Why NY Governor Must Take a Stand Against Tropical Deforestation

New York Should Lead the Way in Combating Tropical Deforestation and Human Rights Abuses

Introduction

The state of New York has taken a significant step towards combatting tropical deforestation and human rights abuses by passing the Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act. This legislation seeks to ensure that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to deforestation and human rights violations in their supply chains. It is imperative that Governor signs this bill into law without delay, as it will not only set an example for other states but also address the significant environmental and ethical challenges posed by industrial agriculture and deforestation globally.

Rationale behind the Legislation

New York has the third-largest economy among U.S. states and is a major consumer of commodities such as soy, beef, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, wood pulp, paper, and wood products. The production and sourcing of these commodities are known to be leading drivers of deforestation in tropical regions. This legislation aims to regulate contractors’ sourcing practices and ensure that these commodities are not obtained from areas where deforestation or forest degradation occurred after January 1st, 2023.

Environmental Impact of Deforestation

Tropical deforestation has devastating consequences for the environment. It disrupts ecosystems, contributes to climate change by releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and puts countless species at risk of extinction. By taking a stand against deforestation, the state of New York can play a crucial role in protecting global biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Human Rights Abuses in Industrial Agriculture

Apart from environmental concerns, industrial agriculture is often associated with severe human rights abuses. Human Rights Watch has documented cases of violence, intimidation, forced labor, child labor, and contamination of communities’ water sources in several countries linked to logging and industrial agriculture. Additionally, rural communities are often forcibly displaced from their lands as they are converted into plantations and pastures. By legislating against deforestation and ensuring respect for land tenure rights, free and informed consent of Indigenous peoples, and workers’ rights, New York can contribute to protecting the human rights of forest-dependent communities around the world.

National and Global Implications

The passage of the Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act in New York should inspire similar initiatives in other states. California currently has a separate bill pending to legislate deforestation-free procurement, and there is a need for a more comprehensive federal-level bill to restrict the import of agricultural commodities grown on illegally deforested land or in violation of Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ land rights.

International Collaboration

It is crucial for states in the U.S. to collaborate with each other and work towards a unified approach to combat tropical deforestation and human rights abuses. By demonstrating leadership in this area, the U.S. can also play a significant role at the global stage. International cooperation and commitments are essential to address the root causes of deforestation and ensure the protection of human rights in agricultural supply chains.

Opportunity for Change

The New York initiative should only be the beginning of greater efforts across the U.S. to protect tropical forests and the rights of forest-dependent people worldwide. By adopting rigorous legislation like the Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act, the U.S. can demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, conservation, and ethical practices in global supply chains.

Conclusion

Governor, it is imperative that you sign the Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act into law without delay. By doing so, New York will set an example for other states and contribute significantly to the global efforts to combat tropical deforestation and human rights abuses. Your leadership and action will not only protect the environment and promote sustainability but also uphold the rights and dignity of forest-dependent communities worldwide.

Unsplash gallery keyword: Deforestation–environment,deforestation,climatechange,conservation,sustainability,tropicalforests,NewYorkGovernor,policy,activism