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Fashion Revolution signs the UN Fashion Charter for Climate Action for Earth Day

Lauretta Roberts
22 April 2019

Fashion Revolution has announced today that it has joined the UNFCCC’s Fashion for Global Climate Action initiative as a signatory to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, marking Earth Day and the start of Fashion Revolution Week 2019 (22–28 April).

The Fashion for Global Climate Action initiative calls on the fashion industry to acknowledge the contribution of the sector to climate change and to recognise its responsibility to strive towards "climate neutrality".

Fashion Revolution, which is a UK-based global movement that works for a more sustainable fashion industry, said the signing of the initiative signalled the start of "a greater global campaigning focus on educating the public about the devastating impact of the fashion industry on global warming, and offering positive actions we can all take to reduce the carbon footprint of our clothes".

“Through collective action and bold leadership, we have the power to make this fast and drastic transformation. By signing the Charter, we have demonstrated our commitment to playing our part to ensure the fashion sector is on the path to a low-carbon future," said Carry Somers, Fashion Revolution co-founder and Global Operations Director.

Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro

The movement has also declared a "Climate and Ecological Emergency" on the first day of its annual Fashion Revolution Week. Throughout this week, more than 275m people are expected to take part in the campaign by asking brands #whomademyclothes.

In addition more than 100 events will be held in more than 100 countries around the world, from catwalks and clothes swaps, to film screenings, panel discussions, creative stunts, open studios and workshops.

“Every time we buy, wear and dispose of clothes, we create an environmental footprint and an impact on the people who make them, most of whom are women. That’s why positive change is more urgent than ever if we are to tackle climate change and create a more equitable future for all,” Somers added.

The organisation pointed out that the global textiles industry is one of the most harmful in relation to toll it takes on the planet. Global textiles production emits 1.2bn tonnes of greenhouse gases annually – more than that of international flights and maritime shipping combined.

During Fashion Revolution Week encourage people to recognize their own personal impact and value quality over quantity. It will also "demand a change in culture where we nurture dignity in work because we cannot afford to live in a world where our clothes destroy the environment, harm or exploit people and reinforce gender inequality".

It added that it hoped its commitment would inspire citizens and governments to raise their climate ambition in a united effort to limit global warming to 1.5oC.

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