Fair Trade’s contribution to the fight against Climate Change

The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris from 30 November to 12 December 2015 was the backdrop for the Fair Trade movement to show how they are at the forefront of the efforts to stop Climate Change with innovative initiatives.

·  Fairtrade International launched at the COP21 its innovative Fairtrade Carbon Credits. Some of Europe’s biggest businesses were among the first companies to announce commitments. Read more here.

·  In line with ‘Fair Trade principle 10: respect for the environment’ the Fair Trade movement encourages best practices in agricultural and crafts production in order to help producers in the Global South cope. World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) member soleRebels, for example, aim to make their footwear production carbon neutral or less CO2 emissions using organic and recycled materials sourced locally. Read more examples here.

·  Climate change is already severely impacting the coffee sector and affecting Fairtrade certified producers worldwide. Coffee diseases have increased in intensity and are found in areas and altitudes where they haven’t been seen before. Fairtrade International is providing mitigation and adaptation measures. Read more here.

The result of the COP21 is the first agreement requiring all nations, rich and poor, to pledge action on climate change, with thestated aimof restricting global warming to “well below 2℃ above pre-industrial levels”, and to strive to limit it to 1.5℃. Read more here.