The Fashion Industry and the Climate Crisis: A Denial of Reality?
Cathy Horyn’s Perspective
In a recent article in The Cut, fashion critic Cathy Horyn poses an important question: is the fashion industry in denial of the reality of the climate crisis, or is it merely paralyzed? The consensus among industry professionals seems to be that while there may be a shared fear of being “cancelled” for not addressing climate issues, there is a lack of visible action and urgency from fashion executives.
A Superficial Anxiety
Céline Semaan, a designer and climate activist, agrees that there exists an “undeniable collective anxiety” within the fashion industry. However, she argues that this anxiety only exists on the surface. Despite promises and good intentions, the overall trajectory of the fashion industry remains business as usual.
Transparency and Lack of Perspective
Semaan identifies two key issues plaguing the fashion industry’s response to the climate crisis. Firstly, there is a lack of transparency and clear data, making it difficult for businesses to understand the full extent of their environmental impact. Secondly, there is a lack of perspective, with industry stakeholders operating within narrow, goal-oriented frameworks that fail to grasp the complexity of the entire system. This tunnel vision approach leads to limited impact on the overall sustainability of the fashion industry.
The Need for Collaboration
Semaan highlights the importance of collaboration within the fashion industry to address the climate crisis effectively. However, she notes that non-profit organizations and institutions working towards sustainability, such as Fashion for Good and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, often fail to collaborate closely enough to solve problems. This lack of alignment and collaboration hinders progress towards shared climate goals.
Incentivizing Collaboration
The fashion industry is known for its fierce competitiveness, making collective agreement and collaboration a challenge. Semaan suggests that creating incentives for collaboration is crucial. She argues that by establishing clear milestones and shared goals, the industry can foster a sense of shared responsibility and encourage brands, producers, manufacturers, marketers, and executives to work together towards systemic change.
Measuring Impact and Financial Commitment
The Challenge of Measuring Impact
The fashion industry faces a significant challenge in measuring its environmental impact due to the lack of traceable data and agreement on sustainable standards. Without reliable data, it becomes difficult to assess the progress made towards reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability targets.
The Cost of Systemic Change
A report co-authored by Fashion for Good and the Apparel Impact Institute estimates that the fashion industry’s systemic change required to address the climate emergency would cost $1 trillion. This financial commitment must come from the biggest players in the industry, who need to collaborate and invest in solutions.
Funding Climate-Informed Solutions
Efforts to support innovation and decarbonization within the industry are already underway. Funds such as the Slow Factory Fund for Systemic Change and the Apparel Impact Institute’s Fashion Climate Fund are raising substantial amounts of money to invest in socially responsible climate justice solutions. These examples represent clear investments in a shared future, leveraging philanthropic and venture funding to accelerate climate innovation in fashion.
The Path Forward: Communication and Collaboration
Bridging Silos and Reflecting the Times
Semaan emphasizes the need for improved communication within the fashion industry. Brands and departments must bridge their silos and work together to address the multifaceted challenges of the climate crisis. By measuring impact, reflecting the times, and investing in sustainable practices, the industry can evolve towards a more environmentally conscious future.
A Call to Action
Ultimately, the fashion industry must overcome its superficial anxiety and take concrete action to address the climate crisis. It cannot afford to downplay sustainability or ignore the pressing need for systemic change. Collaboration, transparency, and a genuine commitment to reducing carbon emissions are necessary for the industry to transform itself into a force for positive environmental impact.
Editorial: Time to Walk the Talk
The fashion industry has long been criticized for its contribution to the climate crisis and its exploitation of human labor. While some progress has been made, it is clear that more needs to be done. It is not enough for brands to make empty promises and present a facade of sustainability. True transformation requires a holistic approach, collaboration among industry stakeholders, and a willingness to invest in innovative solutions. The time for action is now, and the fashion industry must walk the talk if it is to be a part of the solution rather than contributing to the problem.
Advice: Consumer Power and Conscious Choices
As consumers, we also hold significant power to drive change in the fashion industry. By making conscious choices and supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, we can send a strong message to the industry. Additionally, we can press for transparency and demand traceability in the supply chain, encouraging brands to be accountable for their environmental impact. By using our voices and wallets, we can contribute to the shift towards a more sustainable fashion industry.
<< photo by Tyler Casey >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
