Prince William, Kate highlight climate impact of fashion
While many high-profile events usually feature a plush red carpet, Sunday’s Earthshot Prize Awards featured a green one – and those who walked it were instructed to “consider the environment” when selecting their outfits.
Britain’s Prince William, who founded the environmental prize after becoming disheartened by what he perceived as lackluster efforts to combat climate change, arrived wearing a green velvet suit jacket he had previously worn at an event in 2019, along with a pair of 20year-old trousers.
The eco-friendly attire was apropos as guests gathered to watch this year’s winners scoop 1 million pounds for their solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
In the United Kingdom, around $192 million worth of clothes are sent to landfill sites each week, according to British broadcaster ITV.
Scientists concerned about the climate crisis say that the fashion industry – with many brands under fire for churning out cheap clothes to meet high demand – has its own part to play when it comes to protecting the planet and have called on it to strive toward more sustainable goals.
According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the fashion sector uses more energy than aviation and shipping combined, accounting for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions, and almost 20% of wastewater.
The older outfits seemed to wow the British tabloids who declared the prince, who is second-in-line to the British throne, was “channeling James Bond,” as did many others on social media who branded the 39-year-old “dapper.”
William arrived alongside wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, who wore a pastel-colored Alexander McQueen gown that she wore in Los Angeles at the BAFTAs about 10 years ago.
The two were chauffeured to the ceremony in a fully electric Audi which operates without emitting carbon dioxide emissions.
Actor Emma Watson, who has long campaigned for on environmental issues, arrived wearing an outfit created using 10 second-hand bridal dresses that had previously been donated to British charity Oxfam.
The Earthshot event came as other senior members of the royal family called on world leaders and the general public to do more to tackle the issue of climate change.