Researchers are Evaluating Policy Proposals to Find Ways to Lessen EU's Impact on Deforestation

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and the University of Louvain in Belgium analyzed thousands of policy recommendations for how the EU should reduce deforestation in a recent report, deciding which had the greater potential to reduce deforestation while still being politically feasible.

The researchers investigated how to deal with the trade-off between policy impacts and feasibility. An essential part of this is combining different complementary measures. Trade regulations on their own, for example, risk hitting poorer producing countries harder.

Finally, the researchers summarize three main concepts that must be integrated into current policy if the EU is serious about reducing its effects on tropical deforestation. "First, put in place policies that would eventually result in improvement. Second, to reduce deforestation, use a combination of steps, incorporating various methods and instruments. Finally, ensure direct engagement of supply chain players in strategically relevant areas, steadily extending and broadening the steps." Simon Bager comes to a conclusion.

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