H&M boss warns of 'dire social consequences' of responsible consumption

A campaign for responsible consumption, which includes not buying more than necessary clothing, could lead to "terrible social consequences." This, Bloomberg writes, was stated in an interview by Karl-Johan Persson, the head of H&M.

Calls to “stop flying, stop buying” are getting louder, Persson said. “Yes, it may have a small positive effect on the environment, but it will lead to terrible social consequences,” says the head of H&M, one of the world's largest retailers.

The decline in production, he pointed out, will lead to a reduction in jobs and, as a result, a decrease in living standards. “Combating climate change is very important. But eradicating poverty is at least as important a goal,” says Persson.

According to the head of H&M, "environmental innovation, renewable energy and new materials" are more effective ways to combat climate change than a "moratorium on consumption."

• The apparel industry, of which H&M is one of the largest, is responsible, according to the UN, for approximately 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Among the growth factors of the negative impact of the clothing industry, UN experts call "fast fashion" (fast fashion), when retailers operating in the mass market change their assortment several times a season and stimulate demand with low prices.
• H&M has announced several initiatives in recent years to reduce its environmental footprint, including increasing the use of recycled materials, collecting clothing for recycling and equipping factories with solar panels where possible.