Kaleigh Harrison
Deforestation has long been framed around a familiar set of high-risk commodities—beef, soy, and palm oil. But emerging research is shifting that narrative, pointing to a broader and more complex set of drivers. For companies managing sustainability risk, this change challenges long-held assumptions about where and how deforestation occurs.
A More Fragmented Picture of Forest Loss
Recent analysis from Chalmers University highlights the outsized role of staple crops in global deforestation. Maize, rice, and cassava—often overlooked in sustainability strategies—collectively contribute more to forest loss than…