Why Should We Not Buy Palm Oil?
To make way for palm oil plantations, vast areas of rainforest are cleared, leading to deforestation on a massive scale. This deforestation is responsible for the destruction of critical habitats, pushing endangered species like orangutans, tigers, and elephants to the brink of extinction. The loss of these forests also contributes to climate change, as trees that once absorbed carbon dioxide are cut down, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
The Environmental and Social Impacts
The environmental impacts of palm oil production are devastating, but the consequences don’t end there. The clearing of forests often involves setting them on fire, which leads to severe air pollution, affecting the health of millions of people in Southeast Asia. This practice, known as “slash and burn,” also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases, exacerbating global warming.