What Does Climate Change Mean for Cashmere?

Climate change is on everyone’s minds, from the forefront of the US election right through to the impact of our everyday choices like the food we eat and the things we buy. On a warming planet, we all can already see the effects of climate change and as we continue along a worrying path of increasing temperatures, the cashmere industry is one of many industries that’ll face increasing hurdles and challenges. 

Warmer Weather and Cashmere Fibre

Cashmere is grown by cashmere goats to keep warm during dramatically cold winters and as the planet warms lots of wild areas where cashmere goats are herded are experiencing (on average) much milder winters. With warmer weather, cashmere goats don’t need to grow as much cashmere as they once did, therefore producing much lower amounts before spring arrives when they naturally shed their coats. 

Extreme Weathers and Culture Loss

Even though winters are on average milder, they’re growing far more unpredictable. Climate change is bringing with it more extreme weather patterns such as storms and droughts and in already dry cashmere producing regions like China’s Inner Mongolia, Mongolia and Afghanistan, droughts pose serious ecological threats. This includes the degradation of land and food sources, and increased desertification. 

In Mongolia, dzuds are also on the rise. Dzuds are extremely harsh winter storms that follow prolonged periods of drought and unfortunately, are responsible for the deaths of cashmere goats every year. Such weathers are also forcing herders, who have been caring for goats for generations, to the cities as they cannot afford the loss of their livestock at such a scale. This can lead to culture loss and poverty as rural communities increasingly move into cities in search of economic opportunities. 

In recent years, the cashmere industry has faced multiple sustainability challenges with respect to climate change and the impact of goat herds on the environment. However, such developments have caused the industry to take stock and implement sustainable processes that not only protect the industry, but the environment too. 

What you can do to help:

The Sustainable Fibre Alliance

Make sure you always shop with cashmere brands that are members of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA). The SFA work throughout the entirety of the cashmere supply chain to facilitate more sustainable cashmere by promoting;

• Environmental resilience in cashmere producing regions.
• Improved long-term prospects for herding communities that rely on cashmere markets.
• Assurance on animal welfare within cashmere production.

Begg & Co is a member of the SFA and sources all of their cashmere from Mongolia. By supporting brands that support the SFA you’re encouraging the sustainable development of a more ethical, responsible and resilient industry that benefits people, animals, and the planet. Find out more about the SFA > 

Shop sustainably

Shop less and buy well. Cashmere is and should always be an expensive fibre and you should always expect to pay more for it. It takes a lot of goats to produce small amounts of cashmere and plenty of time, skill and resources to make it into the beautiful finished product it is. As climate change continues to impact the industry, you should educate yourself prior to buying cashmere, to make sure the item you’re buying isn’t fueling climate change and the overconsumption of valuable natural resources. 

Make your cashmere last

Fashion’s impact on the environment and climate change is primarily driven by our need for more and by simply keeping your cashmere looking lovely for longer (and not buying new!), you're helping to lessen your wardrobe’s environmental footprint. There are a few ways to properly care for your cashmere, for example; 

• during the summer months make sure you store it away to keep it safe from moths. 
• When your cashmere gets a little bobbly, simply remove the bobbles (or pills) with a sharp razor or a ‘debobbling’ machine.
• Make sure you wash your cashmere using the appropriate methods. Begg x Co recommend dry cleaning only for their products. 

Begg x Co are doing some absolutely fantastic things with respect to keeping their operations sustainable and helping to tackle climate change. To find out more about what they’re up to, click here.

Author: Lotti Blades-Barrett, sustainability expert and writer.