Understanding Palm Oil's Impact

The palm oil industry has become a vital component of many consumer products today, including packaged foods, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and biofuels. Its widespread use provides livelihoods for numerous individuals, particularly in developing nations, and significantly contributes to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, palm oil production plays a role in achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as poverty alleviation, job creation, and economic advancement—all aimed at fostering a more sustainable future by 2030.

However, the rise in palm oil consumption has led to unsustainable production practices, overshadowing its benefits. To address this issue, it is crucial to promote environmentally friendly practices in palm oil production.

Deforestation

A primary environmental concern associated with the palm oil industry is deforestation. As global demand surges, producers often expand their cultivation areas by clearing forests. For instance, between 2000 and 2018, palm oil cultivation contributed to the destruction of approximately 39% of Borneo's forests, equating to about 6.3 million hectares (15.6 million acres) lost—an area comparable to Latvia.

In this video, you can observe the extent of deforestation from a satellite perspective:

The clearing of land for new plantations frequently involves burning forests, a method that wreaks havoc on ecosystems. In 2019, widespread burning in Kalimantan and Sumatra created hazardous smoke clouds that impacted air quality and public health, leading to respiratory issues and other serious health risks. On a positive note, since 2012, deforestation rates in Indonesia have decreased, thanks to government measures such as a ban on new oil palm plantations and declining palm oil prices.

Loss of Biodiversity

Another significant issue stemming from the palm oil industry is the decline in biodiversity. Deforestation leads to the destruction of habitats, endangering thousands of plant and animal species. Iconic animals such as the orangutan, Sumatran rhinoceros, and pygmy elephant are among the 321 species facing threats due to the expansion of oil palm plantations.

Moreover, oil palm plantations often exhibit very low plant diversity due to monoculture practices, which typically support less than 1% of the plant species found in natural forests. The invasive nature of oil palms further disrupts local ecosystems.

Increased CO2 Emissions

Lastly, the palm oil industry exacerbates CO2 emissions. Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration—absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When trees are burned or felled, the stored carbon is released back into the air. The establishment of oil palm plantations on peatlands also contributes to CO2 emissions, as the burning of peat releases significant amounts of carbon.

While oil palms can sequester some CO2 and serve as an alternative to fossil fuels, these benefits do not outweigh the emissions produced from deforestation and peatland clearance. Consequently, the palm oil sector is a contributor to climate change.

Taking Action for Sustainability

To promote sustainability in the palm oil sector, consider the following actions:

• Choose products that do not contain palm oil.
• Support companies and organizations dedicated to combating deforestation caused by palm oil production.

What other strategies can you think of to help? We welcome your suggestions in the comments!