Forests

Deforestation and forest degradation account for approximately 10-15% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing deforestation is therefore critical for meeting international ambitions to prevent dangerous climate change. CDP's work with forests acts on behalf of over 525 signatory investors, with US$96 trillion in assets, who wish to understand how companies are addressing their exposure to deforestation risks.

Why you? How does CDP help?

Global context The risks The opportunities

>1bn

people depend directly on forests for their basic livelihoods.

15%

of global carbon emissions result from deforestation and forest degradation.

$135bn

per year in export trade of forest-risk commodities soy, palm oil, timber and cattle drives deforestation for land use.

of a company's share price could be cut due to supply chain disruptions.

64%

of palm oil companies recognize at least one reputational risk in their supply chains.

75%

of companies say deforestation is a potential risk to supply chains that could impact operations, revenue or expenditure.

50%

of deforestation in tropical and subtropical countries results directly from commercial and subsistence agriculture.

The most immediate and effective mechanism for mitigating climate impacts could come through curbing deforestation, according to the IPCC.

96%

of the palm oil industry has a 'zero deforestation' commitment, showing the huge potential for companies to remove deforestation from their supply chain.

Why measure? Why disclose? The benefits

In order to manage, we must measure. We will not be able to take advantage of the opportunities, or mitigate the risks, of deforestation without measuring our impacts.

CDP’s standardized, credible and widely-recognized reporting system reduces the burden of collecting and submitting data, making measurement much easier.

Removing deforestation is a journey and all companies are encouraged to take the first step and begin measuring to help deliver on commitments.

Tackling deforestation requires a collaborative approach where accountability is essential. Disclosing is the first step towards this.

CDP gives companies the opportunity to accurately benchmark against competitors and sector peers.

88%

of companies reporting to CDP identify opportunities associated with sustainable sourcing, often leading to better brand reputation.

Improve your risk-reduction plans by developing an awareness of priority action areas within your company.

Build a sustainable business culture and encourage innovation within your company by disclosing through CDP.

Work within stakeholder and regulatory expectations - especially after the Paris Agreement - both now and in the future by disclosing.

Latest report

Global Forests Report 2017

201

companies who disclosed data to CDP have been analysed in this report

73%

companies committed to reduce or remove deforestation from their supply chains

380

institutional investor signatories, with a combined US$29 trillion in assets, are behind the disclosure request

Deforestation is a real business risk. CDP works with companies and investors to manage this risk and continue the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Forests

Information is collected through the lens of the four agricultural commodities responsible for most deforestation:

Reduce the real business risk that deforestation presents by working with CDP.

Latest report

Global Forests Report 2017

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