Threads of Transformation: Fashion, Energy & Women at the Intersection of Climate Action
Threads of Transformation examines the interconnected challenges of energy consumption, environmental degradation, and gender equality shaping today’s global fashion industry. It highlights the urgent need to address Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) and 5 (Gender Equality) within the context of fashion’s environmental impact and its largely female workforce for a more sustainable and equitable future.
The fashion industry's substantial environmental footprint stems from its complex and energy-intensive supply chain. It accounts for an estimated 2-8% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater worldwide. This impact is exacerbated by the fast fashion model's reliance on unsustainable practices, including high water consumption in raw material cultivation like cotton, and the use of fossil fuel-based synthetic fabrics, expected to make up nearly 73% of textiles by 2030. If current trends continue, the industry's greenhouse gas emissions are projected to increase by over 60% by 2030. Annually, the sector generates approximately 92 million tonnes of waste and withdraws 4% of global freshwater, placing significant strain on resources, particularly in water-scarce regions.
On the energy front, the fashion industry uses approximately one trillion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually, equivalent to a quarter of the United States’ 2023 electricity consumption. Energy costs represent 15-30% of production expenses in fast fashion, often relying on inefficient, fossil fuel-based sources. Alarmingly, most major fashion brands lack transparent renewable energy targets for their supply chains, hindering a necessary shift towards cleaner alternatives.
Transitioning to renewable energy is essential to reduce the fashion industry's environmental footprint and achieve cost savings. Empowering women-led small- & medium-sized enterprises in the energy sector is crucial to accelerating this shift.
At the center of the climate-energy nexus is its disproportionate impact on women. Women constitute 60% the fashion industry’s workforce but often face low wages, poor working conditions, and limited access to leadership roles. In production regions, climate change and energy access inequalities further burden women workers and entrepreneurs, hindering productivity and economic empowerment while increasing vulnerability to climate risks. Environmental degradation and limited access to modern energy services frequently disrupt women's work, which often depends on manual processes and unreliable power supply, exposing them to health and safety risks from air pollution and extreme temperatures. Addressing gender disparities is therefore crucial for creating a more just and sustainable fashion transition.
The fashion industry stands at a critical juncture. By embracing sustainable practices, investing in renewable energy, and empowering women, the fashion industry can drive progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering economic growth, environmental resilience, and gender equality. This transformation offers the opportunity to shift from a major contributor to environmental and social challenges into a leader in building a more equitable and sustainable future. The recommendations outlined in this report provide a roadmap for this essential change.
