The fashion industry is a major energy consumer and contributor to climate change. To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the industry must transition into a circular economy from its current fossil fuel-based production and linear produce-use-dispose model. However, significant challenges remain, and we need to speed up and scale up actions. Our panel, featuring industry leaders spearheading fashion’s clean and circular transition, addressed the most pressing challenges, including phasing out fossil fuels, curbing oversupply, scaling up fabric recycling, aligning policy with industry goals, and financing the transition. We also explored best practices and strategies aimed at creating a sustainable and net-positive future for fashion.
Speakers:
- Maxine Bédat, Founder and Director, The New Standard Institute
- Tricia Carey, Board Member, Transformers Foundation and Accelerating Circularity
- Sandra Goldmark (Keynote), Senior Assistant Dean, Columbia Climate School
- Amy Jaffe, Co-chair, Women in Energy Program, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University; Director of the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at New York University
- Sarah Kent, Chief Sustainability Correspondent, The Business of Fashion
- Dennis Nobelius, CEO, Syre
- Sally Qiu (Moderator), Co-Director, Fashion, Energy, and Climate Network, Columbia Climate School; Research Associate, Center on Global Energy Policy
- Nicolaj Reffstrup, Founder, GANNI
