G7 Commits to Tackling Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

The Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations will commit to addressing the significant environmental and climate impacts of the fashion and textiles sector, according to France's ecological transition minister. The G7 meeting in Italy will issue a statement declaring the need to tackle the "uncontrolled development of the textile industry", which is responsible for substantial plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

France's minister emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating that "we must confront the problem we have with fast fashion" as the emissions from the textile industry already exceed the total emissions of all African countries combined. The G7 pledge aims to make fashion more circular and increase recycling, with the international G7 forum on resource efficiency expected to propose concrete actions for countries to adopt, such as increasing producer responsibility and improving supply chain transparency.

This marks the first time the G7 has taken a strong stance on textile emissions, which are greater than those from all international flights and maritime ships combined. The move comes as Europe must accelerate efforts to transform its economy into a circular one focused on reusing or repurposing materials to meet climate targets.

Why this matters: The fashion industry has been criticized for its wasteful practices, including mass-producing low-cost clothes that are quickly discarded, using up large amounts of water, and generating hazardous chemicals and greenhouse gases. The G7 pledge underscores the need for the fashion industry to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible to combat climate change.

The G7 declaration follows a recent vote in France's parliament in March to make low-cost fast fashion, especially from Chinese mass producers, less attractive to buyers. As the G7 countries commit to tackling the heavy environmental and climate impacts of the fashion and textiles sector, it is expected to drive significant changes in the industry's practices and supply chains to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

Key Takeaways

• G7 to address environmental and climate impacts of fashion/textile sector.
• Textile emissions exceed those of all African countries and aviation/shipping.
• G7 pledge aims to make fashion more circular and increase recycling.
• France passed law to make fast fashion less attractive to buyers.
• G7 action expected to drive sustainability in fashion industry practices.