Satellite data and machine learning – the solution to deforestation comes from the sky
With the EU, US and UK in the process of banning products derived from deforestation, identifying and managing the impacts and risks within their supply chain is becoming critical for companies, and their financiers, that utilise imported soft commodities. Discover CleanTech talks to Frontierra, a consultancy firm that can help with just that. BY SIGNE HANSEN, PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FRONTIERRA
Using satellite monitoring to analyse and evaluate deforestation, reforestation and carbon dynamics in agricultural supply chains, Frontierra provides crucial services to companies that are set to be affected by legislation concerning deforestation. But companies unaffected by legislation are also showing increasing interest in establishing sustainable supply chains, says co-founder and director of Frontierra Lewis Rattray: “Currently, the size of a football pitch of forest is lost every second, and that is hugely detrimental to our environment – 72 |
Issue 05 |
November 2022
a lot of consumers are aware of that, and this has a considerable impact on decision making for the products they purchase. That’s why monitoring and reporting on deforestation within one’s supply chain can be very beneficial for marketing purposes – many companies are striving to become sustainability leaders within their fields, and being able to demonstrate that their product, anything from a coffee to a desk, is deforestation-free is a fantastic point to be able to market to an increasingly informed consumer base.”
The EU bill banning products associated with deforestation involves a range of commodities such as soy, beef, palm oil, wood products, cocoa and coffee, and is likely to be expanded to other products, and the financial institutions that fund them. The bill was recently passed by the EU Parliament, with similar bills passed in Norway, California and New York. In the wake of rising consumer concerns, legislation is soon to follow in many more locations – including the US (at the federal level) and UK, where similar bans have been proposed.