In the winter of 2015 world leaders presented plans for keeping the global temperature rise below 2 °C due to projected climate change threats. These threats present organizations, communities, and citizens with the need to change viewing corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a voluntary luxury to being a necessity.

The fashion industry's carbon emissions

Limiting the damage from climate change requires cutting net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, and every industry has a part to play. It is making a sizable contribution to warming the planet – the fashion industry was responsible for 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2015, according to the Pulse of the Fashion Industry Report and that percentage is set to grow. Most emissions come from raw materials, so improving the way we produce polyester and cotton could have a huge impact.

Ways by which fashion brands can reduce the negative effects of fashion are;

1. Switch raw material eg., a switch from virgin polyester to recycled material.

2. Reduce energy use in warehouses, stores and offices.

3. Recycle: invest in systems to re-use rather than throw away clothes.

The Mens' fashion market is no exception in recognizing the importance of the movement to achieving a sustainable environment. Brands such as Burberry demonstrates its concerns by now producing environmentally friendly shoes.

Monogram E-canvas Arthur Sneakers

The new runway sneaker crafted in Monogram e-canvas – an environmentally conscious canvas, primarily made using renewable resources that require less water and generate less CO2 than conventional coated canvases. The style is capped with a polished overshoe inspired by rain boots and a cross-detailed tread referencing our iconic check.

ADIDAS

Adidas has developed Futurecraft Loop a fully recyclable sneaker made entirely from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane); has partnered with campaign group Parley for the Oceans to produce a range of shoes with uppers made from recycled ocean waste; and has committed to transitioning fully to recycled plastic by 2024.