Brazilian Soya and Beef Imported to EU Linked to Illegal Deforestation

1/5 of soya and beef imported from Brazil to the EU is linked to illegal deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado savanna. Both these ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots and the Amazon is vital to tackling the climate crisis. European politicians have now warned Brazil that a major trade deal could be in jeopardy unless Brazil acts to reduce forest clearances. This comes after massive climate protests and deforestation events have occurred in the last two years.

20% of soya and 17% of beef imported to the EU from Brazil has been produced on deforested land. Beef imports linked to illegal forest clearances are likely much higher, as records only exist from two Brazilian states.

The EU's demand for Brazilian beef and soya caused 58m tonnes of carbon emissions between 2009 and 2017. This is equivalent to the emissions of 11.4m cars over a year. Surprisingly, only 2% of ranches are responsible for 62% of illegal deforestation. This means that solving the issue could be easier to solve than businesses and the Brazilian government have claimed it will be. These institutions have delayed efforts to protect the Amazon on the ground that the ecosystem is too large to monitor. However, the revelation that deforestation occurs at specific 'super sites' means that law enforcement and monitoring efforts can be concentrated around these areas.