The Role of Climate Justice in Fashion: A Deep Dive

Climate justice is a term that has gained prominence in recent years, as we grapple with the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on marginalised communities. But what does climate justice mean in the context of the fashion industry? In this article, we will explore the intersection of fashion and climate justice, uncovering the ways in which the fashion industry impacts climate justice and how individuals can take action to avoid climate injustice in their daily lives.

Understanding Climate Justice

Before we delve into the relationship between fashion and climate justice, let’s start by briefly understanding what climate justice entails. Climate justice is a concept that recognises the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly those in low-income countries and marginalised groups. Climate change, with its rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns, exacerbates existing inequalities and injustices. It worsens poverty, displaces communities, and threatens livelihoods. Climate Justice calls for equitable and fair solutions to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges brought about by climate change. 

Many environmental advocates concentrate their efforts primarily on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, often overlooking the vital aspect of climate justice. Ignoring climate justice sidelines those most vulnerable to its effects, hindering efforts to achieve meaningful and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Thus, a comprehensive approach to environmental activism must incorporate principles of justice and equity to ensure a sustainable and just future for all.

The Intersection of Fashion and Climate Justice

How the Fashion Industry Affects Climate Justice

One of the most glaring examples of climate injustice is the rise of fast fashion. Fast fashion refers to the production of cheap, disposable clothing at a rapid pace. It is characterised by quick-turnaround production, low-quality materials, and exploitative labour practices. The fast fashion model encourages overconsumption and contributes to a culture of disposability, where clothes are bought and discarded at an alarming rate. This industry is known for its fast-paced production and consumption cycles, often at the expense of the environment and vulnerable communities.

From raw material extraction to manufacturing, transportation, and disposal, every stage of the fashion supply chain has an ecological footprint. The industry’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, water-intensive processes, and chemical-intensive production methods contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and resource depletion. Additionally, the disposal of fast fashion items often leads to environmental degradation, as these garments end up in landfills or are incinerated, releasing harmful pollutants into the air and soil. Furthermore, the fashion industry often exploits workers in low-wage countries, where labour and environmental regulations are lax. Many garment workers endure unsafe working conditions, long hours, and unfair wages. These workers are typically from marginalised communities, making them more susceptible to the impacts of climate change and less equipped to adapt.

Culturally Relevant Examples of Climate Injustice in Fashion

To shed light on the real-world implications of climate injustice in fashion, let’s take a look at some culturally relevant examples. A major example is of the Uyghur forced labour used for the production of fast and even luxury fashion clothing, a human rights disaster in which even the EU is complicit. We explore this in detail in our article about slavery in the clothing industry. Another example relevant to the pop-culture movement is the Barbie movie. Despite its message of equality and equity, the resulting craze caused a staggering increase in fast-fashion purchases, negatively affecting the garment workers at the first stages of the supply chain. This is besides the indirect effects of the massive churn of fast-fashion pink that piled up in landfills once the craze was over. This is just a small example of the effect of fast-paced fashion trends on climate change and climate justice. 

Another outlook on Climate Justice could be the effect of Fast Fashion’s exploitation of cultural heritage, worsening the disparities between the Global North and South, which puts climate justice in a completely different light. You can explore this in detail in our article about protecting cultural heritage.

These example serves as a reminder that climate injustice can often go unnoticed in our daily lives. It is essential to recognise how seemingly innocuous choices, such as supporting a movie or purchasing fast fashion items, can have far-reaching environmental and social consequences.

Taking Action: Consumption and Climate Justice

As consumers, we have the power to drive change through our purchasing decisions. When it comes to shopping consciously, awareness is the first step towards change. By recognising the signs of climate injustice in fashion, individuals can make informed choices and support brands that align with their values. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Educate yourself: Stay informed about more sustainable fashion practices and the impact of your choices. Read labels, research brands, and familiarise yourself with certifications. Look for transparency, brands that openly share information about their supply chains, production processes, labour practices, and environmental impact are more likely to be committed to sustainability. You can start with reading our article detailing sustainability-related jargon to get you started on your educational journey.

• Shop consciously: Opt for quality over quantity. Choose garments that are durable, timeless, and made from sustainable materials. Invest in well-made garments that will last longer and withstand the test of time. Choose natural and organic materials when possible, as they are more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. Consider second-hand or vintage options, as they reduce the demand for new production.

• Consider the entire lifecycle: Evaluate a brand’s commitment to sustainability beyond the production stage. Look for initiatives like take-back programs, recycling options, or partnerships with organisations that promote circular economy practices. Take care of your garments by following proper care instructions, repairing them when needed, and donating or selling items you no longer wear. This reduces waste and extends the life of your clothes.

Empowering Change: How Individuals Can Make a Difference

While systemic change is necessary, individual actions can also contribute to climate justice. Here are some actions individuals can take:

• Advocacy: Share knowledge and engage in dialogue with friends, family, and colleagues about the intersection of fashion and climate justice. Use social media platforms, blogs, or community events to spread awareness and promote more sustainable fashion practices. Support campaigns advocating for climate justice, as well as local initiatives promoting sustainable practices such as clothing swaps, repair workshops, etc.

• Reduce carbon footprint: Adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by minimising energy consumption, using public transportation, shopping consciously, reducing waste, and embracing renewable energy sources.

• Vote with your wallet with COSH!: Support local shops and entrepreneurs that prioritise sustainability and climate justice. Use your purchasing power to demand change and hold companies accountable for their actions.
  Discover more sustainable and ethical shops and create your own COSH! shopping route.

By taking individual action and advocating for change, we can empower ourselves and others to build a more sustainable and just future. Remember, climate justice is not just about the fashion industry; it encompasses all aspects of our lives. By making conscious choices, spreading awareness, and demanding transparency, we can collectively contribute to climate justice and create a more equitable world.

Call to Action

While individuals play a crucial role in promoting climate justice, systemic change is needed to address the root causes of climate injustice in the fashion industry. One key aspect of this change is the need for greater transparency. By demanding transparency from fashion brands, we can hold them accountable for their environmental and social impact.

Transparency means that brands openly share information about their supply chains, manufacturing processes, and labour practices. It allows consumers to make informed choices and support brands aligned with their values. Additionally, transparency enables stakeholders to assess a brand’s social and environmental performance, fostering trust and accountability.

As consumers, we can demand greater transparency by asking brands questions about their practices and advocating for stricter regulations and industry standards. By promoting transparency in the fashion industry, we can work towards a future where climate justice is upheld, workers are treated fairly, and the environment is protected. Let’s embrace the power we have as consumers and individuals to create meaningful change and work towards a world where climate justice prevails.