"A new 9-month long cross-border investigation exposes the flaws of “green” forestry labels. Environmental auditors overlook harm by “sustainable" companies, hindering climate efforts."

""Deforestation Inc.", a new investigation organized by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and 39 media partners including DW, reveals how green certifiers are used to validate forest products linked to Indigenous rights abuses, illegal logging and unsustainable deforestation.

Destruction of forests plays a key role in climate change. Scientists estimate that deforestation for agricultural or construction purposes is responsible for more than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Certification bodies such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) set the standards and guidelines for how forests should be managed responsibly. They claim the products they certify, such as wood, paper and palm oil, are sourced from responsibly managed forests. "

Serdar Vardar and Pelin Ünker report for DW March 1, 2023. [2]