Dear John,

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently published their World Drug Report with a Special Booklet on the Amazon Basin. It argued there has been an increase in drug production which is harming the Amazon. The UNODC has recognised what we have been saying for the last few years – the drugs trade is damaging the environment and is a barrier to climate justice.

However, their report failed to acknowledge the critical role played by drug prohibition. Prohibition means this damaging illicit economy is unregulated. Drug cartels can continue to funnel their money into illegal logging, mining, and cattle ranching and are accountable to no one.

By promoting and maintaining prohibition, the UNODC fails to recognise their own role in damaging the Amazon.

Health Poverty Action co-ordinates “The Drug Policy Reform & Environmental Justice International Coalition." You can learn more about this Coalition and the recent public statement we made in response to the World Drug Report here. 

It is not inevitable that prohibition will always go unchallenged. Recently the Scottish Government spoke out in favour of drug decriminalisation. We need a common-sense approach to drugs, fit for the 21st Century – that puts public and planetary health first!

The effects of climate change are having disproportionate effects on marginalised and poor communities all over the world. Drug reform is needed to protect some of the most ecologically fragile regions of our planet. While speaking out against prohibition is not easy – it is necessary.

In solidarity,

Clemmie James,
Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer