Which action is suggested to address deforestation linked to beef production?

Which action is suggested to address deforestation linked to beef production?

• A. Expand beef ranching
• B. Increase land clearing
• C. Suspend contracts with international supermarkets
• D. Subsidize processing plants

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is how reducing demand from large buyers can help cut deforestation linked to beef production. If international supermarkets pause or end contracts for beef, producers lose a major market, making cattle ranching less profitable and encouraging a shift toward more sustainable land use or different livelihoods. This directly targets the pressure to clear forests for pasture. Expanding beef ranching or increasing land clearing would worsen deforestation by needing more forest area for pasture. Subsidizing processing plants might change efficiency or costs, but it doesn’t address the root driver—whether the demand that drives forest clearance remains high. So suspending contracts with international supermarkets best tackles the link between beef production and deforestation.

The main idea being tested is how reducing demand from large buyers can help cut deforestation linked to beef production. If international supermarkets pause or end contracts for beef, producers lose a major market, making cattle ranching less profitable and encouraging a shift toward more sustainable land use or different livelihoods. This directly targets the pressure to clear forests for pasture.

Expanding beef ranching or increasing land clearing would worsen deforestation by needing more forest area for pasture. Subsidizing processing plants might change efficiency or costs, but it doesn’t address the root driver—whether the demand that drives forest clearance remains high. So suspending contracts with international supermarkets best tackles the link between beef production and deforestation.