A landmark report from the United Nations’ IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) warns the public of the immediate consequences, saying we have 12 years to limit the climate change catastrophe. This ultimately requires transforming the world economy at a speed and scale.
The authors argue that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, the atmosphere will warm up by as much as 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) above preindustrial levels by 2040, inundating coastlines and intensifying droughts and poverty.
With the global apparel and footwear industries being one of the most polluting industries in the world - reportedly accounting for an estimated 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions (almost as much as the total climate impact of the European Union!) - this report is a big wake up call for the industry.
This month, Members of the UK Parliament have also recognised the huge environmental footprint of the fashion industry, having written to the UK's top fashion bosses asking how they can maintain the £28bn benefit their industry brings to the UK economy while reducing their environmental footprint.
Redress sees this news as an opportunity - with innovation in the industry at an all time high and many of the technology and solutions already in existence that could be applied to make positive change. It’s time for those companies that are lagging behind on their sustainability progress to step up their game. Read about some of the innovations here.