Sustainable supply chains can address the key drivers of forest and biodiversity loss in the agriculture and forestry sectors, fueling biodiversity conservation and responsible sourcing of commodities like palm oil, soy, timber, and much more.
Episode 71 introduces Gen Z for the Trees, a powerful youth movement aiming for net zero deforestation by 2030 using supply chain mapping + modeling techniques, GIS, and environmental science knowledge to uncover what's REALLY happening in some of the biggest brands' supply chains...and all while attending university full time. Deforestation in the supply chain is bad for several reasons.
First and foremost, deforestation has a significant negative impact on the environment, leading to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and carbon emissions. Deforestation also contributes to climate change by reducing the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In addition to the environmental impact, deforestation can also have negative social and economic consequences.
Forests are often home to indigenous and local communities who rely on the forest for their livelihoods, including hunting, fishing, and gathering of forest products. Deforestation can displace these communities and disrupt their way of life. From a business perspective, deforestation can also pose a risk to companies that source products from areas affected by deforestation, such as palm oil, soy, beef, and timber. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of deforestation and may choose to avoid products that contribute to it. In addition, regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing deforestation are being put in place in many countries, and companies that fail to comply with these regulations may face legal and reputational risks.
As part of the Rainforest Partnership, the goal of Gen Z for the Trees is to inform the world about sustainable living, stakeholders in the rainforest, and current grassroots efforts to mitigate climate change. They also commit to promoting the work of indigenous rainforest communities while celebrating these communities’ deep and unique understanding of the rainforest. Gen Z is the generation of change: many of these changes, like climate change, were set in place generations ago but threaten our future on this planet.
As temperatures climb, sea levels rise, and natural disasters intensify each year, Gen Z must grapple with the inevitability of change. As the most connected, diverse, and largest generation in the history of the world, Gen Z is driven by immediate action and near instant togetherness. Gen Z makes up 40% of consumers both in the United States and globally. By 2026, Gen Z will be over 40% of the workforce with influence far-reaching, they are poised to create a more sustainable future.
If you like to learn more about Gen Z for the Trees, visit and follow the links below: https://www.rainforestpartnership.org/gen-z-for-the-trees https://www.rainforestpartnership.org/blog/gen-z-for-the-trees-brings-hope-for-the-future https://www.instagram.com/genzforthetrees/?hl=en https://twitter.com/genzforthetrees?lang=en https://www.rainforestpartnership.org/blog/call-for-volunteers-gen-z-for-the-trees
