Advocates want to see more effort from the fashion world.
There is a need for fashion to move away from fossil fuels as their feedstock.
Shipping is also estimated to account for almost three per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions today, and it is estimated by 2050, the numbers could rise to 17 per cent according to the clean transport campaign group.
Then it is here that policymakers come in and there is a need to engage them to monitor what happens in supply chain countries.
Brands should engage with the government to remove obstacles in the way of reducing their emissions.
The government as well should have an open mind while engaging with them.
The Fashion Charter on Climate Action, formed in 2018 to support the goals of the Paris Agreement, is expected to release a new or updated commitment, and brands and designers including Stella McCartney will have a presence.
According to a UN report released Tuesday. Fashion has a chance to use its influence for the good of the planet, say advocates; it also cannot achieve its own targets if policymakers do not get serious.
Edited by D Tarus
