The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC highlights the urgency and scale of action required to keep the planet safe. On the brink of dangerous climate change, immediate action is required for the fashion sector too, to be aligned with the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and move towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

UN Climate Change has initiated a broader climate action work program, convening fashion stakeholders to develop a coherent, unified position on climate. The work program aims to connect the diverse stakeholders in the fashion industry, including raw material producers, textile producers, apparel manufacturers and brands, to identify new areas for action and to scale up existing initiatives that connect the value chain.

Meetings among fashion industry representatives convened by UN Climate Change have revealed a consensus that a concerted effort from across the sector could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and could put the fashion industry on track to implement the goals of Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UN Climate Change intends to complement with a clear focus on climate the work of existing environment and sustainability related initiatives in the fashion sector. It will do this by facilitating information sharing, collaboration and coordination through inclusive partnerships built on principles, values and shared goals. 

Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action

In 2018, fashion stakeholders, under the auspices of UN Climate Change, worked to identify ways in which the broader textile, clothing and fashion industry can move towards an holistic commitment to climate action. They created the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, containing the vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.