Our forests work

The single largest cause of deforestation and forests degradation globally is commercial agriculture. The supply-demand of key forest risk commodities also accounts for 10-15% of greenhouse gas emissions.

The unsustainable production and supply chains of these commodities present significant business risks and negative environmental impacts on land, water, biodiversity and climate change. Acting on behalf of over 590 investors that represent over US$110 trillion in assets, and 200+ large purchasing companies, CDP Forests provides a framework of action for companies to measure and manage forest-related risks and opportunities, transparently report on progress, and commit to proactive action for the restoration of forests and ecosystems.

In 2019 we also began collecting data on the biodiversity impacts, risks and opportunities within the mining sector.

Biggest known global drivers of deforestation:

Cattle

Cattle ranching to produce beef, leather, gelatin and tallow is the leading driver of deforestation in Latin America, responsible for destroying on average 2.71 million hectares of forests a year, equivalent to 3.25 million football pitches.

CDP has found that corporate commitment and action toward sustainable sourcing of cattle products significantly lags behind that of other forest-risk commodities, despite the fact it is 400 times more land intensive than palm oil.

Mining

While agriculture is the biggest driver of deforestation globally, mining and other extractive industries play a significant role. The World Bank puts nearly a third of global forests under the potential influence of large-scale mining. Direct impacts include mining activities and associated infrastructure on the local ecosystem while indirect impacts are more extensive, such as induced in-migration of people.

With increasing global demand for minerals and metals, mining activities are likely to move into remote and ecologically sensitive areas, increasing both deforestation and biodiversity risks.

In 2019, CDP added new biodiversity-focused questions to its Forests questionnaire targeting companies from the metals & mining and coal sectors. Find out more about CDP’s contribution to ‘Tracking progress toward Goal 3: New York Declaration on Forests’.

Palm Oil

Palm oil production is the largest cause of deforestation in South East Asia and other tropical regions. It is used in a wide range of food, personal care and household products, as well as in biofuel production.

Rubber

Almost 90% of natural rubber is produced in South East Asia, where it has become a leading driver of deforestation. Small scale mixed agroforestry has been replaced by wide forest clearance and large scale monocultures.

The automotive and tyre industry is the biggest consumer of natural rubber, with thousands of other products being made from the material for industries such as transport, construction, health, mining and weapons.

CDP began collecting data on rubber in 2018.

Soy

Soy is one of the key drivers of deforestation and conversion of native vegetation in Latin America. Used for personal care and medical products, fuel and food, and – most significantly – as animal feed, production continues to increase to meet surging demands from around the world.

Timber

A major driver of deforestation and forest degradation across the globe, timber is one of the most widely consumed commodities. It is used in its various forms for a variety of products from construction and furnishing to paper and fabric goods.

CDP forests funded projects

Introduction to CDP forests funded projects covering action in exporter and importer regions of forests risk commodities and deforestation derived from other economic sectors by 2020.