Declaring a climate and ecological emergency, Fashion Revolution, a UK-based global movement, joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) Fashion for Global Climate Action initiative on April 22, Earth Day, as a signatory to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, marking the start of Fashion Revolution Week 2019.
As of April 2019, the movement has counted 180 brands across 75 companies and parent groups that are disclosing at least some of the facilities manufacturing their clothes. The movement involves designers, academics, writers, business leaders, policymakers, brands, retailers, marketers, producers, workers and fashion lovers.
The science is clear, climate breakdown is happening fast – and the fashion system is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, pollution, water contamination, mass extinction and so many other elements that hinder a healthy planet. The organisation pledged to do its part to address fashion’s footprint in the fast-happening climate breakdown, both in the way clothing is produced, and the collective fashion consumption patterns of its members, according to Fashion Revolution.
The Fashion for Global Climate Action initiative calls on the fashion industry to acknowledge the contribution of the sector to climate change and our responsibility to strive towards climate neutrality for a safer planet. “By signing the Charter, we have demonstrated our commitment to playing our part to ensure the fashion sector is on the path to a low-carbon future,” Carry Somers, Fashion Revolution Co-Founder and Global Operations Director, said.
This year, the Fashion Revolution Week is highlighting how the future fashion industry must respect both people and planet with fair and decent work, environmental protection and gender equality. From Australia to Brazil, Uruguay to Vietnam, more than 275 mn people are expected to take part in the campaign by asking brands #whomademyclothes.
Over 100 events, including catwalks, clothes swaps, film screenings, panel discussions, creative stunts and workshops, will be held in more than 100 countries. The fashion and textiles industry is increasingly taking an untenable toll on the environment. Global textiles production emits 1.2 bn tonne of greenhouse gases annually–more than that of international flights and maritime shipping combined.
