The effect of fashion industry on climate change

In der modernen Gesellschaft hat Mode einen fundamentalen Einflalt auf unser tägliches Leben und unsere Kultur. Sie ist ein Ausdruck von Individualität und Kreativität, aber was in atemberaubendem Stil oft verborgen bleibt, ist ihr erheblicher Einfluss auf den globalen Klimawandel. Im Zuge der fortlaufenden Diskussionen über die dringend erforderliche Begrenzung der Kohlendioxid-Emissionen und die Notwendigkeit, nachhaltigere Lebensweisen zu entwickeln, bleibt die Rolle der Modeindustrie im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel häufig unerkannt. Dennoch gehört sie zu den umsatzstärksten und auch umweltschädlichsten Branchen weltweit. Hintergrund: Die Modeindustrie und ihre Umweltauswirkungen Die Modeindustrie ist ein komplexes Netzwerk aus Textilproduktion, Handel und Konsum. Sie …
The effect of fashion industry on climate change (Symbolbild/natur.wiki)

The effect of fashion industry on climate change

In modern society, fashion has a fundamental influence on our daily life and our culture. It is an expression of individuality and creativity, but what is often hidden in breathtaking style is its significant influence on global climate change. In the course of continuous discussions about the urgently required limitation of carbon dioxide emissions and the need to develop more sustainable lifestyles, the role of the fashion industry in the fight against climate change often remains undetected. Nevertheless, it is one of the highest sales and also most harmful industries worldwide.

background: The fashion industry and its environmental impact

The fashion industry is a complex network of textile production, trade and consumption. It includes a wide range of activities, from the production of raw materials to the execution of clothing and retail sales. According to a report by the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, the fashion sector is responsible for 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions and consumes more energy than international flight and seafaring together.

water and energy consumption

The enormously high water and energy consumption in the fashion industry is often overlooked. According to WWF, the production of only one kilogram of cotton needs up to 11,000 liters of water. In addition, the cotton cultivation is carried out to around a third of the global agricultural area, which not only devours immense water quantities but also leads to soil erosion and compression.

In addition, the high energy consumption in the production chain is added. Due to the extensive use of fossil fuels in the production and transport of clothing, the fashion industry contributes significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions.

waste production and microplastics

In addition to the high consumption of water and energy, the production of waste and contamination by microplastics also increases the environmental problem. In Germany alone, around 1.35 million tons of clothing land in the waste every year, a trend that is still exacerbated by the so-called fast fashion. In addition, by washing synthetic textiles, immense microplastics come into the environment, a problem that contributes to a high degree to the global plastic waste problem.

The role of fast fashion

Fast fashion has revolutionized the fashion industry in recent decades. With quick production cycles and cheap prices, clothing is increasingly becoming a disposable goods. This phenomenon largely contributes to the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

production and overconsum

Fast fashion enables the fashion industry to produce clothing quickly and in large quantities. However, this leads to immense environmental pollution due to the increased consumption of resources and the elaborate production processes. In addition, the quick pace and the low costs of the fast fashion model promotes over-consumption of clothing, which in turn leads to waste and production of waste.

Effects on climate change

By producing large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, the fast-fashion industry contributes significantly to climate change. The efficient production and the quick transport of clothing mean that immense amounts of fossil fuels are burned, which in turn leads to global warming and climate changes.

sustainable fashion as an alternative

Since research and spreading information about the effects of the fashion industry on climate change is becoming increasingly important, the demand for sustainable alternatives is increasing. More and more companies are relying on transparent supply chains, environmentally friendly materials and fair working conditions.

Innovative materials and technologies

Some clothing manufacturers rely on innovative materials and technologies to improve their ecological profile. This includes the use of recycled or degradable materials, avoiding harmful chemicals in processing, and the optimized use of water and energy.

conscious consumption

At the same time, conscious consumption is becoming increasingly important. Because a large part of the environmental impact of clothing does not arise once in the production, but over the entire life cycle of a piece of clothing. Washing and maintaining clothing, as well as a long service life and any further use are also central to sustainable fashion consumption.

FAZIT

The fashion industry plays an important role in terms of climate change. From intensive resource consumption to the emissions of greenhouse gases - the effects of the industry on the environment are far -reaching. Nevertheless, there are also positive developments. Sustainable fashion marks a turning point and offers both the manufacturers and consumers an opportunity to actively contribute to a positive change. With increasing sensitization for the effects of the fashion industry on the environment, hopefully an awareness of the need for a more sustainable fashion industry will be created.