Norway made history by becoming the first country to ban deforestation, pledging that its public procurement policies would be 100% deforestation-free
The government no longer awards contracts to companies involved in clear-cutting forests or selling products that lead to rainforest destruction
Norway’s policy bans purchases linked to palm oil, soy, beef, and timber—industries known to accelerate global deforestation
Norway backed its pledge by investing $1 billion in Brazil’s Amazon Fund, helping cut deforestation by 75% over 7 years
While countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and the EU have introduced anti-deforestation laws, none have enacted a complete national ban like Norway
Norway’s approach serves as a powerful example of how policy and investment can protect Earth’s lungs—and why others should follow suit