Pico Analytics Fortnightly Newsletter: Biodiversity Edition
Cop15 2022 put biodiversity on the map for many in the financial and investment world and with it came a reminder of how crucial biodiversity and the natural world are to our ability to survive and thrive. US$41.7 trillion of economic value generation is either all or in part dependent upon nature, making the protection of our wild spaces and the various flora and fauna which reside within them of the upmost importance. However, the key to securing a balance between biodiversity and human development is not to look upon the value of the natural world in solely monetary terms. Instead, we must remind ourselves of how our survival as a species is deeply interconnected with those ecosystems on which we rely for food, fresh air, water, and raw materials. We can all spend an hour watching David Attenborough documentaries in awe of the dramatic scenes of baby seals attempting to survive the first few fragile weeks of life on one of the few ice floes left or welling up with tears as we hear of challenges mountain gorillas face due to human encroachment and climate change. Where we fail is in switching the channel and going back to our lives, forgetting about the raw emotional connection we felt to the natural world just moments before. We often allow ourselves to believe that we are above the natural world and can therefore use and abuse it as we wish, yet, this could not be further from the truth as just as many Indigenous groups say we are simply stewards who are here to care for the world around us and should leave only footprints in our wake. The warning signs could not be clearer as sea ice melts, ecosystems collapse, species become endangered, fires rage and food insecurity threatens communities across the globe our once harmonious relationship with the world around us is rapidly disintegrating. Even when we wish to realign ourselves with and spend more time in nature our presence can often do more damage that good as our expanding population contributes to increased footfall in regions we once seldom set foot in. We can however make a start in backing the Cop15 summit plans to safeguard 30% of nature on earth by 2030. For those with the financial clout it is important to sign up to and adhere to the new Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures which will allow financial institutions to integrate nature into their decision-making procedures. But, if you are simply reading this and considering how you as an individual can protect the natural world then why not join a beach cleanup project, support rewilding projects in your local area, boycott products or companies linked to deforestation and perhaps put your dog on a leash when going for a walk in the wild.
Our spending power as consumers and the businesses which court our custom often dictate how we interact with the natural world. If we want palm oil the rainforests of Borneo must be chopped down to make room for plantations. If we want beef the Amazon must be cleared for ranches. If we want precious minerals, then marine life must be disturbed and possibly damaged to collect it from the ocean floor. If we wish to have a barbecue on a sunny day, then wild spaces are put at risk of fires. Yet, we can purposefully shop to avoid items with palm oil, eat less meat and shift to a plant-based diet, drive fewer cars and take to public transport, or even choose to eat at home and stop purchasing disposable barbecues. Businesses supply demand meaning that both as individuals and as a collective we have the power to make change and protect the natural world from thousands of miles away. However, financial institutions can do yet more by backing sustainable startups and withdrawing funding from projects which fail to make good on promises of reduced emissions or protection of the natural world. This edition seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of global biodiversity and the many challenges it faces as well as the attempts made to protect and rewild natural spaces. From beavers bringing back the wetlands to the controversy surrounding the EU's new deforestation law this edition, as always, aims to educate, inform, and promote a more sustainable lifestyle whilst turning your attention to those projects and laws which aim to enforce sustainability at the highest level.
We here at Pico Analytics know that it can be disheartening and at times frustrating to read through the various articles and reports concerning climate change, sustainable development and ESG's but it is important to understand exactly what is happening in our world and how our needs and requirements are being met. In our Sustainability Spotlight we shine a light on the Great Green Wall of sub-Saharan Africa whilst our usual Business Insider video takes a look at how a California startup is transforming seaweed into plastic. Our newsletter, as usual, will provide a short summary of some of the most notable, informative, and quirky climate stories of the past two weeks in the hope that it provides inspiration and insight into climate news from around the world. Finally, we want to hear from you, our readers, about any topics that interest you, which we can either produce research papers on or include as stories in future newsletters.
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TOP STORIES
Reverse Wildlife Losses or Face Ecosystem Collapse
by Damian Carrington 24th February 2023
Our current losses in biodiversity has prompted scientists to warn of total ecosystem collapse and the start of a new mass extinction. New research shows that if we fail to reverse our current losses then this collapse will be 'inevitable'.
The last mass extinction event occurred 252 million years ago in the Permian-Triassic when 95% of life on earth was wiped out driven by global heating linked to huge volcanic eruptions. Today, species are being lost faster than in any of the previous five mass extinction events. Wildlife is being destroyed by pollution, overhunting, mining, farming and the general razing of natural habitats to supply our consumer lifestyles and energy needs. Yet, we are damaging the systems on which humanity relies for clean air and water, as well as food. The new research examined marine fossils found in China from before, during and after the Great Dying which showed the complex ecosystems that rely on complex interactions between plants, predators, and prey to stay afloat. The scientists found that multiple species can play a role in an ecosystem with the absence of a few having not made a great deal of difference, however, once the last species in each role goes extinct, the ecosystem rapidly collapses. Though scientists cannot predict the exact tipping point for ecosystem collapse today they are in one voice that our current behavior will make it inevitable. After researchers recreated 'The Great Dying' of the Permian-Triassic they observed how "volcanic eruptions that drove up carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, resulting in climate conditions similar to those being caused today by fossil fuel burning, i.e. global heating, ocean acidification and loss of oxygen in the seas". In the initial stages of extinction just enough species remained to continue carrying out their essential functions, yet, as the fallout occurs in the form of global warming or ocean acidification, ecosystems, already without their buffers for resistance, falter into ecological collapse. This took place, in this study, 60,000 years after the initial crash in biodiversity. The conclusion of the research was that the biodiversity crash we are currently experiencing on a near global scale may be a harbinger for a devastating ecosystem collapse. Meaning that our current conservation efforts will have to expand beyond simply protecting a species to including protecting the various roles they play. Though scientists have contemplated whether environmental change was in fact the source of the second phase collapse they thought it unlikely, and that biodiversity loss is more like a domino effect with devastating consequences.
Antarctic Sea-Ice at All Time Low
by Jonathon Amos & Erwan Rivault 17th February 2023
There is now less sea-ice surrounding the Antarctic continent than at any time since we began using satellites to measure it in the late 1970s.
Summer in the Southern hemisphere is the time to expect less sea ice, however, this year has been exceptional and not in a good way. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center "winds and warmer air and water reduced coverage to just 1.91 million square km (737,000 sq miles) on 13 February". Worse may be yet to come as the summer melting season is not yet over, leaving last year's record breaking minimum of 1.92 million sq km (741,000 sq miles) in the dust. This data has been mirrored in reports made by research, cruise and fishing vessels who are charting waters once saturated with floating ice or thick ice coverage which is now virtually ice-free. As of this Antarctic summer only the Weddell Sea remains dominated by ice floes. Though researchers do not directly link the behavior of Antarctic sea-ice to climate change due to its complicated nature as its coverage has shown great variation over the last 40 years, the downward trend of sea ice has only become truly visible over the past few years. Much like the Arctic, the shrinking summer sea-ice computer models have predicted a long-term decline of 12-13% per decade as a result of global warming. But the Antarctic could buck the trend as its variability has also led to record satellite winter maximums and now record satellite summer minimums which leaves many questioning the future of the Antarctic and its biodiversity. The freezing seawater of the Antarctic expels salt, making the water below denser, causing it to sink. This drives ocean ecosystems in the region and helps to regulate energy in the climate system. "In the Antarctic, the algae that cling to the ice are a source of food for the small crustaceans known as krill, which are a basic food resource for whales, seals, penguins and other birds. The sea-ice is also a platform on which some species will haul out and rest".
Spring Comes Early for Parts of US
By the Oliver Milman & Aliya Uteuova 24th February 2023
Parts of Texas, Arkansas, Ohio and Maryland, along with New York, are all recording their earliest spring conditions on record.
Whilst parts of America freeze over under four feet of snow and ice the record winter warmth of other areas has brought on spring-like conditions earlier than ever previously recorded in several regions. New York is just one of the seven cities experiencing the warmest January on record, "spring conditions have arrived 32 days before the long-term normal, which is its earliest onset of biological spring in 40 years of charting seasonal trends by the Nation Phenology Network". Specialists at the network are already drawing links between the early onset of spring and the changing climate. With winter remaining relatively mild which has coaxed plant life out into the open, prompting thousands of citizens to observe early budding. This year, blooms have already been emerging from common lilacs in Pennsylvania, eastern redbuds in Virginia, tulip trees and red maples in North Carolina, and daffodils and violets in New York City. Meanwhile, the cherry blossoms of Washington DC have also come into bloom which could break a three-decade long record for early blossoming.
The scrambling of seasons and warmer winters have played their part in this early arrival of spring. Unfortunately, it is due to the heating of the planet caused by our burning of fossil fuels. An early spring should be a red flag for the environment and should provide evidence that climate change is playing out in real time right before our eyes. The short-term benefits of avoiding expensive costs associated with heating homes or purchasing extra layers as well as reducing the wariness over slippery ice and snow is not worthwhile in the long term as a whole host of negative ramifications arrive. "Pollen pumped out by prematurely unfurling plants can trigger earlier seasonal allergies and parasites such as ticks, some able to spread afflictions such as Lyme disease, are able to spread and establish themselves at a time when temperatures should be too cold for them to thrive". On a fundamental level an early spring will sever key relationships within the ecosystem meaning "insects may miss feeding upon early-blooming plants, while migrating birds, which decide to start their seasonal journeys by the length of the day, may find a dearth of food for them when they arrive. The plants, meanwhile, risk being killed off by frosts that can arrive after they’ve bloomed". The natural world would not be alone in its suffering as significant changes to ecosystems and biodiversity will pose a serious threat to key food systems which rely on insect pollination, allowing invasive species to gain a foothold. The trends we have traditionally observed in the natural world are dissipating rapidly and with it, pollinator-dependent food prices will soar as will the spread of tick-borne diseases.
Beavers Bringing Back the Wetlands
by Navin Singh Khadka 5th February 2023
We are losing wetlands three times faster than forests, according to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. When it comes to restoring them to their natural state there is one hero with remarkable powers - the beaver.
Wetlands are a key ecosystem. They act as carbon sinks, store water and are a source of food for the various creatures which call them home, yet they are disappearing at an alarming rate due to a mixture of urban and agricultural expansion as well as the volatile temperatures caused by climate change. Under these circumstances you would be forgiven for thinking that our wetlands are facing imminent destruction, yet, one furry sharp-toothed rodent could prove to be our salvation. Beavers are known for building dams on waterways to create ponds and build lodges to keep themselves safe from predators. Nature's dam builders use tree trunks, branches, mud and plants to seal their dams and slow the flow of water which causes flooding and keeps the water on the landscape for longer. This simple, natural act by a keystone species in turns transforms the landscape into a wetland.
Over the past 50 years numerous nations across Europe and North America have organised reintroduction programmes for beavers after they were hunted to near extinction in the 19th Century. The return of the beavers and the restoration of wetland ecosystems has boosted biodiversity with species of fish, frogs and invertebrates all making a return. "A study by Finnish researchers in 2018 found that ponds engineered by beavers contained nearly twice as many mammal species than other ponds. Weasels, otters and even moose were all more prevalent". What makes the beaver unique is its ability to create ponds that attract wildlife in a way few manmade versions are able to and this brings with it a whole host of benefits. Carbon sequestration and the management of floodwaters are just a few of the ways wetlands help to soften the blow of climate change. They also offer solutions in times of drought as the dams store up water in the wet season and allow it to gently flow out during the dry season thereby helping the entire ecosystem to survive a period of drought. Dr. Emily Fairfax, an ecohydrologist at California State University, and her team proved the benefits of beavers after studying "10 different wildfires in five US states between 2000 and 2021 and found in each one beavers and their ecosystem engineering reliably created and preserved wetland habitat, even during megafire events". The stored water in the wetlands kept the plants green and moist meaning that when the wildfires ripped through the local plant life did not burn. Experts now say that beavers are a key aspect of restoring wetlands, however, they must be paired with planting woodland along the banks of lakes and rivers, and restoration of peatland and saltmarsh.
Beavers are found across North America and Eurasia meaning they have a important part to play in the ecosystems of the region. However, they are not a solution in other parts of the world. Argentina and Chile attempted to introduce beavers in the 1940's with devastating results. In the absence of predators the beavers multiplied exponentially and in turn causes severe forest loss. As the most significant cases of wetland deterioration are in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean beavers are not the solution for such regions. With areas such as Lake Chad shrinking by 90% since the 1960's caused by a rise in demand for water from a growing population and unplanned irrigation, climate change induced drought is just one factor in a long list of destructive behaviours that are causing conflict over what little water is left in the lake. The situation in Lake Chad has exhibited how once resilient wetland ecosystems are suffering under intense drought conditions and proves the need for species such as beavers in regions where they can make a difference for the better. We have already seen more than 100 successful reintroduction programmes across North America and Europe with the latters population trippling over the past 20 years. As these trials grow in number and prove successful there is hope that it will push forward further efforts for rewilding.
Australian Government Plans to Expand Macquarie Island Marine Park
by Lisa Cox 23rd February 2023
After years of glacial movement on climate change and biodiversity loss Australia is finally beginning to catch up with the times as it lays out plans to make an area the size of Germany in the Southern Ocean a marine zone, strengthening protections around Macquarie Island for millions of penguins and seals. Environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, made the announcement that the Australian government will be making a globally significant contribution to marine conservation by putting 388,000 sq km under high protection. The Macquarie Island Marine Park has been described as a wildlife wonderland home to millions of seals, seabirds and penguins and the protection of such an area will allow for an improved management and understanding of such important ecosystems for the future. Located between Tasmania and Antarctica the island is a key feeding and breeding ground for royal penguins, southern rockhopper penguins, subantarctic fur seals, southern elephant seals, black-browed albatrosses and grey petrels. These creatures will finally receive protection from large fishing industries and the overfishing which damages their ability to feed and raise chicks and pups in safety.
The government is set to open the proposal for public consultation with a small caveat that small scale Patagonian toothfish fisheries will continue in the area. However, the endorsement of these plans will increase the amount of protected area in Australia’s oceans to 48.2%. Conservationists have been quick to praise the plans which will aid in the adaptation of iconic species to climate change. When climate change is already threatening marine life as well as wildlife across the globe conservation contributions such as this prove that nations are more than capable of setting aside more than 30% of land and sea territory for the natural world. There has been some backlash from the fishing industry and communities who are reliant on marine estates for employment, tourism and recreation who are describing the action as “an ocean-grab funded by international activists with no basis in science, designed to tarnish the sustainably managed Toothfish Fishery”. However, whether this is a well thought out 'green stunt' or not there is no denying the benefits such plans will have for the local wildlife.
Right to Roam Linked to Reduction in Biodiversity
by Laura Battle 11th February 2023
Whether you like to staycation, head out on walking holidays or simply enjoy a wander through nature on a crisp Sunday morning we all enjoy spending time getting closer to nature, yet how often do we consider the impact our presence has on the local wildlife. The UK government's new Environmental Improvement Plan has within its blueprint for halting the decline of biodiversity and tackling environmental pollution and climate change included a pledge to ensuring everyone will live within a 15 minute walk of woodlands, wetlands, parks or rivers. Improving peoples access to greenspaces has proven benefits as connection with nature is vital for people's psychological and physical wellbeing. The plans could bring in an estimated £185mn a year in mental health benefits and may be key to fostering a closer relationship between those people who reside in the UK and the natural world. Unfortunately, as well meaning as the aims of this plan are, like so many other aspects of climate and environmental policies the details on funding and implementation are vague at best which could actually lead to wildlife becoming endangered.
As much as many of us may want to connect with wild animals, birds, insects and plants the reverse is seldom true. Countless studies have shown links between human impact and a fall in the range and number of bird and animal species as well as an increase in harmful behaviour such as littering and erosion. The damage is not just limited to crisp packets and well-trodden paths but also to wildfires that mushroomed across the UK's countryside over last summer as portable barbecues were left unattended, improperly used or left behind after use. Worse still our pet pooches and cats are reeking untold damage as they hunt small animals and disturb ground nesting birds. Woodlands across the UK provide a habitat for vulnerable species and whilst many walkers and ramblers attempt to be respectful of the space they are entering just one loose dog trampling through the undergrowth can be disproportionately disruptive.
Right to Roam campaigners are looking to go one step further than taking the stroll with the dog to include the opening of 2000 Countrywide and Right of Way Acts to include open access to woodlands, all downland and the greenbelt asking why we can't camp, kayak, swim and climb amongst the beauty of the natural world. As desirable as it may be to have indiscriminate access to wildlife and the natural world there are very real concerns that precious habitats and species could be placed at risk. Though areas such as Scotland and Scandinavia have seen success in open access policies their population sizes have ensured less damage would occur compared to more densely populated regions and nations. Unfortunately, even with fewer people local wildlife has not come out unscathed with species such as the black and brown feathered Scottish capercaillie experiencing a 50% fall in numbers to about 542 in the past six years which has been linked to reports of human disturbance. It is becoming clear that our 'right to roam' is a remnant of our sparsely populated past which had limited localised movement and a reduced threat to wildlife. Today the UK is one of the most densely populated, nature depleted nations on earth making our interactions with the natural world all the more important and one where we must prioritise nature. Whilst it is essential for mental health that the government expand access to waterways and green spaces where species are deemed low risk we must also recognise that "our own preoccupations threaten to destroy what little is left".
From Cradle to Compost; A Greener Death on a Polluted Planet
by Kari Paul 19th February 2023
Startups rush to gain foothold in a burgeoning industry as New York and California move to legalize human composting.
From human ashes being transformed into Eternal Reefs to Biodegradable Tree Pod Burials, startups are innovating and creating greener ways to die. The traditional methods of handling bodies: embalming and burying in caskets or cremation have both contributed to the environmental crisis "with fossil fuel-intensive cremation emitting chemicals such as carbon monoxide into the air, and burials taking up large swathes of land". This has given rise to changes in the law allowing for greener options and in January New York became the sixth US state to legalise human composting. "Natural organic reduction", which speeds up the decomposition process using heat and oxygen converts the body into soil without the associated environmental impact. It is believed that Covid-19 sparked the growth in the interest surrounding green deaths as death became an everyday occurrence for so many and concerns around environmental destruction were exposed. In particular, places such as Los Angeles had to suspend air pollution rules to allow an influx of bodies to be processed. This is where human composters come in looking to disrupt our relationships with both death and the environment which would dismantle the funeral industry in the process. Providers are already experiencing unprecedented demand and with it the old guard of funeral services are looking to enter the market with less altruistic views which is leading to a push for sustainable environmentally conscious outsiders to enter the market and balance out the entrenched exhisting technologies.
Natural Organic Reduction is a relatively new process pioneered by Katrina Spade who had her aha moment after researching whether the methods used by farmers to compost animals could be replicated for humans. The method consists of placing the remains "in a container with natural materials like straw and wood chips, (where) the microbial process that converts bodies into soil can be accelerated. Composting a human currently takes eight to 12 weeks, and is estimated to use just one-eighth the energy required for cremation". Over the years Spade has worked alongside lobbyists, lawmakers and investors to legalise the process having her first break through in Washington in 2019. Her company Recompose now offers services for $7,000 (cremation averages at $6,971 and burial at $7,848) which ensures it is firmly in line with exhisting options leading to a mushrooming of companies and millions in funding from venture capital firms. States are sitting up and paying attention to the increase in interest and in 2027 California will join the other six states in legalising the practice.
Talking about death, particularly in parts of the Western world has presented difficulties in balancing the commercial demands of startup culture with the altruistic goals of the company. The traditional funeral market is worth $20bn and with a "2019 survey from the funeral directors’ association finding that nearly 52% of Americans expressed interest in green-burial options" a green alternative to death is rapidly gaining in popularity as it is uniquely positioned to reduce the human contribution to climate change. The environmental benefits of alternative deathcare has become a large selling point for green investments with companies offering mass reforestation and eco-friendly burials in contrast to pollutive traditional approaches. This marked change in how people are approaching death is proving the importance of not avoiding difficult subjects which can be directly linked to climate change. Recompose amongst many other green deathcare companies and startups are changing the narrative and reducing the taboo aspect in societies which avoid discussing matters such as death whilst also ensuring that even in death we can go on protecting the natural world and reducing our carbon footprint.
Australia Faces 'Supercharged' Grassfires Next Summer
by Lisa Cox 21st February 2023
Australia should prepare for grassfires on a scale not experienced before, with new analysis warning spring and summer 2023-24 could see widespread fire risk “supercharged” by the climate crisis.
After witnessing the horrific bushfires experienced by Australia over the past few years the world is anxiously waiting in the hope that Australia will avoid the devastation of earlier fires. However, a report by the Climate Council and Emergency Leaders for Climate Action says that the nation is at risk of more grassfires breaking out in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South and Western Australia during the current fire season up to April. Firefighters have already started tackling grassfires over the summer as back to back La Ninã's have led to prolific vegetation growth followed by heatwaves and dry conditions which have dried out the vegetation turning the area into a 'powder keg' for future fires. "The founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and a former commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, Greg Mullins, said the summer of 2023-24 would almost certainly see a return to normal or above normal fire conditions". The government is already being called to take action over the escalating fire risk as grass fires, though not as intense as bush fires, are still dangerous moving three times faster than bushfires which can easily catch people out. As climate change exacerbates grass fires there are now worries that they could be far more destructive and deadly than previous fires with emergency services becoming overwhelmed, placing communities at greater risk. The risk is not only limited to the South however as the winter dry season will allow it to move North and then return to the Southern states in the spring. Most shocking of all is that even if there was no return of the El Ninõ conditions to South-east Australia they will still be at risk of grass and bush fires. The Climate Council and Emergency Leaders for Climate Action has offered up several recommendations for the grassfires; to increase funding for emergency services and land management agencies for disaster reponse with the report itself calling for an integrated climate adaptation and disaster resilience strategy and for funding for education and resilience programmes in communities. Unfortunately, what they are not doing is pushing for the Australian government to make further advancements in shifing their support of fossil fuels and pushing for a reduction in overall carbon emissions produced by the nation which would in turn reduce the risk of grass and bush fires.
Deep Sea Mining Poses Threat to Marine Ecosystems
by Sky News 14th February 2023
Demand for critical minerals is rising as countries shift off fossil fuels and seek improved energy security. But damage to the delicate marine ecosystem is likely to be "irreversible," a study warns.
There has been much controversy over a human and industrial presence in our oceans as overfishing, military activity and now deep sea mining begin to disturb marine life. The extraction of minerals from the seabed necessitates constant loud noises from the machinery which can interfere with the unique frequencies used by whales, dolphins and porpoises to communicate and navigate the ocean. Loud machinery can risk disrupting feeding patterns, forcing the whales to the surface quickly as they panic and worse still the possible separation of mother and calves in what are already endangered species. A study by the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories have shown how the mining 'noises' overlap with the frequencies of important marine species who become confused and distressed, inducing changed behaviour which can be damaging just as they are already facing the extreme impacts of climate change and fishing.
The demand for critical minerals is increasing as countries shift away from fossil fuels and look to improve energy security. "Lithium, cobalt and graphite are used in batteries for electric cars, silicon and tin for electronics and rare earth elements for electric cars and wind turbines". We have already seen land-based ecosystems being disturbed as we mine for precious minerals throughout areas ranging from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Mongolia, however, with our understanding of marine systems being so limited our presence in the oceans could have ramifications we cannot yet comprehend but may be long term and irreversible. Deep sea mining is compared to us having 24/7 roadworks in a human neighbourhood that you can't drown out and that will inevitably compromise mental health and force a change in behaviour in order to escape from it. The same is then true for whales and dolphins whose presence as a sentinal species provides one of the best indicators for overall ocean health. Their presence is also key to keeping marine food webs stable as they cycle nutrients within the water column when they feed and across the ocean as they migrate. These ecosystem engineers can even sequester carbon in larger quantities than we previously thought, alongside cutting emissions which is key to tackling climate change. It is clear that our demand for minerals to aid in the energy transition cannot come at a cost for our oceans and particularly for marine life.
EU Deforestation Law Criticised as Protectionist and Discriminatory
by Mercedes Ruehl, Alice Hancock & Emiko Terazono 6th February 2023
Indonesia and Malaysia, the world's two largest palm oil producers, are taking umbridge as they lead international criticism of the new EU deforestation law which they have called out for being protectionist and discriminatory. The new legislation which is set to be approved by the European parliament at its plenary vote in late March will be the first of its kind as it bans the importation of products which are linked to deforestation, including cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya, wood and rubber. This legislation will shake up supply chains to the EU like never before and this has led Kuala Lumpur and Jarkarta to react viscerally in its rejection of the law calling it “a deliberate act by Europe to block market access” and in the case of deputy Malaysian Prime minister looking to scare tactics in threatening an all out band on palm oil exports to the EU. However, this is just one incident in a long line of tensions between the EU and Southeast Asian nations as the EU phased out palm oil as a renewable biofuel, which Malaysia deemed as "crop apartheid" and the EU sparked controversy with Indonesia as it put in place a nickel ore export ban which Jakarta was already in dispute with the World Trade Organisation over.
The deforestation law was first proposed in 2021 and requires companies by law to provide a certificate which proves that their products were not produced on land that that was deforested after the end of 2020. The companies must also collect precise geolocation information on the growers of relevant commodities which has led to it being named the gold standard for protecting the forests. There is now hope that the new measures taken by the EU could be replicated and become a global benchmark as voluntary pledges aimed at eliminating palm oil linked to, deforestation, destruction of peatlands and labour exploitation are mushrooming across the globe from South Korea to the US. The deforestation law is a thorn in the side of the two Southeast Asian nations as they have already come under pressure from NGO's in recent years and have made strides to improve traceability of palm oil and reduce deforestation. Both nations have drastically reduced forest cover to make way for palm oil plantations, however, the space being cleared today is 90% lower than the 2012 peak meanwhile overall production volumes have jumped 72%. If we were to compare Southeast Asian palm oil to soya or beef in Latin America the former is far more transparent than they latter as well as having a higher level of commitment.
Brazil, Argentina, Ghana, Nigeria and Canada — all exporters of agricultural commodities — also regard Brussels’ move as a protectionist measure. A feeling shared by analysts in Brussels who believe the law could be seen as a discriminatory trade barrier to foreign suppliers, which goes against WTO rules. However, a change in EU law could actually force similar changes in the US who will look to avoid becoming a dumping ground for goods that can't be sold on the EU market by implementing their own forest act. The law does not just impact politically but will also hit businesses who will have to extend their traceability in high, standard and low risk regions which could prove a burden for the value chain and present difficulties in processing such vast quantities of information. EU countries will also need to pay the bill for more customs officers who must now check 9% of the goods and companies coming in from high risk countries. The EU has adopted the stringent UN Food and Agricultural Organisation definition for deforestation and forest degradation which will require an exact benchmarking system and assessment of a country's deforestation risk level which is yet to materialise. This means a domino effect for Malaysian and Indonesian small holders who don't have the capacity to meet traceability and data requirements, however, this issue will hopefully be dealt with by support systems being put into place to help smallholders comply with the law. The EU will however need to move fast as the new regulations are set to be ratified in late 2024 during which time the EU will need to work alongside exporter nations to determine the risk benchmarking system with a look to extending the protection of areas such as savannah one year after the implementation of the deforestation law.
UK Vegetable Shortages 'Tip of the Iceberg'
by Tom Ambrose 25th February 2023
UK shoppers have been subject to puchasing limits as popular vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers disappeared from shelves after a mixture of poor weather in Europe and North Africa, Brexit rules and lower production levels in UK and Dutch farms linked to high energy bills left many unable to purchase staple items. This sudden disappearance of popular vegetables has shocked many to wake up to the reality of how reliant the UK has become on imports which leaves the UK exposed to extreme weather events induced by a changing climate. The UK has no choice but to take control of food production in the face of war in Europe and the climate crisis or it could be subject to further volatility around the world meaning more frequent food shortages in the not so distant future. This is an issue which has already come to the fore as the conflict in Ukraine sent inflation soaring across food and energy. Unfortunately, growers have been overly cautious about not receiving returns in the marketplace on the initial investment of planting products such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and aubergines leaving many glasshouses sitting empty, hence the empty vegetable isles. This has further ramifications when a nation like the UK are completely reliant on imports which can be easily effected by extreme weather events in Morocco or Spain causing widespread shortages.
Brexit has also played its part as since leaving the EU the UK, which once seldom sourced products from Morocco, has been forced to shop around further afield to meet consumer demand. Yet, as climate shocks become more prevalent, particularly in areas such as North Africa we will continue to see an impact on the food available on our supermarket shelves. Supermarkets have been forced to place purchasing limits on items ranging from tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and lettuce to salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries. This list is also predicted to grow as a mixture of bad weather and transport issues make it difficult to supply supermarkets across the UK. In a reaction that caused social media to light up with controversy the UK environment minister, Thérèse Coffey, chose to comment that “a lot of people should be eating turnips right now rather than thinking necessarily about aspects of lettuce, and tomatoes and similar" and that UK shoppers should 'cherish' seasonal (local) produce such as turnips when bad weather abroad clears UK shelves. A piece of advice, though valid in playing its part to reduce overall carbon emissions by eating seasonal and local produce, was not well received by the public who were swift to point out that there is also a shortage of turnips. The UK will need to act swiftly to adapt supply chains as the climate crisis worsens and those nations from which we purchase our supply of produce experience reduced harvests due to extreme weather events and high productivity costs.
How to Make Plastic From Seaweed
by Business Insider 7th December 2023
A California startup makes compostable replacements for thin-film plastic out of seaweed. The company sources raw materials from seaweed farms, which can provide habitat for sea life, combat ocean acidification and create jobs.
Pico Analytics Sustainability Spotlight!
by Kate Martin 26th February 2023
This section of our Newsletter is where we here at Pico Analytics shine a spotlight on one of those businesses, initiatives, positive news stories or people that are paving the way for sustainability and a more eco-friendly future. In this edition we thought we would remind our readers of an ongoing project in sub-Saharan Africa that is restoring a diversity of ecosystems in the North African landscape.
The "Great Green Wall" of Africa is an initiative aimed at increasing the amount of arable land in the Sahel. Eleven nations in the region —Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal— are investing in projects as varied as agroforestry to sustainable development with an overall aim to combat land degradation and restore native plant life. As arable land goes into decline due to climate change an estimated 500 million people are now living on land undergoing desertification in sub-Saharan Africa, this poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity, food security and quality of life. Stretching from Djibouti in the East to Senegal in the West the Great Tree Wall reaches an astounding 4,831 miles (7,775km) long and 9 miles (15km) wide. The projects have proved how political leaders, heads of state and ministers in countries across Africa, despite their vast political, linguistic, cultural and economic divides are able to come together and tackle common environmental issues linked to land degradation. The strong political foundation of the project has allowed for nations and regions to address land degradation through an "integrated landscape approach" that allows each country to address land degradation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity, and forestry within its local context. For many communities in the region their livelihoods rely on agriculture so the tree planting project also looks to improve soil quality which in turn boosts crop yields and agricultural production thereby providing both local benefits and global benefits for water, land and nature. Though the project is based on planting trees and building forest to stop or slow down the encroachment of the Sahara desert the brand "Great Green Wall" contains a number of meanings. For many nations involved in the project they are not currently struggling with desertification, however, they are dedicated to natural regeneration and improving overall yields. This is also a sustainable way of regenerating agroforestry and parkland. The project is already proving successful after receiving an initial $2 billion budget stemming from the World Bank co-financing and partnerships fostered by the African Union. Senegal and Mali have both experienced some of the most significant successes thus far with the former planting 50,000 acres of trees which has a proven economic value for the commodities it produces in the form of gum arabic and most importantly for a nation with high levels of malnutrition many trees are also fruit bearing whilst in the latter improvements in land quality and economic opportunities have helped to curb terrorism in a country where famine and poverty have exacerbated a spike in political and religious extremism. The Great Green Wall is an astounding feat of human engineering of the natural world and provides evidence that when we work on an international scale whilst continuing to consider and be mindful of local needs sustainable projects such as this can thrive.
