The fast fashion industry has an impact on the environment. Furthermore, the fast fashion industry has caused 92 million tons of textile waste annually and is predicted to reach 134 million tons by 2030. Not only that, fast fashion also contributes about 10% of global emissions, and 20% pollutes water. According to the United Nations Charter on Climate Action, the industry statement states that textile companies are committed to achieving zero emissions by 2050 in an effort to tackle climate change.

The clothing and textile industry has become one of the largest sectors in the world with profits reaching 1.5 trillion dollars.

However, there is a price to be paid, one of which is the fact that 92 million tons of textile waste is produced annually.

So, what is the United Nations doing to address this situation?

The UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, or UN Fashion Charter comes with a mission to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050. This is in line with the goal

The Paris Agreement to reduce global warming to below 1.5°C.

The UN climate summit was first inaugurated COP24 in Katowice, Poland in December 2018, then updated at COP26 in Glasgow, UK, last November 2021.

The UN Fashion charter focuses on the impact of the apparel industry on the environment, as well as its role in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Not only that, to achieve this vision, the industry needs to adapt in a more systematic and in-depth manner.

“The apparel industry has a unique opportunity to control climate action using its collective power to transform the industry into low-carbon technologies and products through the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action,” said Niclas Syenningsen, UN Global Climate Action Manager.

Not only that, through this Charter, it is hoped that real actions will emerge in dealing with environmental impacts that occur.

"Brands, suppliers, sellers, industry associations and coalitions that sign the charter have the opportunity and responsibility to turn words into action."