United Nations climate conference to address Amazon deforestation crisis
- The next climate conference, COP30, will be held in Belem, Brazil, an Amazon region affected by extensive deforestation primarily linked to cattle farming.
- A new report indicates that about 80% of Brazil's leading beef and leather companies lack commitments to end deforestation, despite significant financial resources.
- The findings call for urgent action to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and ensure compliance with deforestation commitments.
In Brazil, the next United Nations climate conference, COP30, is set to take place in Belem, a city located in an Amazon region facing severe deforestation. This deforestation, predominantly caused by cattle farming, has degraded the surrounding rainforest, converting it from a crucial carbon sink into a significant carbon source. A new report by the environmental nonprofit organization Global Canopy highlights alarming findings regarding the Brazilian beef and leather industries. The study points out that approximately 80% of the country's most influential companies in these sectors, alongside their financial supporters, have failed to make any pledges to combat deforestation. Released on December 11, 2024, the report examines Brazil's 175 leading beef and leather companies, noting that they have collectively received around $100 billion in financing. This staggering amount accounts for one-third of the annual financial commitments wealthy nations have promised for climate finance in developing countries, as discussed during the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, last month. The report underscores the critical significance of addressing the environmental impact of cattle farming, which is identified as a primary driver of deforestation and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Despite some companies, like JBS, having made commitments to halt deforestation, the report reveals that these are often insufficient. JBS, in particular, is recognized for having a system in place to trace cattle from ranchers to production units. However, it is also noted that the company is the most likely buyer of cattle sourced from recently deforested areas. This assessment relies on data regarding cattle purchases and the associated deforestation rates in various Brazilian municipalities, showcasing potential weaknesses in the system intended to ensure sustainability in supply chains. Emma Thomson, one of the study's coauthors, emphasizes the importance of taking concrete actions beyond mere commitments. She insists that effective implementation, monitoring of suppliers, robust traceability mechanisms, and transparent reporting are vital for ensuring accountability in the fight against deforestation. The report additionally highlights catastrophic results for three processing companies based in Para state, which are also linked to sourcing cattle from newly deforested lands. The environmental implications of the current trend are severe, as Brazil leads in greenhouse gas emissions among its states. An update to this baseline report is anticipated before COP30, with Niki Mardas, the executive director of Global Canopy, calling it a call to action rather than a fixed assessment of the situation.