According to scientists, the main cause of climate change is the excess greenhouse gas emissions caused by the consumption of fossil fuels. This effect is exacerbated by other factors such as deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion.
And how does fashion impact climate change?
Fashion is a major consumer of energy. The production of fibres, fabrics, dyeing processes, transport, and distribution of fashion products requires an enormous amount of energy. This energy mainly originated from fossil fuels.
Fashion also consumes a lot of petroleum-based materials and substances: chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides used in the production of cotton, dyes,…, and synthetic materials made from petroleum (nylon, polyester, synthetic rubber). The extraction of petrol is also very energy-intensive.
In addition, certain practices used to produce certain fabrics contribute to deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion. (see relevant sections).
To fight climate change, many urgent actions need to be taken by citizens, brands, and governments.
We need to stop overproduction and overconsumption of clothing, use renewable energy, change intensive and destructive agricultural production methods, favor recycled fibres, and avoid synthetic fibres and chemicals.
Copy: SANE Photo: Daria Shevtsova