Session 2: Promoting natural fibers in the climate action agenda

In the coming years, natural fibers may assume a crucial role across various industries. They may serve as eco-friendly substitutes or in blends with synthetic fibers, including polyester, and materials such as plastics, primarily derived from non-renewable fossil fuels.

This session will explore how natural fibers, like cotton, wool, bamboo, and hemp, can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. These fibers offer sustainable alternatives to products with higher environmental impacts, such as those from fossil fuels or synthetics. 

Discussions will focus on enhancing value addition, livelihoods, and climate mitigation in these chains, and on proposing solutions to overcome obstacles like price fluctuations and economies of scale.
 

Questions to be addressed:

• What opportunities and threats does the climate action and energy transition agenda represent for natural fibers? 

• What is the trade potential of the main natural fibers in the context of the climate emergency? 

• How can natural fibres generate additional revenues for farmers while responding to increasing demands for climate-friendly agricultural practices and supply chains?

• How can producers of natural fibers, particularly smallholders, gain access to modern technologies necessary to sustainably increased yields and production? 

• What role for regional value chains for natural fibers in strengthening development outcomes in producing countries? 

• What role for international cooperation and multilateralism in shifting consumption towards sustainably produced, low-carbon natural fiber products? 

• How can governments and industries ensure that the crucial role of natural fibers in the world economy is recognized and sustained?