09 October 2020

‘Fashion on Climate’ Report

The fashion industry is shifting at a remarkable pace where demands are accelerated by the consumer for accountability, care of raw materials and social responsibility. The designers and brands are ever-evolving to adapt to new realities while staying resilient and creative at all times.

On the other hand, fear of uncertainty and financial constraints are looming after the pandemic and added demand to manage the global climate crisis could lead the industry into a turmoil. However, small efforts now can contribute to achieving long term goals and eliminate eco-anxiety while staying relevant to the industry.

According to the recently published McKinsey’s report, Fashion on Climate, the fashion industry is far behind on meeting its own agenda to reduce greenhouse gases and restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2030.

“To reach the 1.5-degree pathway, the industry would need to intensify its abatement actions and scale up existing decarbonization efforts to reduce annual emissions to around 1.1 billion metric tons in 2030, roughly half of today’s figure.

Some 60 percent of the additional emission reduction under this accelerated abatement scenario could be achieved in upstream operations, through initiatives such as energy-efficiency improvements and a transition to renewable energy, with support from brands and retailers.

Another 18 percent of emissions could be saved through operational improvements by fashion brands, and a further 21 percent through changes in consumer behaviour. Together, these efforts could reshape the fashion landscape.” Fashion on Climate, McKinsey Report 2020

The report highlights three key priorities for industry participants.

1. Reducing emissions from upstream operations
2. Reducing emissions from brands’ own operations
3. Encouraging sustainable consumer behaviour

You can read the full text here.