Plans to tackle illegal deforestation via new legislation forcing UK businesses to clean up their supply chains has been welcomed by Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie.
The government has launched a consultation on the proposals to prohibit larger businesses from using products grown on land that was deforested illegally.
They would be required to carry out due diligence on their supply chains by publishing information to show where key commodities like cocoa, rubber, soy and palm oil came from.
Firms would also have to prove goods were produced in line with local laws protecting forests and other natural ecosystems. Those that failed to comply would be subject to fines.
“Deforestation abroad in places like the Amazon rainforest is partly caused by commodities we import and consume right here in the UK, so this consultation is a great step forward to tackling this problem and helping combat climate change.” said Ms Baillie, who is a member of the Conservative Environmental Network (CEN).
“I am delighted the government has listened to a broad range of groups, including CEN, on this pressing issue. It very much shows ministers are focused on tackling climate change while also dealing with a pandemic.
“I am of the belief what has happened to the world over the last six months can be an opportunity to take a greener approach to the environment, the economy and jobs, and this consultation is a vital part of that jigsaw."
Deforestation accounts for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions with the vast majority of deforestation – 80% – caused by the production of agricultural commodities.
In some countries up to 90% of the activity is illegal and it causes destruction and degradation to vital habitats, drives biodiversity loss, triggers extreme weather events and exacerbates the spread of infectious diseases.