Fashion industry needs to pick up pace on climate goals, says report

People stand next to the window of a fashion boutique in a shopping district in Tokyo, Japan, May 30, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo

PARIS, May 31 (Reuters) – The 30 largest listed fashion firms must do more to hit Paris climate accord targets and U.N. sustainable development goals, although some are improving their social and environmental credentials, The Business of Fashion said in a report on Tuesday.

Fashion brands face increasing pressure from consumers, particularly younger ones, and governments to show they are doing better on environmental issues.

“You’ve got some front runners making small steps of progress but fundamentally the big picture is that the industry is wildly underperforming,” Sarah Kent, chief sustainability correspondent for the trade industry publication The Business of Fashion told Reuters.