Agenda:
10:00am – 10:15am Registration and Reception
10:15am – 10:20am Welcome and Introduction
10:20am – 10:30am Keynote Remarks
10:30am – 11:15am Panel Discussion I: Energy Transition and Innovation
11:15am – 12:00pm Panel Discussion II: Policy, Finance, and Business Models
Event Description:
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, will address 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 will also explore best practices and strategies aimed at creating a sustainable and net-positive future for fashion.
Key Questions:
· How can the fashion industry remove fossil fuels from its value chain, and what role does clean energy play in enabling the circular transition?
· What are the most effective strategies to scale up textile-to-textile recycling?
· How can global goals for a clean energy and circular economy transition in fashion be aligned with country-specific policies?
· How can we address the persistent issue of oversupply through design innovation, consumer behavior change, and new business models?
· How can businesses balance their sustainability responsibilities with financial ambitions?
· What financing mechanism and strategies can support the fashion industry’s transition?
Speakers (in alphabetic order by last name):
· Maxine Bédat, Founder and Director, The New Standard Institute
· Tricia Carey, Board Member, Transformers Foundation and Accelerating Circularity
· Sandra Goldmark (Keynote), Associate Dean, Interdisciplinary Engagement, 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, Columbia University
· Nicolaj Reffstrup, Founder, GANNI
For Columbia affiliates, please register using the 'Reserve Your Seat' button below. For non-Columbia affiliates, please complete the attendance request form by following this link: https://forms.gle/wioa84GW1Zg5nARi6.
