(POLAND)
Some of the world’s biggest brands, retailers and organisations have come together at COP24 today to launch the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
The signatories have pledged to progress 16 principles and targets outlined in the charter, including the selecting of ‘climate friendly and sustainable materials, using low-carbon transport, and exploring circular business models’.
“Climate change is undoubtedly one of, if not, the biggest challenge of our lifetime. It is and will affect everyone on this planet and our future,” said designer Stella McCartney. “This is why I am proud to be a signatory of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. I want to call on my peers in the business, from other brands to retailers and suppliers, to sign up to this charter now and take the necessary actions to address the reality of the issue of climate change in their business and value chains. Collectively we have a voice and the capacity to make a difference.”
The charter sets out a vision of an industry responsible for net zero emissions by 2050, with the signatories committed to slashing their ‘aggregate greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030’.
“The fashion industry is always two steps ahead when it comes to defining world culture, so I am pleased to see it now also leading the way in terms of climate action,” added UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa. “I congratulate the signatories of this important charter, which represents a unique commitment and collaboration from an array of fashion leaders. The Charter, like the renowned fashion runways of the world, sets an example that I hope others will follow.”
H&M Group, adidas, Hugo Boss, Levi Strauss & Co., PUMA SE, Stella McCartney, Target and Tropic Knits Group are among the founding signatories of an initiative that is open to any engaged in the fashion industry, at any point in the supply chain. Working groups will be convened by the UN Climate Change in the new year to drive forward the ambitions enshrined in the charter.
