Key Sustainability Issues
Some of the sustainability issues of key relevance in the production of better cotton
Water Stewardship
About half a billion people around the world currently face severe water scarcity, and nearly half of the global population lives in regions where freshwater is polluted. Caring for our water resources – locally and globally – is one of the biggest sustainability challenges of our times.
Soil Health
Soil is the foundation of a healthy farm and world. Better Cotton helps farmers understand and implement sustainable farming practices like cover cropping and Integrated Pest Management to improve soil health, increase yields and safeguard this vital resource.
Pesticides
Pesticides are the main form of crop protection used around the world. While they serve a vital purpose in controlling pests and safeguarding yields, their negative consequences are not to be taken lightly.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As one of the world’s largest crops, cotton is a contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Find out how Better Cotton training helps farmers reduce their emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Gender Equality
Gender inequality remains a pressing challenge globally. At Better Cotton, we know that a more sustainable future can only be achieved when all genders have equal rights and opportunities.
Decent Work
Ensuring fair and safe working conditions is a central tenet of Better Cotton. Discover the main decent work principles that the programme works to uphold — from working to eliminate child and forced labour to promoting gender equality.
Biodiversity and Land Use
Biodiversity refers to the variety or range of life in a particular area. Besides its aesthetic and ethical value, biodiversity is, most importantly, the backbone of resilient ecosystems and a stable climate. This is why we take a thoughtful approach to land use at Better Cotton to protect and increase biodiversity on cotton farms around the world.
Climate Change
Better Cotton has a responsibility and opportunity to help shift the cotton sector to become part of the climate solution, while supporting those most affected by climate change. Learn about our Climate Approach and how we accelerate our efforts in order to achieve our mission.
