Illegal Leather: How the Car Industry is Threatening the Rainforest

Total Credit Hours:
1.5 hours

Intro to Illegal Leather: How the Car Industry is Threatening the Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is disappearing at an alarming rate, and one of the hidden drivers of its destruction is the production of leather used in the car industry. Every day, vast areas of forest are illegally cleared to make way for grazing cattle—the source of cowhides that end up in luxury vehicles. This process devastates ecosystems, displaces indigenous communities, and accelerates climate change. This course uncovers how supply chains mask illegal activities and highlights how global consumer demand fuels the cycle of deforestation. Understanding the link between the car industry and rainforest destruction is vital for driving change toward more ethical and sustainable practices.

What Will You Learn?

This course will reveal the intricate connections between car manufacturing and deforestation, placing a spotlight on the environmental, ethical, and economic consequences of illegal leather production. After completing the video, you will be able to:

  • Explain how illegal deforestation is tied to cattle farming and leather production.
  • Understand the car industry's role in fueling demand for leather upholstery.
  • Recognize the ethical issues surrounding supply chain transparency and corporate accountability.
  • Evaluate sustainable alternatives and strategies for reducing deforestation linked to global industries.

These insights will deepen your understanding of the global impact of consumer goods and equip you with the knowledge to advocate for responsible sourcing practices.

How to Approach This Course

Take this opportunity to explore the unseen impact of everyday products, including car interiors, on our planet's most vital ecosystems. Focus on understanding how deforestation affects not only the environment but also indigenous communities and global climate goals. Pay close attention to the industry's supply chain methods and how they obscure illegal activities because after the video, you will take a quiz to reinforce your understanding.

Well Done!

You have completed all the lessons. Now it is time to test your knowledge and earn your credits.

Thank you for completing this course.