Illegal Logging: From the Rainforest to Your Dining Room

The non-profit Environmental Investigation Agency reports far-reaching corruption in Vietnam’s logging industry: Much of the lumber is illegally smuggled into Vietnam from protected jungles in Laos and later exported as furniture to the United States. Though illegal imports to Vietnam amount to about 15 to 20 percent of total Vietnamese timber imports, the United Nations estimates that within eight years Laos will be left with only 30 percent of its current forest cover. The environmental impact is great, with deforestation being a contributor to CO2 buildup in the atmosphere and global warming. Vietnamese syndicates are accused of controlling jungles and bringing their own workers, preventing Laotians from logging or managing their own resources. Patrick Winn, writing for GlobalPost, argues that there is hope for Laos, as long as it takes control of its logging industry and manages the forests with sustainable practices. The nation of 6.5 million struggles to contend with larger neighbors, intent on exploiting Lao resources, and global customers who remain ignorant about the sources of products they buy. – YaleGlobal