Despite promises made by the UK government to end the import of beef, soy, and palm oil products linked to deforestation, recent data has revealed that these commodities are still being brought into the country. Campaigners have criticized the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for not implementing measures to halt the import of goods from regions with high rates of deforestation, despite commitments made at the Cop26 climate summit in 2021.
The Environment Act 2021 was supposed to prohibit the use of commodities produced on illegally deforested land overseas, but this regulation has not been enforced due to Defra’s delay in publishing the list of covered commodities. Former environment minister Zac Goldsmith expressed disappointment over the lack of progress, emphasizing the critical role of preserving forests in combating climate change.
An investigation conducted by Global Witness and Trase discovered that the UK continues to import seven commodities associated with deforestation, including palm oil, soy, and cattle products. Between November 2021 and July 2023, an estimated 20,400 hectares of deforestation were linked to UK imports, with significant portions attributed to palm oil, soy, and cattle products.
Veronica Oakeshott, head of the forest campaign at Global Witness, highlighted the UK’s weaker regulatory framework compared to the EU, which addresses both deforestation and forest degradation. She urged the UK government to align its regulations with the EU’s standards to cover all forest-risk commodities and prevent further environmental harm.
The delay in finalizing regulations to curb the importation of forest-destructive products has raised concerns among campaigners, who argue that swift action is essential for the UK to demonstrate leadership in addressing climate change. The government’s approach is based on collaboration with producer countries to promote sustainable forest management and land use practices.
In response to the criticism, a Defra spokesperson emphasized the importance of due diligence legislation included in the Environment Act to combat illegal deforestation and remove such products from UK markets. The department pledged to announce its next steps promptly and reiterated its commitment to working with producer countries to ensure sustainable forest and land use practices.
As the UK grapples with the challenge of balancing trade interests with environmental conservation, stakeholders continue to push for stronger regulations to curb the importation of commodities driving deforestation. The need for immediate action to protect global forests and mitigate climate change remains a pressing issue that requires proactive measures from governments and industry players alike.
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