The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has joined the UNFCCC’s Fashion for Global Climate Action initiative.
It has enlisted as a Supporting Organisation signatory to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
The Fashion for Global Climate Action initiative calls on the fashion industry to acknowledge the contribution of the sector to climate change and a move towards climate neutrality.
In December 2018, the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action was launched, with the vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Charter document was created by fashion stakeholders under the auspices of UN Climate Change, who’ve identified ways in which the broader textile, clothing and fashion industry can move towards a holistic commitment to climate action.
Speaking at the launch event for the Framework, UNFCCC’s Patricia Espinosa explained that the fashion industry is in a unique position to lead change in the world.
“The fashion industry is always two steps ahead when it comes to defining world culture, so I am pleased to see it now also leading the way in terms of climate action.”
Moving beyond previous industry-wide commitments, the Charter includes a target of 30% GHG emission reductions by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2050. There is also a commitment to analyse and set a decarbonisation pathway for the fashion industry drawing on methodologies from the Science-Based Targets Initiative.
RMIT Professor Robyn Healy praised the move.
“This is a critical move for the Australian fashion industry in addressing our impact on the environment. AFC’s signing of the Charter demonstrates leadership for the future direction of our local sector.
“It highlights that our actions now can make a difference, and through global collaboration we will make a difference.
“We have a duty to influence and care for the world we live in, to be part of a sustainable, responsible industry.”
The AFC will work collaboratively with other Signatories and Supporting Organisations to deliver on the principles enshrined in the Charter document.
This will be done through Working Groups, which will bring together relevant stakeholders, experts and initiatives in the fashion and broader textile sector.
The initiative seeks to identify and amplify best practices, strengthen existing efforts, identify and address gaps, facilitate and strengthen collaboration among relevant stakeholders, and join resources and share tools to enable the sector to achieve its climate targets.