by Joohyun Oh
Observed on 24 October, Climate Action Day encourages people around the world to raise awareness about the climate crisis and take meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. The date is associated with the global climate movement that gained momentum in 2009, when people worldwide called for stronger action on climate change. Its message remains clear: creating change requires collective responsibility, from individuals to industries.
Fashion is part of this conversation. Behind every garment lies a journey of material sourcing, textile production, manufacturing, transportation and, eventually, disposal. Each stage carries environmental consequences, but each also presents an opportunity to do things differently.
Climate action in fashion begins with the materials we create. Choosing responsibly sourced fibres, exploring innovative, lower-impact materials, and reducing the use of virgin resources can help minimise environmental pressure. During manufacturing, improving energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and preventing unnecessary fabric waste are important steps towards more responsible production.
But change does not stop at the factory. As consumers, we can rethink our relationship with clothing by buying more consciously, choosing quality over quantity, repairing what we already own, and embracing second-hand fashion. Every decision to extend a garment’s life challenges the culture of constant consumption.
We must also reconsider what happens when clothes are no longer wanted. Through reuse, repair, upcycling, and effective textile recycling, discarded materials can become valuable resources rather than waste. Designers and manufacturers have a role to play by creating products that are durable, easier to repair, and designed with their next life in mind.
Climate Action Day reminds us that sustainability is not simply about making better products. It is about rethinking the entire system behind them. From the first fibre to the final stitch, and from our wardrobes to the waste we leave behind, every stage offers an opportunity to make a difference.
This Climate Action Day, let’s look beyond what we wear and consider the story behind it. Because a more sustainable future for fashion begins with the actions we take today.