Final answer:
The fashion industry is combatting diversity issues through improved labor practices, embracing sustainability, and participating in climate action initiatives. Brands are working towards transparency in manufacturing and reducing environmental impacts. Major retailers aim for sustainable production, leading to systemic change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fashion industry has been addressing diversity and ethical concerns in a number of ways. First, companies are being held accountable for their labor practices, with greater scrutiny on how clothing is made. Garment workers often face mistreatment, and brands like Nike and H&M have been pushed to ensure better working conditions. However, complete transparency remains challenging due to outsourcing and subcontracting.In response to environmental impacts, some fashion retailers are embracing sustainability as a form of luxury. For instance, Inditex (owner of Zara) aims to use sustainable or recycled materials for all its clothing by 2025. Moreover, the industry participated in the COP24 Climate Conference, leading to the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action which targets net zero emissions by 2050.The industry is also the second-largest consumer of water and responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions. Efforts to reduce environmental costs include reducing harmful chemical processes, minimizing transport emissions, and lessening the use of non-degradable materials.