Research has drawn attention to significant issues regarding China's use of illegally sourced tropical timber and agricultural products. A 2018 Environmental Investigation Agency study revealed that only one-third of Peru's tropical timber shipments to China underwent proper inspection, with 70% of those inspected found to originate from illegally deforested lands.
Another study published in May connected Chinese imports of products known to cause deforestation from 2013 to 2022 to the loss of approximately 4 million hectares of tropical forest, with almost 70% of that being illegally deforested. The emissions resulting from these imports were comparable to the yearly fossil fuel emissions of Spain.
Kerstin Canby, a senior director with Forest Trends, noted in a press statement that while China is making strides in domestic reforestation and renewable energy, these actions culminate in a significant oversight concerning the environmental costs of imported commodities like timber and agriculture.
During an interview, Canby acknowledged China's robust reforestation efforts domestically but noted the consequential impact on vulnerable global forests, such as the Amazon. “China has been a star,” Canby noted, “but that has ripple effects. Everyone’s trying to protect their own forest, but all that does is push demand to those countries that have the least amount of governance.”
In a coastal town, local resident Arce paints landscapes from her studio, amid the dust and debris of nearby construction. Trucks frequent the port located just 100 feet from her home, carrying various loads yet to be confirmed. With the port's expansion and additional infrastructure planned, Arce and her neighbors fear further disruptions.
Arce is concerned about her home’s structural integrity under the pressure of development. She humorously questioned if compensation in the form of a new electric car or even a new house might be feasible from the powers fueling this growth. Looking out at the tranquil ocean, Arce wistfully remarked, “Or a new house.”
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy, and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here.