Target: Paul S. Atkins, Chair of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Goal: Do not approve final stock exchange listing for company accused of corruption and expansive environmental destruction.
Rampant deforestation of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is arguably the largest and most consequential environmental crisis on the planet. In a span of months, areas five times the expanse of New York City are razed and cleared from the world’s largest rainforest, imperiling its critical function as a super oxygen producer and carbon absorber for Earth and its inhabitants. The world’s largest meatpacking facility is driving this dangerous increase of deforestation. Much of the cattle ranching is even taking place on protected lands.
A sizeable percentage of cattle raised for slaughter on these lands are going directly to Brazil’s meatpacking conglomerate JBS. Despite public proclamations from the corporation to be more transparent in its supply chain and to work towards a greener business model, critics blast JBS for failing to live up to its promises.
The company instead is trying to raise its profile and credibility by joining the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The United States is already the top importer by far of JBS’ products. A listing on the country’s premier stock market would only add to America’s complicity in this environmental recklessness.
Bipartisan lawmakers from America and even lawmakers from oversees have appealed to the NYSE’s overseer – the Securities and Exchange Commission – to reject JBS and its irresponsible stewardship. Sign the petition below to join in these calls to prevent the world’s top economy from signing off on literal crimes against nature.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chairman Atkins,
Despite widespread and concerning charges of corruption and the propagation of illegal deforestation, this commission has granted approval to meatpacking conglomerate JBS to join the New York Stock Exchange. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and from across the pond have appealed against this decision to give increased prominence to a conglomerate that has contributed to the destruction of thousands of square miles of “the lungs of the Earth.” The disclosure of a major U.S. presidential campaign contribution from a JBS subsidiary raises serious questions about the ethics of this consequential inclusion to the NYSE.
The formal listing has yet to take place. There is still time to step back and reevaluate a choice that could have long-term ramifications not only for global economies but for the entire world.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Ibama
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