The idea that the fashion and apparel industry can continue to grow through a green-growth model has been questioned by many leading thinkers. It is argued that for the apparel and fashion industry to reduce its emissions at the pace and scale required and to operate within the planetary boundaries, overproduction and overconsumption must be stopped. This especially challenging because the dominant economic business model relies on growth, and business growth usually nuetralizes gains in emission reductions. If this is true, what can we do?
Some of the key questions we covered in this session included:
What does the latest analysis say about the relationship between overconsumption, overproduction, growth and emissions reductions?
If we don’t address these drivers, will we ever meet industry climate targets? Can fashion and apparel meet science-based sustainaility targets through green growth?
What would it mean to shift the narrative from fashion to a well-being wardrobe and sufficiency mindset?
Are the rich consumers most responsible for climate impacts?
What are the implications of this for workers, particularly more vulnerable workers in the supply chain?
How could the post-growth, degrowth and non-profit concepts apply to fashion and apparel? Is this vision realistically possible?
