The Problem
The Problem
Forests are home to over 80% of the world's land-based wildlife and plants. They also play a critical role in tackling climate change and supporting our health and wellbeing.
Yet, forests are getting the axe at an alarming rate. It is estimated that 15 billion trees are cut down each year.
Food production is a leading cause of this destruction. Globally, over a quarter of all forest cover lost is due to clearing land to produce food such as cocoa, beef, soy and palm oil. Yet this destruction is unnecessary. We can produce the food we need without destroying forests, by supporting farmers to produce food in environmentally friendly ways.
In the UK we are still importing food that is destroying forests. This is because companies that sell us food are not doing enough to understand where the food comes from.
How you can help
How you can help
It’s not all bad news. The UK government already has a potential solution: a law that would require food businesses to check where the food they are buying comes from and take responsibility for destructive farming impacts. Government committed to this law in 2023, but it still has not been brought into force.
Our government has talked a lot about the UK's leading role in preserving nature. Now is the time to match actions with words.
We need your help. The UK government must take action to protect forests from illegal deforestation.
Email Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, demanding that he enact the law.