Design Delight Studio

You asked, we answered: What role does cotton play in climate policy, and how does climate change impact cotton production and communities?
We know you care about sustainable choices because your clothes start in cotton fields. Farmers face climate upheaval. Here is an expert look at cotton’s climate challenges. We also see the policies that shape its future.

🔍 Water Use

Water worries us with cotton. Rainfall changes and droughts stress the soil. Climate change makes these links even tighter.

🚩 Highlight:

• Cotton grows in lands that already face water scarcity and erratic rains (Forum for the Future, Cotton 2040 report).
• By 2040, half of the regions that grow cotton will risk droughts and floods (WTW Climate & Resilience Hub).
• Extreme rain and drought will hit about 50% of cotton lands, endangering yields and lives (Forum for the Future).

• Tips to support water sustainability:

• Support cotton brands that push for regenerative agriculture to hold soil moisture and cut down irrigation needs (Cotton 2040, Forum for the Future).
• Use cover crops and no-till farming to keep water in the soil (Cotton 2040 ecosystem service pilot program).
• Buy from groups like Better Cotton’s Sustainable Livelihoods Approach that focus on water-smart farming (Reuters, Sept 2023).
• Back investments in landscape-level water management that go beyond simple farm rules (IDH Climate-Smart Cotton Landscapes).

🔍 Carbon Emissions

Cotton does not only change in the field. Its supply chain adds to its carbon print.

🚩 Highlight:

• Cotton causes many greenhouse gases. Water use, fertilizer, pesticides, and processing all play a role (Forum for the Future).
• If we do not act, models show a warming of 4.3°C by 2100. Such heat can make cotton harder to grow (Cotton 2040 analysis, WTW).
• Even with decarbonizing plans, we need adaptive steps for future climate impacts (Willis Tower Watson’s Alastair Baglee).

• Tips to reduce carbon impact:

• Support brands that shift to sustainable cotton sourcing and urge decarbonization (Phil Townsend, Primark).
• Choose cotton grown with practices that lower synthetic inputs (IDH and Better Cotton efforts).
• Promote carbon credit and ecosystem service markets rewarding soil carbon capture (Cotton 2040 pilots).
• Ask for clear greenhouse gas reports along every step of the cotton supply chain.

🔍 Chemical Inputs

Cotton farming relies on chemicals. Climate stress brings more pests and more chemical use.

🚩 Highlight:

• Climate stress causes more pests to attack cotton. Farmers then spray more pesticides. This raises costs and harms the soil (IDH’s Heleen Bulckens).
• Heavy chemical use affects the environment and human health. In some areas, the use of chemicals comes with forced labor issues (Reuters).
• Some programs now try to cut back on chemicals with better practices; they work hard, though financing remains a challenge (Cotton 2040, IDH).

• Tips for safer chemical use:

• Choose cotton from groups that practice integrated pest management to lessen pesticide use (Better Cotton, IDH).
• Encourage brands to invest in capacity-building and fair credit for small farmers (IDH Climate-Smart Cotton Landscapes).
• Insist on checks for ethical labor practices along the supply chain (Reuters reporting).
• Support policies that reward pesticide cuts and soil care.

🔍 Recycling and Circularity

Handling cotton waste is key for a stronger climate.

🚩 Highlight:

• Cotton’s climate challenges show why we must reuse and recycle textiles. Doing so cuts the need for fresh cotton. This saves water and lowers carbon use (industry insights).
• Circular fashion methods work with better farming practices. They help ease the pressure on cotton farmers in risky climates (Forum for the Future).

• Tips to promote recycling:

• Buy from brands that use cotton recycling and circular design ideas.
• Extend cloth life through proper care and timely repairs.
• Support new ways to recycle textiles to bring back cotton fibres.
• Back public policies that build a textile circular economy.

❓ FAQ

Q: How does climate change affect those who grow cotton?
A: Many smallholder farmers grow cotton. They mostly work on less than two hectares and are very vulnerable. Heat, floods, and droughts now and ahead cause crop failures. This loss hits their income and life quality hard. Programs like Forum for the Future’s Cotton 2040 and Better Cotton’s Sustainable Livelihoods Approach help these farmers with stronger and fair methods. (Forum for the Future; Reuters Sept 2023).

You care about sustainable cotton. The industry stands at a crossroads. Acting on climate risks means we must support responsible farming, fair labor, and supply chain innovation.

👉 Learn more and join the conversation at
Environmental Impact of Cotton: Your Questions Answered

Sources & Further Reading

• Forum for the Future, Cotton 2040: Adapting to climate change (2021)
  https://www.wtwco.com/en-GB/Insights/campaigns/cotton-2040
• Reuters, Can the cotton industry protect its workforce in a changing climate? (Sept 2023)
  https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/can-cotton-industry-protect-its-workforce-changing-climate-2023-09-18/
• Willis Tower Watson, Climate & Resilience Hub analyses (Cotton 2040 partner)
• Reports from the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC)
• IDH Sustainable Trade Foundation programs on cotton climate resilience

We use clear links between ideas. Experts, data, and frontline voices guide you. Take these tips into your own sustainability toolkit today!

Design Delight Studio is your trusted partner in sustainable textiles, committed to transparency and eco-innovation. Learn more at designdelightstudio.myshopify.com