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Archives for May 2022

Gore-Tex everything you need to know!

May 31, 2022 by Chrissie Stephen

Renowned for transforming the face of outdoor apparel, Gore-Tex is a high-performance fabric that combines the finest aspects of durability, breathability, and waterproofing. Established in 1969, this cutting-edge material—born of a unique blend of science and innovation—has become a staple in the world of all-weather gear, allowing adventurers to explore the wilderness while staying dry and comfortable. The cornerstone of the W. L. Gore & Associates product range, Gore-Tex holds the key to unrivalled protection against the elements, engineered with stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a substance more widely recognized by the generic trademark Teflon.

Its formal term, expanded PTFE (ePTFE), attests to its advanced structural properties. As a lightweight fabric membrane, Gore-Tex stands out in its unique ability to repel liquid water yet allows water vapour to pass through. Through this balance of protection and breathability, Gore-Tex has affirmed its position as the gold standard in weather protection apparel, ensuring explorers can embrace the great outdoors, come rain or shine.

Birth and Evolution of Gore-Tex

The genesis of Gore-Tex dates back to 1969, with the pivotal role played by co-inventors Wilbert L. Gore and his son, Robert W. Gore. An unexpected discovery paved the way for the creation of this revolutionary material. Amid growing frustration, Bob Gore yanked a heated rod of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), causing it to stretch around 800%, creating a microporous structure that was roughly 70% air. This accidental but fortuitous event led to the development of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which would later be known to the world as Gore-Tex.

Gore was quick to patent his groundbreaking discovery. Among the patents obtained were U.S. Patent 3,953,566, issued in 1976, for a porous form of PTFE; U.S. Patent 4,187,390, issued in 1980; and U.S. Patent 4,194,041, issued the same year for a “waterproof laminate.” These patents were not unchallenged, however.

Interestingly, prior to the invention of Gore-Tex in 1969, John W. Cropper of New Zealand had developed a machine that produced a form of stretched PTFE tape in 1966. Cropper, however, chose to keep his creation as a closely guarded trade secret, leaving it unpublished. A bitter legal dispute ensued when Garlock, Inc. purportedly used Cropper’s machine and infringed upon Gore’s patents. The Federal District Court of Ohio initially invalidated Gore’s patents after a gruelling case. However, this decision was overturned in the subsequent appeal in the landmark case of Gore v. Garlock, when it was ruled that Cropper had forfeited his claim by not disclosing his process to the public.

Despite this victory, Gore faced further patent infringement disputes with C. R. Bard and IMPRA, Inc. over ePTFE vascular grafts, leading to an intense decade-long legal battle. After several twists and turns, including the acquisition of IMPRA by Bard and a series of suits and counter-suits, the dust eventually settled, leaving Gore-Tex as an integral component in products manufactured by an array of different companies. Following the expiry of the main Gore-Tex patent, the market saw an influx of products exploiting similar technologies.

Throughout these trials and tribulations, the impact of Robert W. Gore’s invention never waned. He was inducted into the U.S. National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006, a testament to the significant influence of his creation. However, the tale was further tinged with controversy in 2015 when the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals ordered Gore to pay Bard $1 billion in damages, a decision that the U.S. Supreme Court chose not to review. Despite these challenges, the legacy of Gore-Tex as a groundbreaking product in the outdoor apparel industry remains unassailable.

What is Gore Tex?

Unravelling the Science Behind Gore-Tex

A marvel of material engineering, Gore-Tex is a distinct fabric membrane recognized for its exceptional capability to provide complete waterproofing while allowing water vapour to pass through. This duality of function ensures that not only does it protect against the onslaught of external wet weather, but it also allows the moisture produced by the body’s natural perspiration process to escape. As such, it deftly manages to keep you dry both from the outside elements and your own exertion.

Gore tex membrane
Source: Wikipedia

At the heart of Gore-Tex is a substance called expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly referred to as Teflon. The fibre undergoes a stretching process to create a microporous structure, resulting in a material packed with an impressive density of over 9 million pores per square inch. This intricate web of micro-openings forms a formidable barrier against liquid water and wind yet remains permeable to water vapour.

The power of this membrane does not rest solely in its unique composition. The manner in which it is integrated with other fabrics is a critical part of its success. Manufacturers can engineer garments that offer complete windproof and waterproof protection by expertly bonding this membrane with various textiles. The resulting fusion represents the essence of Gore-Tex, an unparalleled combination of comfort and protection for those who dare to brave the elements.

How Gore-Tex works, unlocking the microscopic magic of Gore-Tex

An exemplar of technological brilliance, the effectiveness of Gore-Tex lies in its unique microstructure. Every square inch of the Gore-Tex membrane is teeming with an incredible 9 billion pores. These minuscule pores, while invisible to the naked eye, are a critical component of Gore-Tex’s performance.

An impressive feat of material engineering allows these pores to be precisely 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, making them impenetrable to rain or snow. Simultaneously, the pores are also 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule. This disparity in scale creates a clever dichotomy: while the membrane prevents external water from entering, it allows the vapour generated from sweat to escape.

When this exceptional membrane is used in conjunction with wicking layers and insulation, it forms the foundation of a comprehensive moisture and warmth management system. The synergy of these elements means that Gore-Tex garments not only keep the elements out but also effectively handle internal moisture. The result? A wearer that remains dry and comfortable, regardless of the weather conditions.

“Guaranteed to keep you dry”

The moniker “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” isn’t merely a marketing gimmick; it’s a promise woven into the very fabric of every Gore-Tex product. The Gore-Tex membrane, with its 20,000-times-smaller-than-a-water-droplet pores, ensures complete water resistance, offering users unparalleled protection from wind and rain. Yet, the material’s innovative design allows for breathability as the pores are 700 times larger than a moisture vapour molecule, enabling perspiration to pass through.

Remarkably, this complex molecular structure of the membrane even scrambles air molecules, preventing them from penetrating the material, further bolstering its weather-resistant properties. This intricate membrane forms the basis for a range of Gore-Tex products, crafted through a lamination process wherein the membrane is sandwiched between an outer textile and a lining.

The process of lamination is versatile and can be tailored to meet diverse performance specifications, resulting in three primary construction types:

  • 2-Layer Construction: Here, the Gore-Tex membrane is bonded only to the outer textile, leaving the lining separate. This design facilitates the inclusion of additional insulation like a down fill, enhancing the garment’s heat retention capabilities.
  • 3-Layer Construction: This approach bonds the Gore-Tex membrane to both the outer textile and the lining, creating a more robust fabric. Best suited for lightweight shell jackets, this construction ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight.
  • Z-Liner: A variant of the 3-layer design, the Z-Liner construction features a Gore-Tex membrane bonded to an extremely lightweight fabric that floats freely between the outer textile and the lining. Ideal for complex winter outerwear, this method accommodates multiple fabric and insulation layers.

For Gore-Tex jackets, the outer layer typically receives a treatment of Durable Water Repellent (DWR) polymer. This ultra-thin coating causes water droplets to bead up and roll off the fabric’s surface, providing an added layer of moisture protection. Over time, this coating can wear off, but fear not – reapplication is straightforward, requiring only a simple at-home treatment with a water-repellent spray.

Microstructure, Properties, and Production

Unveiling the Microstructural Marvel of Gore-Tex

The magic of Gore-Tex lies in the intricate structure of its core component, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). This material boasts a unique porous microstructure that comprises long, slender fibrils intersecting at nodes. The nature of these intersections, the size and shape of the pores, and the overall homogeneity of the material are all influenced by factors such as processing temperature and strain rate.

Processing under higher temperatures or greater strain rates results in more uniformly expanded material with spherical pores and increased fibril intersections. This homogenous expansion stems from the unwinding of PTFE molecules, creating expansive pores within the material’s structure. This process is best facilitated by highly ordered, crystalline PTFE, whose molecules can disentangle uniformly and easily when stretched.

The porosity of ePTFE, a key factor in the material’s breathable yet waterproof nature, is largely dictated by the stretching temperature and rate. For instance, an increase in the stretching rate from 4.8 m/min to 8 m/min can raise the porosity from 60.4% to 70.8%. This intricate structure and the capability to manipulate its characteristics are key to Gore-Tex’s success in providing high-performance weather protection.

Exploring the Unique Properties of ePTFE in Gore-Tex

Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), the heart of Gore-Tex, possesses a remarkable set of properties that make it a valuable asset in the world of outdoor gear. ePTFE’s strength significantly surpasses that of unstretched PTFE due to the high work-hardening rate of the material. At a microscopic level, this increased strength corresponds to a rise in PTFE’s crystallinity as the fibrils untangle and align in response to applied stress. ePTFE exhibits an extraordinarily high ultimate tensile strength of 50-800 MPa, dwarfing the 20-30 MPa found in full-density PTFE, a testament to its enhanced crystallinity.

Inside surface of a Gore-Tex shell – © GeCaHu, Wiki Commons

Interestingly, ePTFE expands in all directions under stress, a phenomenon resulting in a negative Poisson’s ratio. This behaviour deviates from conventional materials, which generally contract in the directions perpendicular to the applied stress.

The porosity of ePTFE is tunable based on processing conditions, creating a membrane that can be permeable to certain vapours and gases while remaining impermeable to most liquids, including water. This attribute, vital to its utility in weather-resistant garments like raincoats, is complemented by the inherent characteristics of PTFE-based materials, such as chemical inertness and thermal stability. The combination of these properties makes ePTFE an extraordinarily versatile material suited to a wide range of applications.

Manufacturing ePTFE: The Key Process Behind Gore-Tex

The creation of the Gore-Tex’s key component, ePTFE, relies on a tape stretching process designed to produce substantial sheets of the material with consistent properties.

The process begins with the addition of a lubricating agent, often oil, to fine ePTFE powder, resulting in a malleable paste. This paste is then extruded into a sheet and subsequently calendered to achieve a uniform thickness.

In the next step, the PTFE sheet is heated in an oven set to an elevated temperature, typically around 300C. Concurrently, stress is applied, causing the material to stretch dramatically. Although this heat isn’t required for expansion, it significantly improves the uniformity of the stretching process.

Following this, the ePTFE sheet undergoes a sintering phase to bolster its strength. The material is heated to a temperature slightly above the melting point of unexpanded PTFE, around 340C, enabling molecules to diffuse across grain boundaries within the material. This diffusion process minimises any gaps that have formed during the stretching stage.

The properties of the resulting ePTFE sheet are influenced by various factors such as the strain rate, oven temperature, and the sintering time and duration. By adjusting these factors, the properties of the ePTFE can be fine-tuned to cater to the needs of specific applications.

The pros/ cons of Gore-Tex

The pros

Gore-Tex is really waterproof

The membrane is bonded between layers of fabric. No water gets in because its microscopic pores are far too small to do so, and this ensures that the body and feet remain dry- even in snowy conditions or when it is pouring rain.

Your clothing has optimum breathability

Wearing a garment made with a special membrane can be really comfortable as the membrane allows vapours of sweat from the body to escape out into the atmosphere. For this to work perfectly, it is important to wear the correct clothes underneath. It is essential to wear natural fibres. In the summer, a sleeveless or short-sleeved cotton vest is good; during the winter, a light wool layer such as Merino wool will keep you comfortably warm.

Your clothing is windproof

Having windproof clothing is essential as the chill factor of the wind if you don’t have a windproof jacket, will make you feel cold very quickly as it chills your body inside the jacket. A jacket with Gore-Tex will maintain your body at a comfortable temperature.

Gore-Tex is lightweight and durable

Bonding the membrane to other materials makes great durable clothing. The chosen materials are lightweight and flexible too. These materials are ideal for many sports. Clothes with the membrane are compact and quickly rolled up to fit in a rucksack! A well-maintained Gore-Tex item will last for many years. Clothing performs well in the harshest conditions. Saltwater does not affect the membrane.

Damaged garments can be repaired by an approved repair centre, but act promptly though, to avoid further damage.

The Cons

Gore-tex can be expensive

High-performance clothing made with the special membrane is amongst the most expensive waterproof clothing on the market. The reason for this is that Gore-Tex is high performance and durability as well as being desirable. The price tag reflects these points!

Gore-Tex clothing/ footwear can degrade in time

Gore-Tex clothing and footwear are renowned for their exceptional durability and waterproof properties. However, it’s important to be aware that over time, their effectiveness can diminish if not properly maintained.

The fabric of Gore-Tex items is frequently treated with durable water repellents (DWR), which can lose their effectiveness over time. As this DWR treatment wears off, water can infiltrate the outer layer of the garment, while the buildup of sweat and grime from the inside can clog the pores of the membrane.

Although these issues don’t directly compromise the waterproof nature of Gore-Tex, they do obstruct the garment’s breathability. Consequently, moisture from sweat may accumulate on the inside of the garment, potentially resulting in an uncomfortable level of dampness comparable to what might be experienced without a jacket.

Regular maintenance of your Gore-Tex items is therefore crucial, not only to preserve their waterproof features but also to maintain the breathability that makes them so comfortable and practical for outdoor adventures.

Gore-Tex can stop being breathable

This problem usually occurs when the pores of the membrane have become clogged with dirt and sweat because sweat cannot escape through the membrane allowing you to stay dry. Careful cleaning can put this problem right.

Gore-Tex can have leaky seams

Gore-Tex garments are revered for their water-resistant and windproof properties. However, a less recognized yet essential feature of these products is their taped seams. These serve as crucial reinforcements where the material has been pierced by needles during the manufacturing process, thereby ensuring the overall integrity of the garment.

Over time, however, these taped seams can wear off due to constant rubbing against internal clothing, potentially loosening and thereby jeopardizing the garment’s waterproof nature. Once these seams start to deteriorate, immediate replacement is necessary to prevent water from seeping through these vulnerable points.

It’s worth noting that this issue is not exclusive to Gore-Tex products. Seam deterioration is a common problem in many outdoor garments, so much so that the replacement of seams has become a significant aspect of the maintenance industry for such clothing. Therefore, while Gore-Tex is praised for its superior protection against the elements, it’s important for users to be mindful of the potential issue of leaky seams and to address such problems promptly to ensure their outdoor adventures remain dry and comfortable.

Difficult to care for

The durability and functionality of Gore-Tex products often come with the trade-off of requiring a certain degree of maintenance. Unlike other materials, Gore-Tex poses a unique challenge when it comes to cleaning due to its distinct construction. The membrane, which is integral to its waterproof and windproof characteristics, is sandwiched between layers of fabric, making it difficult to remove and clean directly.

Gore-Tex garments necessitate the use of specially-formulated cleaning products for proper maintenance. These products are designed to clean the membrane effectively without damaging the material or obstructing its microscopic pores. On a positive note, many of these cleaners contain re-waterproofing agents, providing a double benefit of not only cleaning the Gore-Tex material but also restoring its Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. Thus, while the maintenance of Gore-Tex products may require a bit more effort compared to other outdoor gear, these specific cleaning procedures are essential to prolonging the performance and lifespan of these high-quality products.

Made from chemicals

While Gore-Tex is celebrated for its exceptional waterproofing abilities, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of its manufacturing process. Gore-Tex relies on specific chemicals for its unique functionality, including per and poly-fluorinated chemicals (PFCs). These chemicals, recognized for their environmental ramifications, can be of concern for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize environmental responsibility.

Gore, the manufacturer behind Gore-Tex, maintains that the principal material in its membrane, PTFE, does not incorporate any environmentally worrisome PFCs. Additionally, the company has made a commitment to discontinue the use of any Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments that contain PFCs with potential environmental risks.

However, Gore cannot extend this pledge to third-party companies that employ Gore-Tex membranes while producing their own DWR coatings. Consequently, the presence of potentially bioavailable chemicals in a Gore-Tex item can be dependent on the manufacturer’s practices. As a consumer, it’s crucial to conduct due diligence to ascertain whether your new Gore-Tex garment adheres to your personal environmental standards.

The Environmental Footprint of Gore-Tex Production

The production of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a fluoropolymer extensively used in Gore-Tex materials, involves an emulsion polymerization process that has historically depended on the fluorosurfactant PFOA, a persistent and concerning environmental contaminant. Recognizing this issue, Gore moved to eliminate the use of PFOAs in the manufacture of its weatherproof functional fabrics in 2013.

Furthermore, the company has put forth a plan to phase out the most harmful perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) by 2025. While Gore defends the use of PTFE, studies in 2020 revealed that it is premature to conclusively deem the impact of PTFE and other fluoropolymers on environmental and human health as low risk. This section of the article will delve into the environmental implications related to the use of these substances in the production of Gore-Tex materials.

Evaluating the Environmental Impact of Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex, the renowned waterproof fabric membrane, has been serving as a faithful ally against the elements for outdoor enthusiasts for decades. Renowned for its capability to repel water while maintaining breathability and lightweight characteristics, Gore-Tex’s applications range from everyday raincoats to highly technical spacesuits. The core of its functionality lies in its constituent material: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

However, this technological marvel casts a shadow of environmental concern. Gore, the manufacturer, has long emphasized the durability of their product as a symbol of environmental soundness, suggesting less waste over time. Recently, though, the company has acknowledged that simply being durable does not absolve a product of its environmental impact. Committing to an ‘environmentally responsible’ path, Gore has pledged to address its actions and contributions to environmental issues. Yet, a question remains: Is this pledge sufficient to mitigate the environmental footprint of Gore-Tex?

The crux of the issue lies in the nature of PTFE, a synthetic polymer composed of carbon and fluorine. Fluorine, a key component also found in chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), can pose significant environmental and health risks. Deemed ‘highly toxic’ to living organisms, akin to chlorine in toxicity levels, fluorine is notorious for its irritating vapours and categorization as ‘acute hazardous waste.’

Furthermore, fluorine’s environmental impact does not end with its hazardous properties. The gas is also a byproduct of emissions from coal power plants and volcanoes. Once fluorine decomposes in water, it produces substances like hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and oxygen fluoride. Major contributors to fluorine pollution include industries like nuclear power generation, superphosphate fertilizer production, glass, aluminium, ceramics, bricks, and more.

Given this context, Gore-Tex’s environmental toll stems mainly from the chemicals involved in its production and the non-biodegradable nature of its fabrics. Hence, while Gore’s commitment to environmental responsibility is laudable, the broader concerns surrounding Gore-Tex and the environment cannot be ignored.

Assessing the Sustainability of Gore-Tex

The material owes its superior performance to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is derived from plastics. The ancillary components of waterproof products that feature Gore-Tex, including nylon and polyester, also rely on synthetic, non-renewable resources.

The waterproofing process introduces additional environmental concerns. Waterproof products like Gore-Tex are treated with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) to enhance their water-repellency. PFCs present a dual challenge to sustainability. First, they are non-biodegradable, implying that once they enter the environment, they persist indefinitely. This raises questions about their long-term ecological impact.

Secondly, PFCs can bioaccumulate or gradually increase in concentration within living organisms. This includes not only wildlife but also humans. A 2014 study highlighted the potential health risks associated with PFCs, linking their accumulation to serious conditions such as certain cancers and birth defects. However, these risks are associated with direct ingestion or inhalation of PFCs.

As such, while Gore-Tex’s performance characteristics are undeniably beneficial for outdoor gear, assessing its sustainability involves a more intricate evaluation. Balancing the material’s high-performance attributes against its environmental and potential health implications presents a nuanced and ongoing challenge.

Understanding the Recyclability Challenges of Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex’s approach to recycling has evolved over the years. In the 1990s, the company launched a recycling program for its products, but it was discontinued due to a lack of participation from consumers, who were hesitant to return their used garments for recycling.

The complexity of recycling Gore-Tex stems from its multi-layered composition. A typical Gore-Tex product features an outer layer usually made of nylon or polyester, a PTFE-based inner layer, and a durable water-repellent coating derived from PFCs. While both nylon and polyester can be recycled, the inner PTFE layer proves to be challenging for recycling processes. Additionally, the PFC-based coating on the outer layer can interfere with the recyclability of nylon or polyester.

In the absence of dedicated recycling options, alternatives such as donation or repurposing can extend the life of Gore-Tex products and reduce their environmental impact. However, one critical point is to avoid discarding these items irresponsibly in the environment. Despite the challenges, the quest for a sustainable lifecycle for Gore-Tex products continues, balancing the need for performance gear with the pursuit of environmental stewardship.

Gore-Tex’s Initiatives for Environmental Sustainability

One of the environmental concerns surrounding Gore-Tex revolves around the use of synthetic materials in its products. Like other synthetic fabrics, Gore-Tex clothing has the potential to release microplastics during washing. These microscopic particles can end up in oceans, posing a threat to marine life and ecosystems.

Despite this challenge, the brand is aware of the issues at hand and is actively engaged in efforts to mitigate its environmental impact. Gore-Tex continuously evaluates and modifies its production processes to reduce the potential release of microplastics.

At the core of its strategy is the idea of innovation for sustainability. The company is committed to exploring new technologies and materials that can deliver the performance that outdoor enthusiasts expect from Gore-Tex without compromising the well-being of the planet’s ecosystems. While the journey is ongoing, the dedication to sustainable practices remains a priority for Gore-Tex.

DWR Coatings and Environmental Concerns in Gore-Tex Products

Gore-Tex, recognized for its robust waterproofing abilities, utilizes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the creation of its signature membranes. PTFE, an inert fluoropolymer that doesn’t biodegrade, ensures the durability and extended lifespan of Gore-Tex products. Gore emphasizes that their PTFE membrane does not contain nor act as a source of per or poly-fluorinated chemicals (PFCs) considered to be environmentally concerning.

The challenge, however, arises when considering the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating applied to the outer layer of a Gore-Tex jacket. This coating is pivotal in maintaining the PTFE membrane’s breathability by preventing water absorption that could clog the breathable pores. Historically, these DWR coatings contained PFCs of environmental concern.

These PFCs are highly fluorinated and small enough to be bioavailable, meaning they possess the potential to be hazardous and can be absorbed into the human body. Additionally, once released into the environment, they are likely to spread extensively in water systems and persist for generations, presenting an enduring environmental challenge.

Gore-Tex’s Shift Towards Environmentally Conscious Practices

The outdoor industry giant Gore, the producer of Gore-Tex, has made significant strides towards more environmentally friendly practices. In 2020, the company made a substantial commitment to halt environmentally concerning per or poly-fluorinated chemicals (PCFs) in the durable water repellent (DWR) treatment applied to their garments. This means that Gore-Tex items produced post-2020 should not contain these potentially harmful PCFs.

Gore’s impact is far-reaching due to its vast production of waterproof fabric utilized in garments worldwide. The company set an ambitious target to cut down its global output of fabrics and chemicals containing environmentally concerning PCFs by 85% by the end of 2020. Furthermore, between 2021 and 2023, Gore has planned to phase out the remaining percentage, indicating a shift towards more sustainable practices in producing their famed Gore-Tex products.

The versatility of Gore-Tex: From Outdoor Wear to Medical Applications

Gore-Tex, characterized by its thermo-mechanically expanded PTFE and other fluoropolymer products, finds its use in a diverse range of applications. Its unique properties render it invaluable in areas such as the production of high-performance fabrics, creating medical implants, crafting filter media, insulating wires and cables, and fabricating gaskets and sealants.

Despite this wide array of applications, the acclaim of Gore-Tex is most pronounced in the realm of rainwear, where it offers unrivalled protective qualities without sacrificing breathability. The forthcoming section will explore in greater detail these varied uses of Gore-Tex.

Gore-Tex: Revolutionizing Outdoor Wear with Breathable Waterproof Technology

Gore-Tex revolutionized the rainwear industry with its unique construction and superior performance. Before Gore-Tex’s introduction, traditional rainwear typically comprised a dual-layer system: an outer layer of woven nylon or polyester providing strength and an inner layer of polyurethane (PU), which, while water-resistant, significantly compromised breathability.

However, Gore-Tex fabric modernized this structure by replacing the non-breathable PU inner layer with a thin, porous fluoropolymer (Teflon) membrane that is adhered to a piece of fabric. With approximately 9 billion microscopic pores per square inch (roughly 1.4 billion per square centimetre), the Teflon membrane cleverly rebuffs liquid water due to the tiny pore size, roughly 1/20,000th the size of a water droplet, yet still allows the passage of water vapour molecules, enhancing breathability.

A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment coats the outer layer of Gore-Tex fabric. This layer prevents the outer fabric from becoming saturated, thereby preserving breathability. Although the DWR enhances the waterproof nature of the jacket, true waterproofing resides in the Teflon membrane. A saturated outer layer may mislead one to think the jacket leaks when it is in fact the trapped, unevaporated sweat from the wearer due to lack of breathability. Over time, wear and cleaning can degrade the DWR treatment, although it can be rejuvenated via tumble drying or low-heat ironing.

To guarantee waterproofness, Gore mandates that all garments use their material feature taped seams. Gore also produces Windstopper, a product comparable to Gore-Tex in terms of its breathability and windproof properties, but with the added benefit of stretchability and the sacrifice of waterproofness. It is crucial to note that the Gore naming system represents performance characteristics rather than any specific technology or material.

Diverse Applications: Gore-Tex Beyond Outdoor Wear

The versatility of Gore-Tex, particularly in the form of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE), extends far beyond its familiar applications in rainwear and outerwear. This breathability and water protection feature of ePTFE, which has made it an industry standard in the outdoor apparel industry, has also seen it used in creating space suits, offering astronauts the same level of protection and comfort as their earth-bound counterparts.

In the medical field, Gore-Tex is employed in numerous applications owing to its near inertness inside the human body. The fabric-like mesh of E-PTFE provides a unique technological material feature that has significant potential within medical practices. The porosity of the Gore-Tex material allows the patient’s tissue to intermingle with the implanted material, seamlessly integrating it into the body’s circulatory system. This has led to its use in the production of sutures, vascular grafts, heart patches, and even synthetic knee ligaments. Furthermore, E-PTFE has demonstrated reliability as a medical material for treating patients with nasal dorsal interruptions and, most recently, as membrane implants in glaucoma surgeries, further underscoring its versatility.

In an entirely different sphere, Gore-Tex has been conserving illuminated manuscripts for many years, providing a unique and effective solution to preserving these precious artefacts. Additionally, the technology has found a place in the security sector, with explosive sensors being printed onto Gore-Tex clothing for the sensitive voltammetric detection of nitroaromatic compounds.

Interestingly, the “Gore-Tex” brand name, widely recognised today for its use in outdoor gear, was initially used for a range of industrial and medical products, a testament to the material’s broad applicability and enduring utility.

Alternative technologies

Semipermeable membranes in textile and garment production have intensified as competitors strive to emulate the “breathability” and water-repelling capabilities of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Materials such as Sympatex and Futurelight, marketed by The North Face, can be used similarly to ePTFE in textile laminates. However, these alternatives tend to perform less well in terms of water vapour transport and durability.

Moreover, textile-based electroosmotic pumps, which serve as an active textile pumping technology, are now being commercialized by companies like LunaMicro AB. These solutions can eliminate the use of halogenated polymers like PTFE, thus reducing the associated health and environmental risks.

Despite Gore-Tex being the most recognized brand in the multi-billion dollar outerwear materials industry, it faces competition from brands that use treated polymers to create membranes with similar effects. Some noteworthy contenders include eVent, which employs a stretched Teflon membrane similar to Gore-Tex, and Patagonia’s in-house brand H2No, which uses polyester and polyurethane laminates. Additionally, The North Face has developed HyVent, a fabric utilizing polyurethane. There is also the heritage option of Waxed Cotton, known for its breathability, water resistance, home repairability, and charming patina, albeit it can become waterlogged in serious outdoor activities.

Despite the exceptional durability and waterproof properties of Gore-Tex clothing and footwear, maintaining their effectiveness over time requires adequate upkeep. The durable water repellents (DWR) often used on Gore-Tex fabric can lose their potency over time. This may lead to water seeping into the garment’s outer layer, and grime and sweat buildup could clog the membrane’s pores from within. While these issues do not directly impact Gore-Tex’s waterproofing, they can reduce the garment’s breathability, potentially leading to moisture accumulation inside the garment and causing discomfort. Therefore, the regular maintenance of Gore-Tex items is paramount, not just to preserve their waterproof properties but also to uphold the breathability that makes them ideal for outdoor adventures.

How to Choose an Ice Axe: All You Need to Know

May 25, 2022 by Louis Udeani

Whether you are new to mountain climbing or you have been doing it for years, picking the right ice axe for your exhilarating mountain adventures can never be underestimated. It is one of the most important aspects of the vocation, and the exercise of selecting the right ice axe for any outing never stops. Even when you attain a ‘Reinhold Messner’ level of mountain climbing, picking the right ice axe for yourself, be it long-term or short-term, will always ensure your safety and preparedness.

That said, every new or experienced mountaineer should know:

  • What an ice axe is
  • The different types and when to use them
  • How to pick the right ice axe size for yourself
  • How to use an ice axe
  • If you need one ice axe or two

Other important things to know include

  • How to attach an ice axe to a backpack
  • The ice axe accessories

What is an ice axe?

The Mountaineers, one of the most prominent alpine clubs globally, described an ice axe as “a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineers in both the ascent and descent of routes that involve snow, ice, or frozen conditions”. Below is an image of a typical ice axe.

Black Diamond Raven. Source: Black Diamond
Black Diamond Raven. Source: Black Diamond
Source: BMC
Source: BMC

They come in various shapes and sizes, but they essentially consist of the following parts:

  1. Head – usually made of metal, it features the pick, adze and carabiner holes. The carabiner holes are used to affix a leash or carabiner.
  2. Pick – the pointed toothed part of the head. Primarily used for self-arrest.
  3. Adze is the flat, wide part of the head used to chop steps on the ice.
  4. Shaft – either straight or slightly curved, it connects the head to the spike and is generally used for grip or handling. It is usually made of lightweight metals such as aluminium or titanium or materials such as Kevlar, carbon filaments or fibreglass.
  5. Spike – usually made of metal, it is the pointed tip at the base of the shaft. It is generally used to penetrate the snow for balance, stability and safety.
  6. Handle – primarily found in ice tools (a particular type of ice axe), is usually found below or on the shaft to enhance grip.

Origin of the ice axe

The ice axe originates from the alpenstock, a long wooden pole with an iron spike tip used by alpinists since the Middle Ages. Still, its design is a combination of an alpenstock and a small axe, conceived from an illustration of Jacques Balmat carrying these two tools, the former used as a walking stick for climbing snowy terrains and the latter for chopping steps on icy slopes.

Jacques Balmat
Jacques Balmat

According to Grivel, the first genuine ice axe was created around the 1840s.

Different Types of Ice Axe and their Uses

As a mountaineer, having a set of ice axes in your climbing arsenal is definitely a sound idea. But there are many different types of ice axes out there, and they are all designed for various aspects of climbing. So, it is your responsibility as a mountain climber to know which types are ideal for different situations and terrains of mountain climbing. Generally, there are three major types of ice axes;

  • Walking/Non-technical ice axes
  • Technical ice axes/Ice tools, and
  • Highly-Specific Specialized ice axes

Walking/Non-Technical Ice Axes

Walking ice axes have straight or slightly angled shafts and lighter picks that are a bit weaker with less aggressive teeth. They are commonly used as walking sticks on ice or snowy terrains that are less steep. Their straight shafts also make them ideal for performing self-arrest (stopping a slide or fall). Popular walking/non-technical ice axes right now include the Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Summit Evo and the Grivel Air Tech Evo.

Black Diamond Raven. Source: Black Diamond
Black Diamond Raven. Source: Black Diamond
Petzl Summit Evo. Source: Petzl
Petzl Summit Evo. Source: Petzl

Technical Ice Axes/Ice Tools

Technical ice axes generally have curved shafts and stronger, slightly heavier picks with more aggressive teeth. The heavier picks make each swing have more momentum to cut into harder ice. They are used for steeper terrains and harder ice chipping. Examples of technical ice axes include the Petzl Quark, DMM Apex and Black Diamond Viper, among many others.

Petzl Quark. Source: Petzl
Petzl Quark. Source: Petzl
DMM Apex. Source: DMM
DMM Apex. Source: DMM

Highly-Specific Specialized Ice Axes

These specialized ice axes are specifically designed for vertical ice climbing and extremely steep terrains. They possess extra aggressive pick angles and extra curved shafts. They are a bit heavier than the regular technical ice axe. Examples of these specialized ice axes include the Cassin X-Dream and the Petzl Nomic among others.

Petzl Nomic. Source: Petzl
Petzl Nomic. Source: Petzl
Cassin X-Dream. Source: REI
Cassin X-Dream. Source: REI

What Size and Length do I Need?

For ice axes, size and length basically mean the same thing. If you want to purchase an ice axe in a climbing shop, the best way to know which axe size is appropriate for you is to follow these simple steps:

  1. With your winter hiking boots on, stand upright in a relaxed position.
  2. Hold the axe with the pick pointed to your rear and your thumb resting on the head.
  3. The spike at the base of the ice axe’s shaft should be beside your ankle or slightly above it (about an inch or 2.5cm).
The spike at the base of the ice axe's shaft should be beside your ankle or slightly above it (about an inch or 2.5cm).
Source: REI

If you are shopping online with no ice axe in hand to take the measurement, you can also follow these similar steps:

  1. Get someone to assist you. Wearing your hiking boots, stand in a relaxed upright position.
  2. Hold a hammer (or imaginary hammer) with the claw pointed to the rear and your thumb resting on the head.
  3. Have your friend measure the distance from the base of your thumb to your ankle.
  4. Purchase an axe that is close to this measurement.

How to Use an Ice Axe

You must know how to use an ice axe if you want to make the right call in choosing which one to purchase at a shop because the reality is that you will come across a lot of them in various shapes, each with their different climbing applications. We would go through the basic climbing techniques: the axe grip, walking support and self-arrest.

The Axe Grip

This is how you hold your ice axe while walking through a snowfield. There are two types of ice axe grip: the self-arrest grip and the self-belay grip.

The self-arrest grip – Your uphill hand holds the axe head with the pick pointing backwards and the adze forward. Your thumb should be wrapped under the adze and your other fingers over the pick. This is good as your hand is already in the self-arrest position.

Self-arrest grip
Source: REI

The self-belay grip – Your uphill hand holds the axe head with the adze pointing backwards and the pick forward. Your thumb and forefinger should be wrapped under the pick. This is useful in steeper terrains.

Self belay Grip
Source: REI

Walking support

As you walk uphill, your ice axe can be used as a walking stick or hiking staff for extra support. Keep your axe in your uphill hand and plant in the snow with every step as you ascend or descend.

The Self-Arrest

This is always recommended for every beginner to learn and perfect before going on any real outing. And a word of advice — always do it as quickly as possible during a fall. These are the main steps of performing a self-arrest:

  • Falling or sliding down the slope, grab your ice axe head with your uphill hand and the bottom of the shaft with the other hand.
  • Lie on your stomach and get your feet in a pushup position. Do this quickly.
  • Drive the axe pick into the snow and make sure your feet face the base of the slope(if not, allow them to get to that orientation after planting the pick). Then pull up the shaft looking downwards to brake the fall.

Practise this with your head uphill and then downhill. Remember in the climbing business, you are responsible for your own safety, so practise this as many times as possible.

Do I Need one Ice Axe or two?

One ice axe is sufficient for mountaineering but if you plan on climbing very steep or vertical terrain, then, in this case, two ice axes would be ideal for you, usually one with a hammer and the other with an adze (normally sold in pairs, see image below).

Black Diamond Viper (Hammer(left), Adze(right)). Source: Black Diamond
Black Diamond Viper (Hammer(left), Adze(right)). Source: Black Diamond

How to Attach an Ice Axe to a Backpack

This may look like a trivial thing to explain but it is important to know. Simply slide the shaft (spike facing down) through the strap or loop provided at the bottom of the backpack. When the head reaches the strap, twist the axe 180 degrees. The spike should be facing upwards now. Then secure the shaft with the strap provided at the top of the backpack.

Ice Axe Accessories

There are plenty of ice axe accessories to get accustomed to, most of them designed to make your mountaineering experience easier and more convenient. Some useful ice axe accessories include; the leash, crampons, spike protector, ice screws, climbing anchors and hiking cords.

Untouched – Exploring the wild Caucasus

May 24, 2022 by Ryan Colley

Skiing mountains and forging friendships in an unexplored part of the Caucasus mountains.

Skiing in the Caucasus
Khalde spines. Spot the skier.

11 February. En route to Mestia.

“Ga-mar-jos,” Misha replies, raising his voice over the engine of his land cruiser as it carries us along the bumpy snow-covered road. Pirmin, Franz, and I reiterate the phrase before feeding him another word, continuing the language lesson and passing the time on our long journey into the mountains.

Misha is our local guide here in Georgia. Apart from teaching us the local lingo, he has shared history, stories, and jokes with us nonstop from Tiblisi. He smiles a lot, and I sense he genuinely enjoys our company.

The lesson is suddenly interrupted by aggressive-sounding german hip hop. Pirmin is in the front seat and turns up the volume. It’s a banger and he and Franz start energetically rapping along with every word. Misha laughs and looks back at me, “crazy Germans!”

Three months ago, I was scouring the Caucasus on Fatmap, and a valley underneath the highest peaks of Georgia caught my eye. I could only see the summer profile of Khalde Valley, but I imagined the long grassy slopes and steep mountainsides covered in snow; it was a total skier’s paradise!

What I found most intriguing was the lack of information. Being in between two popular ski areas, Ushguli and Mestia, it surprised me that there were no ski topos, trip reports, guided trips, or even a single photo of this place in winter. 

Had no one really been in there? Was it as good as it looked?

Curiosity eventually got the better of me. With nothing more than the summer map, Pirmin, Franz, Martina, and I were in Georgia to check it out for ourselves. 

The song finishes, and I look out of the rattling window toward snow-capped peaks in the distance, wondering what lies in store for us in the mysterious Khalde Valley. 

Franzel snoozing on the 10-hour journey

13 February, Mestia. Approach.

It was only supposed to snow two centimetres overnight. But I looked out the window and saw roughly eight centimetres on the ground and more falling. I knew our approach passed through avalanche terrain, so this fresh snow wasn’t a welcomed sight.

Over breakfast, we discussed the situation and agreed that we would be okay turning back if things looked too sketchy.

We piled into Misha’s Land Rover again, and after an hour’s drive through cloud and snow, we arrived at the entrance of Khalde Valley. Looking around gave me a sense of why people don’t venture here during winter. The valley starts as a steep gorge with a track cut into the southern wall. Overhead there’s snow, and far below lies a river. One unlucky sluff would send you into the abyss. In the warmer months of spring, this would be quite an undertaking.  

Approach in the Caucasus
The approach

As we were unloading our gear, the snowfall had eased off, but the clouds stuck around. This kept the sun off the snow above us and gave me peace of mind.

Misha helped us get our cumbersome packs on. We carried stuff for basecamp, five days’ worth of food, and skiing equipment. The weight was crushing, but luckily the track wasn’t steep, so we could keep a comfortable pace. After an hour of skinning, the abandoned village of Khalde appeared through the fog. I remembered the tragic story Misha told us, which only added to the spooky atmosphere.

When the Russian Empire controlled Georgia, this tiny village and its inhabitants killed their Russian occupants and started a rebellion. This uprising occurred at the beginning of winter, so the villagers were safe as the valley was deemed unapproachable in snow. But as the snow melted, Russian soldiers set up cannons around the village. They bombed everything, killing all of the locals and forbidding anyone from inhabiting the valley. 

There are still some old houses intact, and there appears to be a modern guesthouse running in summer. Everyone agreed the town had an eerie feel to it, and we were happy to carry on up the valley in search of a campsite.

The abandoned village of Khalde

The cloud guarded the tops from our view, and whatever mountains we could see looked gnarly. There was almost no ridable terrain. Sheer cliffs and thick forest dropped into the icy gorge below. I knew we weren’t in the zone I had been looking at yet, but I slowly grew anxious. Had I taken my friends into a culdesac of dead ends?

Eventually, the valley opened up. We came to two small derelict buildings on a flat piece of ground and got to work setting up our home for the coming days.

Martina smiled and told me to turn around while setting our tent up. The clouds were parting as the sunset on the mountains behind us. After walking through the cloud all day got our first glimpse at the giant peaks of the Caucuses right on our doorstep. The excitement was building! 

Our first glimpse of the big mountains

14 February, Khalde Valley. Second day. 

The first morning was the toughest. Putting on ski boots at -15°c ain’t easy! We spent some time drinking tea and admiring the vista of stunning peaks surrounding our camp, which is partly to blame for our late start. But what really slowed us down was the frigid cold.

After warming up in the sun, we settled for a small objective for our first day. With light packs, we left camp and headed further up the valley, through a thick forest, and onto the west-facing slopes of a mountain called Karetta. 

Martina had a bad sleep and developed a cold. A short way up the mountain, she could feel her body was working harder than usual and decided to turn around. I stayed with her, and after having lunch in the sun, we got ready to ski down. Those first turns in Khalde were so satisfying. All of the travelling and organizing was worth it after all! On skis and in her natural element, Martina perked up. It was reassuring to watch her slash and jump her way down the slope after feeling shitty all morning. 

Wrestling with cold boots

Franz and Pirmin carried on and skied the north face of Karetta down to the Khalde glacier. They skated into camp hours later in high spirits and wearing big smiles. The snow was decent, and the snowpack seemed stable. Crowded around the warmth of our gas stove, we went through their photos as they told us about their afternoon. It looked epic!

Unfortunately, Martina felt worse and now had a nasty cough. A chest infection out here wouldn’t be much fun, and she was pretty keen to get out while she had enough strength. We agreed to get Misha to pick her up early if things didn’t improve. During the night, she woke me up shivering and unable to warm herself up. It took a long time to stop her from shaking. I messaged Misha on the inReach. He was on standby for a pick-up the following day. 

Nights in the abandoned farming buildings were cosy

15 February, Khalde Valley. Third day. 

It was decided that Pirmin and I would walk Martina out to meet Misha after lunch and then walk back up to camp in the evening. 

In the meantime, we could go and ski something close-by until noon. This allowed us time to explore more of the valley, and Martina could get a better rest before the journey back. I woke Martina up, and she seemed happy with the plan. I tucked a radio close by so she could talk to us if she needed it, and we set off. 

We wanted to ski a face right above our camp, but the only way up was through a thin gully that separated the thick trees and shrubs of the lower forest. This took a hundred kick turns to climb with about three steps in between. The snow felt excellent, and we were excited to see what awaited us on the other side. 

We had to get to the summit to reach the face we planned to ski. This meant sooner or later leaving the protection of the forest and crossing a ridge to gain the upper face. This proved to be much more intense than any of us anticipated. 

Looking small in the mountains
Khalde Valley

The snow changed the higher up we went. With each kick turn, it became more wind affected, and I was having trouble bringing myself to cross the ridge onto the face. I started walking slower. Before each step, I tested the snowpack with my ski pole, questioning the layers and stability. I asked what the boys thought a couple of times, but I didn’t want to be a nag, and I didn’t want to make Martina wait longer than she had to.

We spread out, and I continued breaking the trail. Soon I couldn’t go any higher without crossing the slope I was trying to avoid. I ignored my intuition and headed onto the face. The snow was softer once again and felt less wind-affected which gave me more confidence. But after a dozen steps, the snow compressed under my skis. Time slowed down as I looked up at the face and watched it crack above me.

I heard a whistle as the air was forced out of the snow, and I felt the whole mountain begin to slide. Luckily I was close enough to the ridge and the beginning of the avalanche that the debris was moving slowly. At first, it was one big slab that I was on top of, and as it broke up, I managed to get my ski pole in the hard snow underneath. I was taken five meters down the face before arresting on my pole and watching the whole face gather momentum and rip down the mountain, over cliffs, trees, and all the way to the valley floor.

My first concern was Pirmin. I looked over, and there he was, standing with Franz, looking up at me. The last I saw, he was directly below me and even further from the safety of the ridge. He had moved fast. With some ninja-like moves, he managed to half ski and half run over the debris to Franz and avoided being carried down.

We took a moment to regroup and gather our thoughts. All pretty shaken, we skied our skin trackback to camp. The skiing was fantastic, but I was too skittish to enjoy it as much as I usually would. 

Not fun.

After lunch, Pirmin, Martina, and I walked and skied out to meet Misha, who had driven up from Mestia. It was sad Martina had to leave as we had planned this trip together months ago. But we all knew she wouldn’t recover in the cold, and she was already stoked to have made it up here to see this place for herself. She seemed much more relaxed at the car, and I could tell she was pleased to be heading back. We said our goodbyes and got ready for the walk back up. 

Once the sun started setting, Pirmin and I marched back to camp. Both of us were lost in our thoughts, walking quickly to keep ourselves warm in the cold darkness. We spotted a wolf track on our way, following our path. 

Sleeping in the middle of the Caucasus
Franz at home

17 February, Khalde Valley. Last Day in the Caucasus. 

Before leaving the valley, we had just enough time to ski a south-facing slope that caught our attention on the first day. We had low expectations as the snow had been baking in the sun for the past five days. Still, we would be able to ski directly into camp, and it looked like a worthwhile run. 

By now, our mornings were pretty slick, and we were on the move shortly after breakfast. The sun was soon warming our backs, and once we gained the ridge, we could see over into Adishi and Mestia, two nearby valleys. We sat for a while, admiring the view from our last summit and reflecting on a good trip together. 

Apart from the old farming sheds, the valley was untouched when we arrived. A blank canvas of snow. Now we could overlook a web of messy tracks that disrupted the natural surface. Each track began and finished at the tent. They connected boot packs to ski tracks and the valley floor to summits. It was almost a shame to leave them behind, but they were fascinating to follow.

That last run was my favourite. I filmed the boys skiing away into the distance. Somehow the snow had stayed cold and was still soft despite the sun. I followed their tracks down the perfectly pitched slope to camp. It was nothing extreme, just open fields and endless turns in compact powder. Pure bliss.

Turn in the Caucasus
Franz enjoying Georgian POW

After packing up camp, we skied, skinned, slid, and walked to the road. Our big, beautiful Georgian friend, Misha, met us with a beer and a big hug. He was worried about us and was clearly relieved that we were all back safe and sound. We headed back to Mestia for a much-needed shower and celebration. Now we were the ones sharing stories with Misha as we babbled on about our trip. 

That night we went to a bar. Some locals heard what we were up to. They asked us some questions and wanted to see photos, especially of the abandoned and snow-covered village. These guys were mountain guides, and while they said there was possibly some heli-skiing, no one had been in there themselves. They definitely hadn’t heard of anyone walking in. 

We were in the valley for five days and four nights. Collectively we skied seven lines, predominantly on the northern side.

Having fun in the Caucasus mountains
Cheers!

To be immersed in the immense world of mountains with good people is a genuine and priceless experience. The cold mornings will stick with me for a while, as will the mountains we skied. But the evenings we shared around our flickering stove, laughing, telling stories, and dancing to Staying Alive, were moments I will cherish for a long time. The way nature brings people together is perhaps one of its finest qualities.

Thanks, Martina, Franz, and Pirmin, for a fantastic trip.

Dream Team!

Tips for others wanting to visit Georgia and Caucasus:

  • Mestia area often has better snow than Gudari.
  • Get a local guide. Misha isn’t a ski guide, but he is a real good sort and was able to organize just about anything. Here is a link to his company: https://www.facebook.com/georgianadventures/
  • There are many options if you are looking for small, expedition-style adventures. Climbing or skiing. Fatmap is an excellent tool for finding inspiration.
  • Norrona Falketind -18.5 sleeping bag recommended – the nights are cold!
  • It is a fascinating country and inexpensive; give yourself a few days to travel around. Tiblisi is like a mini Vegas, swim in the black sea, visit local markets, etc.
  • Georgia is thought to be the origin of wine, and there is evidence of its wine culture dating back to 6000bc! The local wine is delicious, and it’s worth saving some space in your luggage for a bottle, or twelve.
  • A big down jacket and down shorts are a must-have for winter touring here.
  • Book flights with Turkish Airlines, either they won’t charge you for your ski bag, or it will be very cheap at the airport.
  • The snowpack is deep, and the cold can preserve weak layers over a more extended period than ranges in the Alps.
  • When offered Chacha (homemade schnapps), proceed with caution 😉

China and climate change

May 5, 2022 by Thomas Viguier

During the recent UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (October-November 2021), China declared that it wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Although the commitment is strong, the deadline is distant.

Great wall, China
Photo by Edmund Lou on Unsplash

At the same time, China is the first world emitter of greenhouse gases, the first emitter of carbon emissions, and nevertheless, the world champion of renewable energies. We are all concerned about this issue because there can be no effective fight against global warming without drastically reducing Chinese greenhouse gas emissions.

Historical considerations to understand China and climate change

Awareness of the climate issue is relatively recent. At first, denial prevailed. In the 1980s, in particular, Deng Xiaoping prioritised China’s economic catch-up, and growth of exports, even though these activities meant polluting. All of this, is in an attempt to renew with China’s past glory at the time when its dynasties dominated the world.

China - Dynasties heritage
Photo by Gigi on Unsplash

China then considers itself a developing country, which is thus not bound by the same binding climatic imperatives as the rich countries. At the end of the twentieth century, China signed the international climate agreements, but without taking any real measures on its territory.

As a result, Chinese energy consumption multiplied six times between 1980 and 2010; all based essentially on highly polluting fossil fuels. The turning point took place at the beginning of the 2000s. In 2002, China ratified the Kyoto protocol. Later, in 2007, it launched a green plan within the country.

In 2015, China declared war on pollution. The following year, China signed the COP 21 Paris Agreement. China wanted to appear as a green leader. However, the country’s large amounts of carbon emissions continue to pollute.

Some geographic considerations

To understand the relationship between China and climate change, it’s important to understand Geography. China sees itself as the geostrategic hub of the New World, Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region. Covering a space of just under ten million square kilometres, with 1.4 billion inhabitants (a quarter of the world’s population), China is increasingly confronted with environmental problems, including global warming and pollution.

China is, therefore, well placed to observe the effects of global warming. For example, the rise in water levels in the islets of the China Sea that it invests for military purposes, and drought in the interior of the country, with chain effects on hydroelectric production.

Beyond climate issues, environmental issues are taking up more and more space in public debate. Deforestation has long been a massive issue that is now very apparent in the country. Then, above all, the issue of air pollution has become a major public health issue. It causes approximately one million deaths a year in China, as well as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and school closures, especially in Beijing.

Economic considerations to understand China and climate change

This is the central parameter. Any decision by Chinese power regarding the climate issue is linked to the economy. Although China wants to take action and become a leader in renewable energies and electric growth, the country has not proactively done much as the country has prioritised economic growth.

China and climate change

Despite global warming warnings, the Chinese government favours internal consumption and exports. For example, the boom in the car fleet and the development of the great strategy of the new silk roads, even if it means financing polluting projects abroad, and above all, the proliferation of coal-fired power stations. Coal still accounts for nearly 70% of China’s energy mix today, and many coal-fired power plants are still under construction until at least 2050. This means that CO2 emissions will continue to increase.

However, China has now become the world’s largest investor in renewable energy, with renewables representing 15% of energy consumption. The country is also the world’s largest producer of solar and wind energy, having started from scratch 15 years ago. It has been a colossal and ultra-fast effort; solar energy production multiplied by 150, and wind energy multiplied by 6 in the big cities. In addition, China has become the world leader in electric batteries for cars and is also developing nuclear power; it is now the world’s third-largest nuclear park.

But, of course, let’s bring it back to Chinese gigantism. Yes, in absolute value, China is the world leader in renewable energies, photovoltaics, and wind power. In relative value, compared to the population, it is no longer the world leader. Above all, the international community has understood the fight against global warming and perceived it first as an opportunity for growth and job creation. It all comes down to economics.

International commitments

Law, on the other hand, is not the central issue since, on paper, China has ratified the major international agreements. As a developing country, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol did not initially affect China. But it joined the process in 2002 and then signed the Paris Agreements at the same time as the United States.

During the recent COP26 in Glasgow, China again signed the joint initiative with Washington. In fact, far from paper, the implementation is slow to follow with no strict commitment on coal, no real incentive mechanisms on the internal market, or the purchase of carbon emission quotas.

There is, therefore, a real discrepancy between words and deeds. That said, China is not alone in this case.

Societal and governmental considerations

China and climate change: a bit of psychology

This is an essential dimension for understanding the evolution of the Chinese position towards a stronger climate commitment. Let’s first look at the psychology of the Chinese president. Xi Jinping sees the fight against global warming as an opportunity to acquire a powerful and virtuous image internationally.

Appearing as a world leader in renewable energies is an advantage. A strong asset in terms of ”soft power” is also a commercial asset. Like in the United States, Joe Biden, unlike his predecessor Donald Trump, is also eager to be proactive on this subject and develop renewable energies, China is reacting in a kind of race with Washington to appear as green as possible.

In this light, we must understand the recent Chinese announcement to no longer finance two coal-fired power stations abroad. In the psychology of the Chinese president, there is almost always a permanent quest for power. Almost a dream, in this case, of controlling the climate and nature. A very revealing example is cloud seeding, which is already in use in China. Cloud seeding is used to artificially trigger rain to fight against pollution and drought.

Pressure from the population

Nevertheless, and here we touch on sociology, the Chinese power must respond to the growing popular social pressure on environmental and ecological issues. Environmental concern has become a major issue due to atmospheric pollution as well as water and soil pollution. Popular discontent is growing. Complaints at the local level against public authorities are increasing. The population may have a great impact on how China deals with climate change.

Pollution in China
Photo by Photoholgic on Unsplash

In a survey published in 2017, 80% of Chinese people said they were worried about the climate issue. Young people, of course, are the most concerned. The whole question now is whether the new face displayed by Chinese power on this climate issue is the reflection or not of a sincere conviction.

It is well understood that economic growth first dictates decisions. The quest for power is decisive in this desire to appear as a green and ecological giant. There is, therefore, always a gap between words and deeds, with carbon emissions still remaining extremely high.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals

May 3, 2022 by Thomas Viguier

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals classify impact solutions and actions. They offer a clear framework to understand where companies have an impact. But, more importantly, they help define how they can improve their positive footprint to make the world better.

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

In September 2015, as part of the 70th United Nations General Assembly, Heads of States and Governments adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN’s SDGs are the world’s joint plan to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet by 2030. These objectives form a program of sustainable, universal and ambitious development; a program of the people, by the people, and for the people, conceived with the active participation of UNESCO.

Sustainable Development Goals
The SDGs cover a broad range of problems and objectives. Climate and Nature protection are among them.

Adopted by 193 countries, the SDGs emerged from the most inclusive and comprehensive negotiations in UN history and have inspired people from across sectors, geographies, and cultures. However, fulfilling these ambitions will take an unprecedented effort by all sectors of society. In addition, businesses, brands, and institutions have to play a vital role in the process.

The framework laid out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. The SDGs apply to all nations and leave no one behind.

How do we assess actions towards the SDGs?

Along with the SDGs, the Commission adopted 232 targets or indicators to measure progress globally. In addition, governments and States are incentivised to define their own KPIs, depending on their national context.

For instance, France proposed 98 indicators. INSEE, the national institute for statistics, is in charge of tracking them.

Unfortunately, in 2019, the United Nations reported that no country was on track to reach the 17 SDGs by 2030.

UN's Sustainable Development Goals
While climate is one of the biggest challenges we face, the SDGs cover a broader range of problem and development areas.

What is the role of businesses in achieving these SDGs?

The success in achieving the SDGs requests the mobilisation of all: State, local authorities, associations, researchers, citizens, corporates and enterprises.

As major players in the economy, enterprises, small or big, are invited to align their strategy and governance with the SDGs. They have the power to positively impact and influence society and be a driver in reaching those goals. It will, for sure, require change and adaptability, with a review of their business plans.

Firstly, the SDGs define a framework for companies. Then, it aims for sustainable development, positive impact and influence on society, and shared values through the ecological and inclusive transition.

SDGs deal with societal issues in which companies have a significant role: the fight against inequalities, climate change and the erosion of biodiversity, energy production, technical innovation and economic growth.

UN's SDGs - no poverty

Business engagement in achieving the SDGs can take many forms. Companies can, for instance, put in place specific policies to promote the circular economy, support local agriculture, defend gender equality or reduce energy or resource waste – all this by working in synergy with their partners and local actors. Companies also have a role in disseminating the SDGs within their ecosystem to engage all of their stakeholders.

Our interest in the SDGs

Today’s business landscape is characterised by an unprecedented, accelerating and complex mix of risks and opportunities. Be it a new technology or a sudden lack of natural resources; innumerable factors can disrupt entire markets in a very short period of time. In addition, new markets are emerging rapidly due to megatrends such as population growth, resource scarcity or global health risks. Meanwhile, consumers and investors are more knowledgeable and aware than ever before. Finally, they want businesses and brands to take responsibility for the pressure our planet and its population are under.

Business leaders and investors have a growing understanding that focusing on short-term profit are not enough. Instead, companies should pay growing attention to their impact on society, climate, communities, and their broader ecosystem. The businesses and brands that understand this challenge and act will be a step ahead.

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