Despite loud calls to make the fashion industry more sustainable—and ambitious commitments from brands—the sector's climate impact just hit record highs , jumping over 7 percent from the year prior.
After several years of flat—and even declining—environmental impact for the fashion industry, this sudden spike is a true wake-up call. Fashion's climate footprint already drives a significant portion of global warming, making up anywhere from 1.7 percent to 8 percent of the world's emissions, depending on how the industry's footprint is measured—whether that's production alone or the full supply chain from raw materials to end of life. As the sector expands, so does its impact, driving consequences that extend far beyond its supply chain. These increasing emissions have knock-on effects for