New guide to support companies in setting SBTi FLAG no-deforestation commitments
20 November 2024
The AFi answers frequently asked questions about a key feature of land sector climate targets in this new explainer on SBTi FLAG.
Today, the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) published an explainer providing answers to common questions about the no-deforestation commitment associated with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) targets.
About the SBTi FLAG targets
Deforestation and other land use change represents an outsized contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions from the food, agriculture, and forestry sectors. The SBTi therefore requires companies to adopt no-deforestation commitments for key forest-risk commodities as part of a validated FLAG emissions reduction target. To provide consistent guidance for companies, the SBTi and the AFi have worked together to ensure that the FLAG Guidance builds on and is aligned with existing expectations for no-deforestation and no-conversion supply chains.
The inclusion of this no-deforestation commitment in climate target-setting provides companies with a valuable aid in prioritising their supply chain efforts toward eliminating land sector emissions. However, many companies still have questions about how to set and implement these commitments to both meet their emissions reductions targets and achieve deforestation- or conversion-free supply chains.
About the AFi’s explainer on SBTi FLAG no-deforestation commitments
To support companies in the process of setting an SBTi FLAG target, this document explains how companies can set and implement no-deforestation commitments in adherence to both the FLAG Guidance and the Accountability Framework. The answers provided in this explainer provide recommendations in response to common questions about a) which companies need to set these commitments, b) for which commodities targets should be set, c) how companies can approach the 2025 target date required by SBTi, and d) other related topics.
This guide is intended to be a supplement to the SBTi FLAG Guidance and FAQ document, which companies should follow to ensure that commitments are set in line with SBTi requirements.
Set no-deforestation commitments today
Eliminating deforestation from supply chains is an essential action that companies must take as soon as possible to meet climate goals, and companies should not delay target-setting because of uncertainty regarding guidance or best practice. This explainer can support companies in taking the next step toward robust no-deforestation commitments and holistic climate goals.
Download the AFi explainer on setting no-deforestation commitments as part of SBTi FLAG targets below.