The European Union has been a world leader on climate change, passing groundbreaking legislation to reduce noxious
GHGs. Now the world is pushing back. Government officials and business groups have jacked up their lobbying to persuade EU officials to suspend a landmark environmental law aimed at protecting the planet’s endangered forests by tracing supply chains. The rules, scheduled to take effect at the end of the year, would affect billions of dollars in traded goods. They have been denounced by countries in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa. In the US, the Biden administration petitioned for a delay as American paper companies warned that the law could result in shortages. In July, China said it would not comply because of “security concerns”. Brazil… and even Germany asked the EU to postpone the regulations. Delaying the rule’s onset is not easy. The legislature would have to approve any amendments. [to access the full story, a NY Times subscription is required]