CLIMATE ACTION WEEK: Apparel Impact Institute has a decarbonization strategy for the industry. Is it working?

The Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) has become a central player in setting and implementing the apparel industry’s decarbonization agenda. To achieve this, Aii conducts industry analysis, sets industry targets, engages brands, suppliers, philanthropic and financial institutions all with the aim to support brands and manufacturers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In this conversation, Michael checks in with Lewis Perkins, President & CEO of Aii, to discuss how the work is progressing and what he sees as the current challenges and opportunities for the industry overall. Michael and Lewis discuss and debate who should be responsible for an overall industry strategy, how much money has been committed to decarbonization to date and whether that money is still an essential component of success. They also dive into more sensitive topics like who should pay for climate action. Lewis even addresses how he thinks about the soul of money! If that is not enough, they also discuss financial rewards and penalties, overconsumption and sufficiency. Lewis’s insights and perspectives are important for all stakeholders who want to learn about the Aii approach and to understand what gaps still need to be filled. 

“We’re playing the role of getting good solutions from the pilot phase to scalable phase. That’s the missing mile in this industry.” 

“We launched the Fashion Climate Fund with the goal to reduce 100 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2030. But we can only do it if everyone steps up.” 

“We need a common worldview in this industry. Without it, everyone’s pulling in different directions.” 

For more information about this podcast and our guest expert, or to listen to other Climate Action Week 2025 podcast conversations, please visit: https://sustainablefashionacademy.org/stica/climate-action-week-2025/

Learn more about the topic in this webinar from Climate Action Week 2024: https://sustainablefashionacademy.org/stica/climate-action-week-2024/session-203/