EMPOWERING FUTURE CREATIVES: H&M FOUNDATION AND NON ZERO WORLD JOIN FORCES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
By: Prachi Khatri
In an era defined by climate change and environmental urgency, it is imperative to equip our next generation with climate literacy. According to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average global temperature for June 2024 was higher than any June on record. Addressing these concerns is the need of the hour, as it threatens our very existence. So what does this have to do with fashion?
The H&M Foundation, a trailblazer in philanthropy within the fashion industry, has partnered with Non Zero World (NZW) to teach young creatives climate literacy. It is a genius move with major impact considering much of their demographic is between seventeen and twenty-five.
Credit: H&M foundation website
Non Zero World is a coalition of climate change allies focused on promoting behavioral change through new climate narratives that constructively rethink our future visions. The H&M Foundation and NZW aim to develop an open access digital knowledge hub for climate engagement. This meaningful partnership is also a worldwide effort by the H&M Foundation to influence public perception and spread awareness about climate change. The collaboration will cultivate skills and develop viewpoints in emerging creatives, preparing them with tools critical for navigating a climate-conscious world.
Did you know, as per UN climate change data, 2023 was the hottest year on record and more specifically July 22nd, 2024, was the hottest day that the world has seen since 1940?
The H&M Foundation’s mission is to support the textile industry in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by half every decade. Through the partnership with NZW, The H&M Foundation aims to highlight solutions, share success stories, and inspire the next generation of designers to incorporate sustainable practices in their creative imaginations.
Credit: H&M foundation website
In the current era, it is the creative sector, fashion houses, influencers, art directors and communicators shaping the climate conversation. The NZW program is dedicated especially to these sectors to spark conversations about climate action. Joining hands with The H&M Foundation is a big step to spread awareness about climate to not just consumers but also to big fashion houses to step up and understand the impacts of carbon footprints.
The H&M foundation has led by example in overcoming what may seem like a great challenge but is not impossible to achieve. The foundation has pledged to support approx. USD 220,000 for the NZW project cost that last one year from 2024 to 2025. One part of the project focuses on empowering the next generation of climate storytellers through the Young Creatives program.
The collaboration will enable young people to actively participate in reducing the impact of climate change as customers and future leaders and fight misinformation. Participants can gain practical knowledge and attend courses and workshops by industry professionals to foster the fundamental knowledge on circular economy, regenerative design concepts, understanding carbon footprints and sustainable sourcing.
“Through the Climate Communications Accelerator initiative, we are not just looking to inform – we’re looking to transform. We want to tell stories that inspire, challenge, and drive us all towards a future where we live within planetary boundaries” - H&M Foundation website.
The H&M foundation and NZW collab is undoubtedly paving the way for a bright future for climate-conscious creativity. The impacts of this initiative by H&M will go much beyond the classroom in years to come. The H&M Foundation and Non Zero World are fostering a future where sustainability is ingrained in the very fabric of creative sectors by educating future creatives about climate change and how it is impacting our future. These empowered individuals will continue to push boundaries, ignite innovation,and promote environmental responsibility as they find their place in the world.
The H&M Foundation's action underscores how important education is in promoting climate solutions. Climate literacy will guide young creatives to become agents for change in their communities and businesses.