In the world of fashion, climate change poses unprecedented challenges, particularly for workers and supply chains in developing nations. The recent episode of The Business of Fashion (BoF) Podcast titled “What Happens When It’s Too Hot to Make Fashion?” highlights the pressing realities faced by an industry reliant on global supply chains which are now significantly impacted by extreme weather conditions.
As extreme heat becomes more common, countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India have reported some of the hottest temperatures on record. This poses not just a threat to the environment but also to the health and productivity of garment workers in these regions. As noted in the podcast, data from the US National Centers for Environmental Information shows that Africa, Asia, and Europe recorded their highest July temperatures since global records began, leading to workplace shutdowns and school closures. These alarming trends raise critical questions about the sustainability of global fashion systems.
To further explore these issues, BoF sustainability correspondent Sarah Kent assembled a panel of experts. Among them, Laurie Parsons from the University of London discussed the interconnectedness of climate change and the garment sector. “What’s at stake is the productivity of the industry, the health of the workers, and the reputation of the industry,” Parsons cautioned. This highlights a looming crisis in which the industry’s neglect could lead to severe disruptions.
Beto Bina, CEO of supply chain consultancy FarFarm, shared insights on how addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. He emphasized the importance of viewing the supply chain as an ecosystem. “You can be philanthropic, you can bring in public policies. It’s a job for innovation, for marketing, for sustainability,” Bina explained. The integration of various expertise will be crucial in developing innovative projects that can create a new, resilient supply chain that benefits all stakeholders.
However, until now, much of the sustainability dialogue in the fashion industry has focused disproportionately on reducing carbon emissions. While these initiatives are essential, they often overlook the immediate effects climate change has on workers. Abiramy Sivalogananthan from the Asia Floor Wage Alliance highlighted this gap, stating, “almost every brand focuses on decarbonisation, but there is an infinitesimally small amount of sustainability policies that actually focus on the populations affected by climate change.”
Furthermore, Sivalogananthan’s comments on worker rights underscore a critical aspect of sustainable fashion: representation. She argued that workers must be empowered to form unions and negotiate for their rights directly with management. The freedom of association is a fundamental component that needs to be embedded in the fabric of a more sustainable fashion industry.
The need for systemic accountability in fashion is clearer than ever. Bina pushed for brands to recognize their role in broader environmental and social systems, noting that purchasing cotton links them to the agriculture industry, a sector increasingly affected by climate change. “We need to start recognizing this is part of the business and the brand,” he urged.
Incorporating sustainable practices should not be merely a marketing strategy but a long-term commitment woven into the ethos of each brand. By integrating environmental, social, and governance factors into their operations, fashion companies can achieve both ethical production and sustained profitability.
As the industry continues to grapple with these complex challenges, it is essential to transition from a reactive to a proactive approach. This includes not only adapting to climate realities but also reshaping the systems that underpin fashion. Collective action among brands, suppliers, and workers will be pivotal in driving this change, allowing the industry to navigate the impacts of extreme climates effectively.
In conclusion, as the implications of climate change become increasingly dire, the fashion industry stands at a crossroads. It faces the urgent task of building resilience against extreme heat while prioritizing the welfare of its workforce. The insights shared in the BoF podcast serve as a reminder of the pressing realities the industry must confront. Moving forward, the integration of proper policies and accountability will be crucial for sustainable growth in fashion.
