Published , Modified Abstract on Companies' 'Deforestation-Free' Supply Chain Pledges Have Barely Impacted Forest Clearance in the Amazon, Researchers Say Original source
Companies' 'Deforestation-Free' Supply Chain Pledges Have Barely Impacted Forest Clearance in the Amazon, Researchers Say
Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has been a major concern for environmentalists and policymakers for decades. The Amazon rainforest is home to millions of species of plants and animals, and it plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. However, deforestation in the Amazon has continued at an alarming rate, with many companies contributing to this problem. In recent years, many companies have made pledges to create "deforestation-free" supply chains, but according to researchers, these pledges have barely impacted forest clearance in the Amazon.
The Problem of Deforestation in the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, with millions of species of plants and animals living within its borders. However, deforestation in the Amazon has been a major problem for decades. According to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon increased by 22% between August 2019 and July 2020 compared to the previous year. This represents the highest level of deforestation since 2008.
Companies' 'Deforestation-Free' Supply Chain Pledges
In recent years, many companies have made pledges to create "deforestation-free" supply chains. These pledges are designed to ensure that companies do not contribute to deforestation through their supply chains. However, according to researchers, these pledges have barely impacted forest clearance in the Amazon.
According to a study published in Environmental Research Letters, only 2% of soybean exports from Brazil to Europe were covered by "zero-deforestation" agreements between 2010 and 2017. Similarly, only 17% of beef exports from Brazil to Europe were covered by such agreements during the same period.
The Impact of Companies' Pledges on Deforestation
The researchers found that companies' pledges to create "deforestation-free" supply chains have had little impact on deforestation in the Amazon. The study found that deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon were not significantly different between areas covered by "zero-deforestation" agreements and areas not covered by such agreements.
The researchers also found that companies' pledges to create "deforestation-free" supply chains may have unintended consequences. For example, some companies may shift their sourcing to other regions where deforestation is not as closely monitored or regulated.
Conclusion
Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is a major problem, and many companies have made pledges to create "deforestation-free" supply chains. However, according to researchers, these pledges have barely impacted forest clearance in the Amazon. The study found that deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon were not significantly different between areas covered by "zero-deforestation" agreements and areas not covered by such agreements. Companies must do more to address deforestation in their supply chains if we are to protect the Amazon rainforest for future generations.
FAQs
1. What is deforestation?
Deforestation is the clearing of forests for human activities such as agriculture, logging, and urbanization.
2. Why is deforestation a problem?
Deforestation contributes to climate change, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion.
3. What is a "deforestation-free" supply chain?
A "deforestation-free" supply chain is one in which companies ensure that their products do not contribute to deforestation through their supply chains.
4. Why have companies' pledges to create "deforestation-free" supply chains had little impact on deforestation in the Amazon?
Companies may shift their sourcing to other regions where deforestation is not as closely monitored or regulated.
5. What can be done to address deforestation in the Amazon?
Companies must do more to address deforestation in their supply chains, and policymakers must take action to regulate deforestation and protect the Amazon rainforest.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.