Support The Forest Act

March 2022 - Rainforest destruction is happening at a frightening rate that could wipe out the world’s remaining tropical forests within 100 years. Two thirds of the world’s original rainforest have already been destroyed or degraded by humans. American companies must stop importing products generated from unlawful deforestation and that result from the abuse of indigenous communities. A bill in Congress, The Forest Act, will require corporations to prove their ingredients don’t derive from illegal deforestation and the abuse of Indigenous Peoples’ rights before these imports are allowed to enter the US. Companies like Procter & Gamble are gearing up to fight the law as it may eat into their profits. Help counteract their influence by supporting Senate Bill S2950, The Forest Act.

Forests are one of our best defenses against the climate crisis. They sequester carbon and sustain biodiversity. Tropical forests cover roughly seven percent of the Earth’s surface, but harbor close to 50 percent of all species on Earth. An estimated 18 million acres of forest, an area 1/5 the size of California, is lost every year due to industrial activities. Tropical deforestation is the third leading driver of global CO2 emissions.

The agro-materials many companies use are often sourced from regions with poor governance, high levels of corruption, and epidemics of illegality and human rights abuses. The Forest Act helps to limit these problems by forbidding American companies from importing tainted commodities.

ACTION: Urge your Senators to support S2950, The Forest Act. And since tropical forests are cut down largely to grow palm oil, a main ingredient in snack foods, you can do your part by avoiding foods containing palm oil. If we don't buy it, they won't make it.

CONTACT: Your Senators

• Web: Find their names and links to their websites at senate.gov, send an email or leave a message via ‘Contact’ on his/her website
• Tel: 202 224-3121 (Capitol switchboard-ask for his/her office & leave a message)
• Mail: Senator (first & last name) S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510

Please send this email on to family and friends and/or write a letter-to-the-editor on this important issue. It is a good way to educate others and build support for needed policies.