The upcoming United Nations climate conference, COP30, is set to take place in Belem, Brazil, a region in the Amazon where rampant deforestation, primarily driven by cattle farming, has transformed the once vital rainforest into a significant carbon source. A recent report by Global Canopy reveals that approximately 80% of Brazil's major beef and cow leather companies, along with their financiers, have not committed to stopping deforestation.
The study, released by the environmental nonprofit, highlights the lack of action from influential beef and leather producers and processors in Brazil, who have received substantial financial support totaling $100 billion from various institutions. This amount represents a significant portion of the annual climate finance pledged by wealthy nations during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Despite some companies, like JBS, making commitments to halt deforestation and implementing traceability systems, the report indicates that they are still likely to source cattle and cow leather from recently deforested areas. The assessment of deforestation risk is based on the volume of cattle purchased from different regions in Brazil and their deforestation rates.
The report emphasizes the importance of commitments as a first step in addressing deforestation but stresses the need for effective implementation, supplier monitoring, traceability mechanisms, and transparent reporting on progress. The study also identifies other processing companies in Para state, such as Mercurio, Mafrinorte, and Frigol, as potential buyers from recently deforested lands.
In response to the report, JBS defended its practices, citing its efforts to ensure suppliers meet socio-environmental criteria since 2009. However, the company criticized the methodology used in the study, claiming it oversimplified the assessment of deforestation risk.
Global Canopy's report, funded by the Bezos Earth Fund, underscores the urgent need for action in the face of escalating deforestation in Brazil. With the state of Para hosting the country's second-largest cattle herd and significant deforested areas, the region ranks highest in greenhouse gas emissions among Brazilian states.
As preparations for COP30 intensify, Global Canopy plans to update its findings to further highlight the pressing issue of deforestation in the Amazon. The report serves as a call to action for companies and financial institutions to prioritize sustainable practices and combat deforestation effectively.
