The Future of the Rainforests: It's All in the PALM of Your Hand!!

                                                                                             Picture Credit:Union of Concerned Scientists Feb.7, 2014

There is a component lurking in nearly 50% of the products found at supermarkets today that is driving dire consequences for the planet. Palm oil is found in thousands of foods, cooking oils, biofuels, beauty and cosmetics products. Palm oil is produced through extraction of the fruit of the palm species Elaeis guineensis.. The production of palm oil is directly tied to biodiversity loss, rising greenhouse gas emissions, destroying wildlife habitats, while also displacing indigenous people and endangered animals.

Vast swaths of tropical forests and carbon-rich peatlands have been cleared, drained, and burned to enable the expansion of palm oil plantations.  Deforestation and destruction of peatlands are contributing factors to climate change and rising greenhouse gas emissions. Tropical forest floors and peatlands are carbon-rich sinks that store unimaginable amounts of carbon. Clearing and burning these tropical areas rapidly release the stored carbon into the atmosphere.

Tropical rainforests contain some the greatest biodiversity on our planet. Many endangered species of animals are facing further declines due to deforestation and habitat loss. Endangered species directly affected by palm oil production include: the critically endangered Sumatran species of orangutan, 2 species of elephants, tigers, and rhinos.  Only 15% of species found in rainforests can survive and be found in converted oil palm fields.

The increases in demand for palm oil have turned the production of palm oil into a valuable economic source for developing nations; and provides economic opportunity for impoverished communities. However, working conditions for palm oil workers is often grueling and low paying while lacking in health and safety initiatives. Indigenous people are often displaced, subject to forced labor, and continued land encroachment by palm oil plantations. Environmental air quality greatly suffers from rapid carbon-releases, and particulate matter, due to the clearing and burning of tropical forests and peatland.

The abundance of products that utilize palm oil make it difficult for the average consumer to avoid. Palm oil is present in many products but that does not mean it is listed on the ingredient lists. The WWF lists the many confusing names that companies use to avoid putting palm oil on their labels. Though nearly impossible to avoid at the supermarket; there are new certifications and consumer expectations driving palm oil production towards a more sustainable path.

There has been a growing momentum to find more sustainable palm oil production practices. The Roundtable for Certified Palm Production (RSPO) was established in 2004; and is currently the most high-profile of palm oil standards with more than 1,300 members consisting of NGO’s, investors, and members of production. RSPO establishes sustainable practices, principles, and standards which are reviewed every 5 years; and also accredits and certifies companies that follow the standards for sustainable best practices. RSPO standards include measures for environmental and social responsibility. RSPO members now account for 40% of the industry; yet certified palm oil currently only accounts for 15% of total production worldwide. The pace of sustainable change inspired by RSPO industry-wide has been criticized and standards under scrutiny; but this is currently our best step towards a more sustainable palm future.

Consumers can support companies that have these certifications and find more sustainable alternatives to products containing palm oil. Consumers must hold companies accountable for proper labeling and certifications. Pressure from consumers can help assist in promoting further advocacy, protections, standards, and persuade legislation from governments. Production can be supported and continue in non-forested and non-peat land without compromising outputs. There are methods to take advantage of the positive aspects of palm oil production; such efficient land use and use of the profits to raise the quality of life for indigenous people and protect wildlife. Increased awareness can inspire sustainable changes to our current means of production and systems.