Shein, the global fast-fashion powerhouse, has seen its emissions nearly double, positioning itself as the leading polluter in an industry notorious for its environmental damage. Originally published in Grist, this article is part of the Climate Desk collaboration.
Shein’s pervasive presence in the fashion world is undeniable. Airplanes transport small packages of its inexpensive clothing from a vast network of suppliers to millions of customers across 150 countries. On social media, influencers’ “#sheinhaul” videos showcase the company’s trendy offerings, amassing billions of views.
The integration of data has become central to Shein’s operations. As the fast-fashion sector increasingly adopts advanced AI technologies, Shein leverages proprietary machine-learning tools—specifically, pattern-recognition algorithms—to track real-time customer preferences and forecast demand. This sophisticated data management supports its rapid supply chain, further fueling its environmental footprint.
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