Deforestation is a worldwide concern for the planet, especially in the face of global warming. Deforestation specifically in the Amazon rainforest is severe enough to make it the fourth largest carbon dioxide emitter. A recent Greenpeace report, titled “Slaughtering the Amazon,” focused on cattle and deforestation.

Greenpeace investigated leather, beef and other products produced from cattle which are being raised on land which suffered deforestation specifically for the raising of the cattle. Greenpeace conducted this investigation over a three year period. Greenpeace stated: “Every eight seconds, an acre of Amazon rainforest is destroyed for Brazilian cattle ranching, which is the biggest single driver of deforestation in the world.”

The report has influenced some companies to refrain from the use of products from such ranches. Nike recently reported that they will no longer being using leather from cattle being raised in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Nike stated: “We understand how important rainforests are to the health of the planet and the implications deforestation has on climate change and global warming.”

Nike has indicated to their current Brazilian leather suppliers that they will have until July 1st of next year to change their current systems and producers of leather. Nike stated specifically that the companies are to “create an ongoing, traceable and transparent system to provide credible assurances that leather used for Nike products is from cattle raised outside of the Amazon Biome.”

In additional news, the report by Greenpeace has also impacted supermarket chains within Brazil itself. The largest chains in Brazil, Wal-Mart, Pao de Acuar and Carrefour, have indicated that they will suspend current contracts with companies which are found to be supporting the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.