In this article, we explore the EUDR’s goals, the products it covers, and the broader impact it could have on global supply chains and environmental sustainability.

What is the Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR)?

Many consumers are unaware that the seemingly harmless products sitting on their shelves - like coffee, chocolate, or items containing palm oil - are actually driving the destruction of vital forests across the world. From rainforests in Southeast Asia to the Amazon, deforestation caused by the production of these commodities is fueling biodiversity loss and climate change. The EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) aims to tackle this by ensuring that products sold in the EU are not contributing to deforestation or forest degradation. Covering key commodities like palm oil, soy, cocoa, and coffee, the EUDR requires businesses to prove their products are deforestation-free.

In a recent update, the EU Commission proposed a delay to the enforcement of the EUDR. Originally planned for December 2024, the deadline, if approved by the European Parliament and Council, will be extended to December 2025 for large companies and June 2026 for smaller businesses. While this gives businesses more time to comply, critics worry it could allow deforestation to continue unchecked in the interim.

👉 In this article, we explore the EUDR’s goals, the products it covers, and the broader impact it could have on global supply chains and environmental sustainability.

What is the EUDR and Why Was it Introduced?

The EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) was introduced in response to the increasing global demand for commodities like palm oil, soy, cocoa, and coffee - products often linked to deforestation and forest degradation. The EU’s consumption of these commodities contributes to an estimated 10% of global deforestation. Recognizing this, the EUDR aims to reduce the EU’s ecological footprint by ensuring that products entering the EU market do not originate from land cleared after December 31, 2020, or that have caused forest degradation.

The regulation not only addresses deforestation driven by illegal practices but also covers deforestation that may be legal in the country of origin. This goes beyond previous regulations, such as the EU Timber Regulation, by including agricultural commodities and ensuring that even legally deforested areas are no longer acceptable sources. This broad scope is crucial, as much deforestation worldwide occurs legally but still leads to significant environmental damage.

The EUDR is part of the EU’s larger environmental strategy, which includes the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. By enforcing stricter regulations on products linked to deforestation, the EU seeks to not only protect forests but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve biodiversity on a global scale.

This video explains the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), aimed at ensuring that products sold in the EU do not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation. Companies must provide due diligence statements, including precise geolocation data, and take action if risks are identified. We discuss the challenges, how ImpactBuying can help and of course the outcome.

What is the EUDR?

The EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) is not just about reducing deforestation; it is part of a wider effort by the European Union to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and minimize the EU’s environmental footprint. The key objectives of the EUDR are to:

Reduce deforestation linked to EU consumption: By regulating commodities that are linked to deforestation, such as palm oil, soy, and wood, the EUDR aims to lower the EU’s role in driving forest destruction. The goal is to ensure that products sold or exported from the EU are sourced responsibly, without causing further harm to forests.

Decrease greenhouse gas emissions: Deforestation is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. By enforcing deforestation-free standards, the EUDR is expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 32 million metric tonnes annually. This aligns with the EU’s broader climate goals outlined in the European Green Deal.

Preserve biodiversity: Forests are home to a vast array of species, many of which are endangered. By protecting forests from further destruction, the EUDR aims to safeguard biodiversity and protect critical habitats, particularly in regions like the Amazon and Southeast Asia, where deforestation has devastated wildlife populations.

💡 The EUDR builds on earlier efforts like the EU Timber Regulation, but it goes further by tackling both legal and illegal deforestation. Unlike previous laws that focused primarily on illegal deforestation, the EUDR targets all forms of deforestation, ensuring that even products sourced legally must meet strict environmental standards if they are to enter the EU market. 

The EUDR represents a major step forward in the EU’s efforts to address the environmental damage caused by global supply chains. It is designed to cut deforestation, reduce carbon emissions, and protect biodiversity, while also encouraging more sustainable production practices worldwide. 

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Palm oil: Found in many everyday products, from processed foods to cosmetics, palm oil is a leading cause of deforestation, particularly in Southeast Asia. The EUDR ensures that any palm oil products sold in the EU must not be sourced from deforested land after December 31, 2020. 

Soy: Primarily used as animal feed and in processed foods, soy cultivation has contributed to massive deforestation in the Amazon and the Cerrado regions of Brazil. Under the EUDR, soy products must meet deforestation-free standards.

Wood: Timber, paper, and wood products are also covered under the regulation. This includes not just raw wood but also furniture, paper, and other derived products.

Cocoa: A key ingredient in chocolate, cocoa is sourced largely from West Africa, where cocoa farming has been linked to deforestation. The EUDR aims to curb deforestation in this region by regulating the cocoa trade.

Coffee: Coffee production, particularly in Latin America, has caused deforestation and land degradation. The EUDR mandates that all coffee sold in the EU must be deforestation-free.

Rubber: Rubber plantations in Southeast Asia have led to the conversion of forests into agricultural land. The EUDR includes rubber in its list of regulated commodities.

Cattle: The beef industry is a major contributor to deforestation, particularly in South America, where forests are cleared to create grazing land for cattle. Beef products and leather derived from cattle are both covered by the EUDR.

In addition to these raw commodities, the regulation also applies to derived products such as leather, chocolate, furniture, tires, and paper. This wide scope means that companies will need to ensure the traceability of not just the raw materials but also the products that are made from these materials.

The EU Commission has proposed a delay to the enforcement timeline to allow businesses time to adjust. If the delay is approved, large companies must comply by December 2025, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have until June 2026. This extended deadline aims to give businesses more time to map their supply chains and meet the EUDR’s strict deforestation-free requirements.

It’s important to note that the regulation applies to all products placed on the EU market or exported from the EU. This means that businesses exporting these commodities from the EU must also prove that their products are not linked to deforestation. The EUDR’s scope goes beyond EU borders, making it a significant piece of legislation for global trade.

❗️This wide scope makes the regulation particularly challenging for companies with global supply chains, as it requires a high level of transparency and traceability. Companies will need to map their supply chains to the level of individual plots of land and ensure compliance with local laws and environmental standards.

According to the European Commission's impact assessment, the primary products imported by the EU from deforested land are: 

<table border="1" class="dataframe">
  <thead>
    <tr style="text-align: right;">
      <th>Product</th>
      <th>Percentage of EU Imports from Deforested Land</th>
      <th>Description/Details</th>
      <th>Forest Locations and Types</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Palm oil</td>
      <td>34.0</td>
      <td>Found in processed foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, and biodiesel.</td>
      <td>Palm oil plantations are a major cause of deforestation in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, affecting tropical rainforests.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Soya</td>
      <td>32.8</td>
      <td>Used primarily as animal feed and in processed foods like tofu, soy milk, and oils.</td>
      <td>Soya is linked to deforestation in South America, especially in Brazil’s Amazon and Cerrado biomes, as well as parts of Argentina.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Wood</td>
      <td>8.6</td>
      <td>Utilized in construction, furniture making, paper production, and biomass energy.</td>
      <td>Wood is sourced from forests in Europe, North America, and tropical regions, with deforestation impacting temperate and tropical forests.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Cocoa</td>
      <td>7.5</td>
      <td>A key ingredient in chocolate, baked goods, and other confectionery products.</td>
      <td>Cocoa production contributes to deforestation in West Africa, especially in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, targeting tropical rainforests.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Coffee</td>
      <td>7.0</td>
      <td>Used in coffee beverages, both instant and ground varieties, widely consumed globally.</td>
      <td>Coffee production leads to deforestation in Central and South America, particularly in Brazil and Colombia, affecting tropical and subtropical forests.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Rubber</td>
      <td>3.4</td>
      <td>Utilized in tires, shoes, industrial goods, and other rubber-based products.</td>
      <td>Rubber plantations cause deforestation in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand and Vietnam, affecting tropical forests.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Maize</td>
      <td>1.6</td>
      <td>Commonly used for animal feed and processed food products like corn syrup.</td>
      <td>Maize cultivation contributes to deforestation in the United States and South America, particularly in savannah and forest areas.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Cattle (Beef)</td>
      <td>NaN</td>
      <td>Cattle farming linked to beef and leather production; a major cause of deforestation in South America.</td>
      <td>Cattle farming, especially for beef and leather production, drives deforestation in South America, particularly in the Amazon and surrounding areas.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


The EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) applies to a wide range of operators and traders responsible for introducing deforestation-linked products to the EU market or exporting them from the EU. Specifically, the regulation targets:

Operators: These are companies that place relevant commodities or derived products on the EU market for the first time. Operators are responsible for conducting the full due diligence process to ensure their products comply with the EUDR. This applies whether the operators are sourcing raw commodities like palm oil or finished goods made from those commodities, such as processed foods or furniture.

Traders: The regulation also applies to traders, who are defined as companies involved in the supply chain after the initial placement of the product on the market. Traders are required to ensure that the products they handle come from compliant operators, but their due diligence obligations are more limited compared to operators. 

Large and Small Enterprises: Both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are subject to the EUDR. However, SMEs are given more time to comply with the regulation, with a compliance deadline of June 2026, while larger companies must meet the requirements by December 2025 (if the proposed delay is approved). SMEs may also face lighter due diligence obligations in some cases, especially when sourcing from low-risk countries.

Non-EU Companies: The EUDR’s scope extends beyond the borders of the EU. Non-EU companies that export goods covered by the regulation to the EU must also comply with its due diligence and deforestation-free requirements. This makes the EUDR a global regulation, affecting supply chains in major producing countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

In essence, the EUDR covers all entities involved in the supply chain of deforestation-linked products, whether within or outside the EU, and requires compliance to ensure that the products entering the EU market are deforestation-free.

Due Diligence Requirements Under the EUDR

One of the cornerstones of the EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) is the rigorous due diligence process that companies must follow to ensure their products are not linked to deforestation. This process is designed to ensure transparency and accountability across global supply chains, requiring companies to prove that the commodities they are sourcing are deforestation-free. The due diligence process involves three key steps:

Companies are required to collect extensive information about the products they place on the EU market or export from the EU. This includes:

Geolocation data: Companies must provide geographic coordinates of the land where commodities like palm oil, soy, or cocoa were grown. This allows authorities to verify whether the land has been deforested since December 31, 2020.

Supplier details: Businesses need to gather information about their suppliers, including the quantity of products sourced and compliance with local laws on land use, labor rights, and environmental protection.

Compliance with local laws: The EUDR mandates that products not only be deforestation-free but also comply with the environmental and social laws of the producing country. This includes respecting Indigenous land rights and labor laws.

Based on the information gathered, companies must perform a risk assessment to determine the likelihood that the commodities they are sourcing are linked to deforestation or forest degradation. This risk assessment should include:

Country risk classification: The EU will classify countries into low, standard, or high-risk categories, which will determine the level of due diligence required. Countries with higher levels of deforestation or weaker governance will be subject to stricter checks.

Environmental conditions: The presence of forests, the extent of deforestation in the region, and the overall environmental governance of the country should be factored into the risk assessment.

Supply chain complexity: The more complex the supply chain, the greater the risk. Companies must assess the transparency of their suppliers and whether there have been any previous environmental or legal violations.

If a company identifies any non-negligible risk of deforestation or non-compliance, it must take action to mitigate these risks. Risk mitigation measures include:

Independent audits: Companies can commission independent audits of their suppliers to verify compliance with the EUDR’s standards.

Additional documentation: In cases where the risk is higher, companies may need to provide additional documentation such as satellite images or geolocation data to prove that no deforestation has occurred.

Supplier engagement: Companies should work with their suppliers to improve transparency and compliance. This may involve capacity-building programs or investments in more sustainable farming practices.

Once the risk assessment and mitigation measures are complete, companies are required to submit a due diligence statement to their national authorities. This statement certifies that the product has been sourced in compliance with the EUDR, with no more than a negligible risk of deforestation. The European Commission’s information system will generate a unique reference number for each shipment, which must accompany the product as it enters the EU market. 

Welcome to our informational video where we explore the key aspects of the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation is crucial in ensuring that products entering the EU market do not contribute to global deforestation or forest degradation.

Key Questions Addressed:

❓ What is EUDR?

The EUDR sets mandatory due diligence requirements for companies to verify that their products, such as wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, and others, do not originate from recently deforested lands.

🌱 Which Products Are Affected?

This regulation applies to goods like leather, chocolate, tyres, and furniture.

📊 What Are the Due Diligence Obligations?

Companies must collect and manage comprehensive data across their supply chains, ensuring that all sourced products comply with deforestation-free standards.

💻 How to Demonstrate Compliance?

Learn how businesses can use advanced technologies and automated systems to efficiently meet regulatory demands.

🛠️ What Tools Are Available?

Discover technologies that facilitate compliance, including AI-driven platforms and mobile applications for risk assessment.

🌐 For more detailed information and to explore how other companies are navigating these regulations, visit our website: https://esgpeers.org. Join a community of businesses seeking valuable information and documentation to address their environmental compliance needs effectively.

🔍 Dive deeper into how you can align your business practices with environmental standards and contribute to a sustainable future. Visit us today!

🌳 EUDR Regulation Explained: Ensuring Compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation

The EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) includes strict enforcement mechanisms and penalties to ensure that businesses comply with the regulation’s requirements. The European Commission and EU member states will play key roles in overseeing compliance and penalizing non-compliant companies. The severity of penalties reflects the EU’s commitment to combating deforestation and ensuring the integrity of the supply chains that feed into its markets. 

Businesses that fail to comply with the EUDR face significant penalties, which can include:

Fines: Companies found in violation of the EUDR can be fined up to 4% of their annual turnover in the EU. The amount of the fine will depend on the severity of the breach and whether it is a repeat offense. This level of financial penalty is designed to act as a deterrent and to encourage companies to take the regulation seriously.

Confiscation of Goods: Products found to be non-compliant with the EUDR can be confiscated by the relevant authorities. This applies to goods that have been placed on the EU market without proper due diligence or that are linked to deforestation.

Exclusion from Public Procurement and Funding: Companies that breach the EUDR may be excluded from public procurement processes and denied access to public funding. This exclusion can last for up to 12 months for serious or repeated violations. In addition, companies may face temporary bans on placing non-compliant products on the EU market.

Enforcement of the EUDR will be carried out by the competent authorities of each EU member state. These national authorities are responsible for conducting checks and ensuring that businesses are following the due diligence process outlined in the regulation. Regular inspections will be conducted, especially for companies sourcing products from high-risk countries. The EUDR sets minimum inspection rates, which vary depending on the risk classification of the source country:

Low-risk countries: Minimum inspection rate of 1% of the operators.

Standard-risk countries: Minimum inspection rate of 3%.

High-risk countries: Minimum inspection rate of 9%.

Authorities have the power to conduct unannounced inspections, and in cases of non-compliance, they can impose corrective measures, such as removing products from the market or issuing fines. Member states are also required to submit regular reports to the European Commission, detailing the results of their inspections and any enforcement actions taken.

The EUDR allows for the involvement of private parties in monitoring and reporting non-compliance. Individuals, NGOs, and other stakeholders can submit substantiated concerns to national authorities if they believe that a company is not complying with the regulation. These private parties can use administrative or judicial procedures to challenge the decisions of national authorities if they believe that the regulation is not being properly enforced.

This feature of the EUDR is intended to increase transparency and ensure that civil society plays an active role in holding businesses accountable for their environmental impact.

Impact of the EUDR on Global Supply Chains

The EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) is expected to have a significant impact on global trade, especially in countries that are major producers of commodities linked to deforestation. Countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which are key exporters of palm oil, soy, and beef, are likely to feel the effects the most.

High-Risk Countries Facing Greater Scrutiny

The EUDR introduces a country benchmarking system, classifying countries into low, standard, or high-risk categories based on their levels of deforestation and governance. High-risk countries, like Brazil, where deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is a significant issue, will be subject to more stringent checks and due diligence requirements. Companies sourcing from these regions will need to provide detailed geolocation data, satellite images, and proof of compliance with local environmental and social laws. This heightened level of scrutiny may lead to delays in exports and increased costs for businesses operating in these areas. 

In response to the EUDR’s stringent requirements, companies may begin shifting their sourcing to low-risk jurisdictions where the due diligence process is simpler. For example, countries with lower deforestation rates and stronger governance frameworks, such as the United States or European Union member states, may become more attractive sourcing destinations. However, this shift could disproportionately impact developing countries where deforestation is a more complex issue, both environmentally and economically. It may also lead to the relocation of supply chains to regions that can more easily meet the EUDR’s compliance standards, creating a reshuffling of global trade patterns.

Businesses involved in the trade of products covered by the EUDR, particularly those sourcing from high-risk regions, are likely to face significant operational costs. The need for extensive due diligence - including independent audits, satellite monitoring, and the collection of detailed geolocation data - will add new layers of expense to supply chain management. According to the European Commission’s impact assessment, the compliance costs for companies could range from $170 million to $2.5 billion annually, depending on the complexity of their supply chains.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may find it particularly difficult to absorb these additional costs, potentially leading to a consolidation of supply chains where larger firms are better equipped to meet the regulatory demands. The increased operational costs may also be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods such as chocolate, coffee, and furniture.

While the EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) has been hailed as a significant step towards reducing deforestation, it has also faced various challenges and criticisms from different stakeholders. The regulation’s broad scope and rigorous requirements have raised concerns about its impact on both producer countries and the businesses that will need to comply. 

Impact on Small Farmers and Developing Countries

One of the main criticisms of the EUDR is its potential to disproportionately affect small-scale farmers in developing countries, particularly in regions like Indonesia, Brazil, and Malaysia. These countries are major exporters of commodities like palm oil, soy, and cattle, which are essential to their economies. For small farmers, the costs of compliance with the EUDR’s due diligence requirements - such as providing satellite imagery, geolocation data, and independent audits - can be prohibitively high. This has led to concerns that small producers may be excluded from the EU market, further deepening economic inequalities between large agricultural businesses and smaller-scale farmers.

In response to these challenges, producer countries have lobbied for more flexibility in the regulation, particularly for smallholders. Some countries, like Indonesia, have argued that the EUDR imposes unfair burdens on small-scale farmers and could result in trade barriers that impact their livelihoods. These concerns have led to calls for increased financial and technical support from the EU to help small farmers adapt to the new standards.

Delay in Enforcement and Environmental Concerns

The recent proposed delay in the EUDR’s enforcement has sparked criticism from environmental groups. While this extension gives companies more time to adjust to the new requirements, environmental advocates argue that the delay could allow deforestation to continue unchecked during this period.

Organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Mighty Earth have expressed concerns that the delay is a missed opportunity for urgent climate action. Critics argue that by giving businesses more time to comply, the EU risks undermining its own environmental goals, particularly at a time when deforestation rates are rising in key regions like the Amazon. Some environmental groups have urged the EU to introduce interim measures to ensure that deforestation is curbed while companies prepare for full compliance with the EUDR.

Another challenge posed by the EUDR is the complexity of compliance for companies with global supply chains. The regulation’s strict requirements - particularly for companies sourcing from high-risk regions—require extensive due diligence, independent audits, and geolocation data. For large multinational corporations, this can mean reconfiguring entire supply chains to ensure compliance. While large businesses may be able to absorb the additional costs, smaller companies may struggle with the financial burden of compliance.

In addition, businesses have raised concerns about the lack of clear guidance on how to implement the EUDR’s requirements effectively. Many companies have expressed frustration that key compliance documents were only shared by the EU in October 2024, just two months before the original enforcement date. This has led to calls for more detailed guidance and resources to help businesses, particularly SMEs, navigate the complexities of the regulation.

While many view the new EU law on deforestation as a milestone, others have raised questions. In this explainer, we take a look at what's in the law and what the biggest concerns are.

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Supply chain disruptions: Are concerns about the EU's new deforestation regulation justified?

As the EUDR takes shape, its future implications are expected to extend beyond the initial scope of the law. The regulation is set to evolve in the coming years as the EU refines its enforcement processes and potentially expands the list of products and ecosystems covered by the law.

The EUDR currently focuses on preventing deforestation in forests, but there is growing pressure to include other ecosystems, such as savannahs and wetlands, which are also threatened by agricultural expansion. Many environmental advocates believe that the regulation should address deforestation and land conversion in these critical ecosystems, as they are equally important for biodiversity and carbon storage.

The European Commission is expected to review the EUDR by 2025, and this review may result in an expansion of the regulation’s scope to cover more ecosystems. Including ecosystems beyond forests would increase the regulation's global impact, particularly in regions like Brazil’s Cerrado biome, which has experienced significant agricultural expansion and deforestation due to soy farming.

In addition to expanding the ecosystems covered, the EU may consider including additional commodities under the EUDR. Maize and biodiesel are two products that could be added to the regulation, given their links to deforestation and land degradation. The expansion of the EUDR to include these products would further strengthen the EU’s efforts to combat deforestation-driven supply chains.

If maize and biodiesel are added, it will particularly impact producers in South America, where these products are widely cultivated. Maize production in countries like Brazil and Argentina has been associated with deforestation and land use changes, and including these products under the EUDR would place additional compliance burdens on companies sourcing from these regions.

The EUDR is already influencing trade negotiations between the EU and countries that rely on exports of commodities linked to deforestation. Brazil, for example, has voiced concerns about how the EUDR will affect its agricultural sector, particularly with respect to the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has argued that the regulation could impose significant trade barriers on Brazilian products like beef and soy, making it difficult for Brazil to maintain its trade with the EU.

Similarly, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, which are major exporters of palm oil, have raised concerns about how the EUDR could impact their economies. These countries have lobbied for exemptions or flexibility in the regulation, particularly for smallholders who may struggle to meet the due diligence requirements.

As the EU continues to negotiate trade agreements, the EUDR will likely play a central role in shaping the future of trade relations. The EU’s stance on deforestation is expected to influence not only its bilateral trade agreements but also multilateral discussions on environmental sustainability and trade.

The European Commission is currently scheduled to review the EUDR’s implementation by June 2025. This review will assess how well the regulation has been implemented, identify areas for improvement, and consider potential expansions. The review process will likely include consultations with businesses, environmental groups, and producer countries to ensure that the EUDR’s objectives are being met while addressing any unintended consequences.

The review may also consider extending compliance timelines for certain sectors or offering additional support to smallholders in high-risk countries. This flexibility would help mitigate some of the challenges that have been raised by producer countries and businesses.

How Greenly Can Help Companies Comply with the EUDR

As the EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) comes into effect, businesses must adapt their supply chains to meet the stringent requirements. Managing deforestation risks and ensuring sustainability in global supply chains can be complex, but that’s where Greenly steps in. At Greenly, we offer a range of solutions to help companies reduce their overall GHG emissions and environmental impact.

Carbon and Supply Chain Management Solutions with Greenly

Greenly provides businesses with the tools and expertise they need to minimize their environmental footprint. Our advanced carbon management platform allows companies to track, analyze, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions efficiently.

Monitoring GHG Emissions: Greenly offers advanced tools to track Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, including those linked to supply chain activities. We can help businesses assess the environmental impact of their products and suppliers.

Tailored Sustainability Strategies: Our climate experts work with you to develop action plans that target the most significant areas of your operations. Whether it’s reducing deforestation risk in your supply chain or improving sustainability practices, we help ensure your business is both compliant and competitive.

Tackling Sustainability in the Supply Chain 

Greenly specializes in supply chain decarbonization, helping companies engage with their suppliers to transition toward low-carbon alternatives. We assist in building more sustainable supply chains and reducing emissions throughout the product lifecycle.

Greenly’s intuitive platform streamlines the process of managing emissions and environmental impacts. From tracking carbon footprints to ensuring progress against Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, our platform makes integrating sustainability into your business seamless and efficient.

Greenly provides end-to-end support for businesses. By partnering with us, your company will position itself as a leader in sustainability. Let Greenly help you manage your environmental footprint and drive meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.

Start your journey to a more sustainable future with Greenly today.

In this article, we’ll explain what hurricane season is, provide an overview of how it will impact the southeast today and in the future, and ways to mitigate the effects of hurricane season.

How Hurricane Season Could Impact the Future of Southeast USA

Hurricane season is one of the most dreaded times of year in the United States, especially for the southeast region for states like Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and even the neighboring Caribbean region. 

However, hurricane season 2024 has got to be one of the most disastrous hurricanes to date – as Hurricane Helene continues to sweep across the southeast taking lives, homes, and leaving people scrambling to recover after their losses. 

It’s easy to view hurricane season as a temporary bump in the road, but the reality is that many of these states will soon become inhabitable and unprofitable long-term if we continue to neglect the damage that has already been done.

Hurricane season refers to the time of year when regions of the world such as the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern Pacific Ocean are most vulnerable to hurricanes. 
💡 According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it is predicted that hurricane season 2024 will be worse than usual as a result of warming ocean temperature and La Niña.

Hurricane season occurs as a result of warming water temperatures from June through August, such as in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico – which as a result spur greater hurricane activity.

Local 10 News This Week In South Florida Anchor Janine Stanwood interviews The Weather Authority's Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist and storm surge expert about Hurricane Helene. 


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Hurricane Helene causes 'extensive flooding' in the mountains

Here’s when hurricane season takes place:

Atlantic Hurricane Season – This refers to the southeast states in the U.S. such as Florida, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Typically, hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th.

Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season – This refers to hurricanes that may occur in Central America such as coastal Mexico or Northern Peru. These hurricanes are more likely to occur from May 15th to November 30th.

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    </style>
</head>
<body>

    <table>
        <thead>
            <tr>
                <th>Stage</th>
                <th>Description</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td>1. Warm Ocean Water</td>
                <td>Hurricanes start over warm ocean waters (at least 80°F or 27°C), which provides the energy for the storm.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>2. Evaporation</td>
                <td>Warm water evaporates, rising into the atmosphere and creating humid air and clouds.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>3. Low-Pressure System</td>
                <td>As the warm, moist air rises, it creates a low-pressure area near the surface, pulling more air into the system.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>4. Wind Circulation</td>
                <td>Winds begin to spiral due to the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect), causing the storm to spin.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>5. Tropical Depression</td>
                <td>The system becomes a tropical depression when winds reach 25-38 mph (39-62 km/h), with thunderstorms intensifying.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>6. Tropical Storm</td>
                <td>As winds strengthen to 39-73 mph (63-118 km/h), it is classified as a tropical storm and gets a name.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td>7. Hurricane Formation</td>
                <td>When wind speeds exceed 74 mph (119 km/h), the storm is officially a hurricane, forming a distinct eye in the center.</td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>

</body>
</html>


👉 It is important for these vulnerable areas to remain proactive during hurricane season in order to minimize the potential emotional and physical damage that could be caused by a hurricane – such as with Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene has taken hurricane season 2024 by storm, having started on September 26th, 2024 and already having secured its spot as a Category 4 hurricane.


💡 The impact created on behalf of Hurricane Helene lessened as it moved inland away from the Big Bend region in Florida, otherwise known as the Florida panhandle – but it still caused insurmountable damage such as by causing massive power outages and even killing people in factories.

Starting in Florida and making its way across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and even Tennessee – Hurricane Helen has topped 80 mph wind speeds, caused extensive damage to power lines, and left coastal regions in a state of severe flooding.

Devastation is only mounting across the Southeast in the wake of Hurricane Helene with entire towns decimated by one of the worst storms in the U.S. The death toll is now at more than 120 people and many others are still unaccounted for. TODAY’s Craig Melvin reports.

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#hurricane #northcarolina #flooding

Stunning new images show Hurricane Helene's path of destruction

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued warnings across several southeast states including Florida and Georgia. Since the start of Hurricane Helene, both NASA and FEMA have been monitoring the storm via the use of NASA's satellites to keep up-to-date on areas with power outages and extreme flooding. 

👉 The damage brought about by Hurricane Helene elicited several social media stars to share the impact of the hurricane on social media, bringing attention to the need for Biden and future presidents of the United States to improve upon the current limited federal resources for hurricane relief.

How is Hurricane Helene affecting the southeast USA?

Hurricane Helene, thus far, has left a total of  160 casualties in its wake alongside 1.4 million residents in the southeast USA without power. 

💡 Leaving a colossal impact on the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, and even Virginia – Hurricane Helene has left several major roads inaccessible, the ability to communicate sparse, flood damage, and an inevitable new wave of eco-anxiety across the south.

Here is a breakdown of how Hurricane Helene has impacted states in the Southeastern United States:

Ron DeSantis, the current governor of Florida, has recently issued an emergency warning for 61 counties in the state of Florida – revealing that the disastrous effects of Hurricane Helene are far from over.

Florida has lost 11 lives, and when Hurricane Helene hit the ground near the panhandle – it topped out at speeds as high as 140mph. As a result, over 1 million homes in the state were left without power.

💡 In fact, another category 4 hurricane is on its way to Florida – as Hurricane Milton has already been cited as "extremely dangerous" by the US National Hurricane Center. Arriving a mere 10 days after the destruction of Hurricane Helene, this goes to show the continuous damage that hurricane season is bound to have on southeastern states.

Having strengthened to a category 5 hurricane in a matter of hours and topping out at wind speeds of 180mph – the mayor of Tampa, Florida advised residents to evacuate or "you're going to die."

As of 12:56AM EST on October 10th, 2024 – Hurricane Milton finally subsided to a category 1 hurricane after it made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida as a category 3 hurricane. However, over 3 million households and businesses across the state of Florida remain without power – with the Tampa Bay Area being the most affected region.

Despite the hurricane dropping to a category 1 level storm, Hurricane Milton has still caused sufficient damage – including tearing off the roof of Tropicana Field and already claiming lives. 

👉 As a result of the damage, Taylor Swift made a generous donation of $5 million USD to help provide indispensable resources amidst this "treacherous" hurricane season. 

The damage from this hurricane season and Hurricane Milton are far from over, to the extent that Kamala Harris made clear to gasoline companies, hotels, and airlines to avoid price gouging for people desperate to escape the storm – otherwise, there would be consequences on a federal level.  

💡 In addition to this, a viral video of a meteorologist getting emotional at the notion of global warming causing these horrific hurricanes garnered significant attention – as its intensified speeds have signaled the extent to which climate change is exacerbating the effects of these natural disasters. 

If you are currently affected by Hurricane Milton, here are some precautions to follow to protect yourself immediately: 

Follow Evacuation Orders – Many cities, such as Tampa, have ordered residents to flee their city or state entirely as a result of Hurricane Milton. The most imperative mechanism of protection is to distance yourself from the heart of the storm as soon as possible, but don't try to evacuate in the midst of the storm.

Prepare an Emergency Kit – Having easy access to snacks, blankets, medicine, and a general first-aid kit could prove indispensable in the midst of Hurricane Milton.

Avoid Glass Windows – If you were unable to evacuate from your home, it is important to take shelter on the lowest level of your home possible – preferably a basement. Stay away from windows in the event they shatter with additional flying debris. 

Expect Power Outages – Have an external battery charged to be able to power your cell phone in the event of an emergency, as power outages are bound to occur during Hurricane Milton.

Stay Up-to-Date with Florida Authorities – Several cities like Tampa have issued evacuation warnings and promised to provide live updates as the storm continues. Be sure to follow current updates provided by your county for the most accurate information.

👉 Overall, Hurricane Milton demonstrates how climate change is aggravating weather patterns and that hurricanes will only continue to get worse as global temperatures rise.

As one of the states most affected by Hurricane Helene, North Carolina has suffered from a high death toll of 56 people alongside copious amounts of leftover debris, some of which has found its way into Lake Lure.

North Carolina has also found itself in financial peril as a result of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with businesses struggling to stay afloat – especially in the historic town of Chimney Rock.

Luckily, on October 1st, 2024 – Biden approved of a disaster relief fund for Georgia, where over 460,000 power outages were being reported even after the storm. 

Kamala Harris, potential future president of the United States, will be visiting Augusta on October 2nd, 2024 to further examine the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and what federal protocols can be taken.

With two lives lost, Virginia has also been affected by Hurricane Helene – with more rain expected in the next few days, which has left residents concerned.

💡 Around 282,000 Appalachian Power customers lost service in the midst of Hurricane Helene. 

Hurricane Helene certainly didn’t spare Tennessee, as 11 factory workers were swept away by the hurricane – only 6 of them were able to be rescued.

In addition to this, the state has suffered from massive flooding – especially on main roads meant to remain available in the event of the need to evacuate in the midst of a natural disaster. 

👉 Ultimately, Hurricane Helene has left behind catastrophic damage in its wake that not only states – but the federal government will have to aid in their recovery moving forward.

How could hurricane season impact the future of southeast states? 

Hurricane season and events as heartbreaking as Hurricane Helene may do more than damage the state and take lives itself, but it could prevent the livelihood of southeast states in the future – as property value will decrease, businesses will struggle, and overall tourism is bound to decrease.

💡 States such as Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and more will struggle to rebuild homes and keep businesses running – especially as climate change continues to exacerbate the negative effects of hurricanes in the future.

“I don't know if there'll be work. I don't know if people will have places to live.” –  Restaurant Manager Matt Hartwiger, resident of North Carolina who evacuated his flooding home with his pregnant wife.

Here are some of the ways hurricane season will impact the future of these southeastern states:

Decrease in Property Value – Once popular homes in places like Miami, Tampa, the Outer Banks, and more will lose value as some of these cities are even sinking as a result of rising sea levels. As a result, people will no longer want to invest their money into properties in the southeast – which could scream trouble for the regions’ housing market.

Struggling Businesses – As hurricane season could destroy business both physically and financially, businesses in the southeast may struggle to stay open in the midst of hurricane season and even after while they recover. This could set the southeast up to be one of the worst places to start a business, and impact the regions’ economy as a whole.

Less Tourism – Although it may seem trite on the surface, Florida is home to Orlando’s Walt Disney World, which brings in 58 million visitors every year. As states like Florida will struggle to rebuild following each hurricane season without immediate government aid, the potential decrease in tourism as a result of hurricanes could leave states like Florida in a state of financial peril.

High Eco-Anxiety & Loss of Stability – Those who choose to stay in the region despite the looming threat of a more intense hurricane season each year will have to make peace with the fact their homes and lives will never be 100% safe from natural disasters. 

Economic Consequences – As hurricane season continues to worsen, billions of dollars worth of damage will accumulate – as the need to repair infrastructure, homes, and businesses will rise alongside the severity of hurricanes. This means that economies in the southeastern region of the United States could suffer from long-term effects, such as revenue loss.

Impact of Southeastern Industries – The Southeast of the U.S. is known for agriculture and fishing, both of which are likely to be severely impacted as a result of a worsening hurricane season. This is because rebuilding costs, insurance claims, and disaster relief funds will affect public and private financial sectors.

👉 States in the Southeast of the United States are likely to become more difficult to live , expand businesses, and own property in as hurricane season intensifies.

What steps can we take to protect the southeast U.S. from hurricane season?

Many across the world continue to treat natural disasters such as hurricanes as an accident that can’t be avoided and no one can prepare for, but the truth is – there are many things we can do to protect vulnerable areas such as the southeast U.S. from hurricane season. 

💡 Some of these ideas include working to improve infrastructure and offering improved support packages via the government to help those struggling after hurricane season.

While we can’t stop hurricane season entirely, there are several ways we can better support regions of the world that will be most affected by hurricane season – especially after a hurricane as damaging as Hurricane Helene.

Here are some of the ways the U.S. can improve its methods to support the southeast in the midst of this hurricane season:

Improve Infrastructure – As many homes alongside the coast of North Carolina or Florida remain vulnerable to coastal flooding and inundation, it is imperative to raise homes, roads, and other critical facilities in areas prone to flooding. This can allow important areas to remain accessible after a flood when resources such as healthcare will be crucial. 

More Resilient Power Grids – Rectifying the current powder grids can help to prevent statewide power outages. This can be done by implementing the use of backup generators or using smart grid technology.

Create an Evacuation Plan – We always think that a natural disaster won’t happen to us until it does. Therefore, it is imperative that states in the southeast work together to develop a consistent plan to ensure that people can evacuate their homes before a bad hurricane such as Hurricane Helene during hurricane season hits. 

Encourage Emergency Preparedness Education – Just as kids in California have practice drills in the event of an earthquake, students in the southeast should have drills in the event of a hurricane.  

Offer Better Insurance Coverage & Government Aid – Some insurance companies such as State Farm have started to limit their insurance coverage, meaning that improved government aid will be required to support struggle homes and businesses during hurricane season.

Overall, hurricane season doesn’t have to be as devastating as we’ve seen it be so far with Hurricane Helene – as the southeastern states can work together to build greater resilience to avoid the heartbreaking effects of hurricanes to come.

If reading this article about hurricane season and Hurricane Helene has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

Making an effort to switch your company over to the values of a green business can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you find ways to improve energy efficiency and decrease the dependency on fossil fuels in your own company. 

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.


Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

In this article, we'll explain in depth what plastic is, why plastic is bad for the environment and the ocean, and solutions to mitigate the use and overall impact of plastic.

Why is Plastic Bad for the Environment?

Plastic is a material that is deeply intertwined with our modern lives. Plastic exists in nearly every industry, from food to cars to footwear to space equipment – but we talk about it as both being incredibly useful and dangerous for species worldwide, as it contributes to plastic waste, plastic pollution, plastic debris, plastic packaging waste, and plastic waste generation. The plastics industry is notorious for being bad for the environment.

💡 What is plastic, and why is the manufacturing process for plastic produced makes harmful to the earth and human health?

Plastic is a material that can be shaped or molded easily and can be synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural – which can then be molded into a wide variety of materials. 

💡 Plastic is extremely malleable due to the fact that it's made up of polymers, making it easier to cut through in addition to it's low melting point. 

At the molecular level, polymers are long chains of individual monomer links which bond easily to each  other. Polymers are also so bulky that they don't stack together well. This results in a compound that:

Once a completely natural product, much of today's plastic is man-made and largely dependent upon fossil fuels. From polymers to nurdles, learn how plastic is created and what we can do to slow the lasting repercussions this material will have on both our planet and our lives.
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Plastics 101 | National Geographic

How is plastic used in the plastics industry?

💡 In comparison to other materials, such as metal or glass, plastic is usually lighter and more flexible – seeing as plastic is able to achieve a feasible glass transition temperature (Tg) which allows for soft, flexible, and even rubber like state materials to be made. 

This makes global plastic production particularly useful for a wide range of purposes, and is precisely why the plastic industry has found so much success in creating beverage containers for several other industries, such as with:

plastic additives or other commodity plastics (such as plastic films used for new containers or shipping products like food packaging)

👉 However, the problem with fully synthetic plastic is that it doesn't contain any molecules from our natural environment – meaning that engineering plastics like these requires even more industrial activity, which results in even more emissions.

Luckily, most plastic items are recyclable – seeing as plastic can be melted and then reshaped, so most plastics can be heated until they can be formed into something else. Knowing this about the recycling process helps explain why it's bad to throw a banana peel in your recycling bin – it could get heated in with the plastic, rendering the reformed banana-plastic useless.  

Where do plastic materials come from and how is plastic made?

Plastic can be made in a variety of ways with a variety of materials. These materials can come from natural sources like latex from tree sap, tar, and amber. However, it is much cheaper and easier to make plastic from fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas, partly because our industrial system is based on these fuels.

Intense heat or pressure is required to shape the plastic into something functional. For example, crude oil is heated in a furnace in the refining process before it is distilled into lighter compounds. Through a process called polymerization, the light compounds are connected into polymers either with the addition of a catalyst or the removal of water.   

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