SBTi proposes 'urgent' changes to deforestation commitment rules

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🗞️ Driving the news: The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched a public consultation on proposed revisions to its forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) guidance, including delaying the deadline for meeting deforestation-free supply chain commitments
• The changes are designed to make compliance more achievable and align with incoming regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is set to become effective in December 2025

🔭 The context: SBTi’s FLAG guidance, first released in 2022, requires companies with land-intensive operations to commit to eliminating deforestation across their value chains by 2025
• However, with less than three months until 2026, many companies have struggled to implement robust tracking and reporting systems
• At the same time, new legal frameworks like the EUDR are setting binding standards for traceability and due diligence, prompting SBTi to revise its voluntary framework for consistency and practical alignment

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Deforestation remains a leading driver of biodiversity loss and global emissions, particularly in commodity-linked sectors like food, fashion, and bioenergy
• While the proposed delay may weaken near-term ambition, aligning SBTi’s voluntary guidance with legally binding regulations could increase overall compliance and accountability
• It also reinforces the need for credible, science-based pathways that reflect operational realities while preserving long-term climate integrity

⏭️ What's next: The consultation is open until November 26, 2025, with final changes expected in early 2026
• Proposed revisions include updating the deforestation cut-off date, creating exemptions for certain geographies, and clarifying overlaps with Scope 3 emissions accounting
• Companies setting or validating FLAG targets after the updated framework is released will be required to follow the new rules, while those with existing targets may be given transitional options

💬 One quote: “It’s urgent that our guidance remains viable and credible amid shifting regulatory and operational contexts,” – SBTi spokesperson

📈 One stat: More than 90% of corporate deforestation risk is concentrated in just seven commodities — including soy, palm oil, beef, and timber — many of which are covered by the proposed FLAG revisions

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