Petra Tanos’ expert analysis on the new report launch – Why Net Zero Needs Zero Deforestation Now

A report on Why Net Zero Needs Zero Deforestation Now, that released yesterday in the City of London, brought together financiers, corporate leaders, governments, and civil society, advocating for increased commitment and investment to eliminate deforestation. Petra Tanos, Head of Private Sector Engagement at the Tropical Forest Alliance at the World Economic Forum, comments on how investments in nature-positive activities are crucial in the race to net-zero.

The system level change required to end commodity-driven deforestation has been talked about for decades – and this report from the UN Race to Zero – in collaboration with the Science Based Targets initiative – shows that we are nowhere near where we need to be.

However, the signals coming from investors and the financial community – including central banks – are promising, and there is corporate action happening at a system level. For example, the Tropical Forest Alliance is working with 13 of the world’s largest agricultural commodity traders to develop a roadmap on accelerated supply chain action in line with a 1.5 degree future, which would be another huge part of the food system puzzle – if we are to reach our Paris climate goals.