Palm Oil

Palm Oil

A versatile and efficient crop produced from oil palm, used for edible oils and biofuels.

GreenHouse Gas Emissions

Gases released into the atmosphere as a result of logging rainforests.

RSPO

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, a global scheme that sets standards for sustainable palm oil production.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat, often threatened by palm oil plantations.

Land Conflict

Disputes between palm oil companies and indigenous people over land rights.

Carbon Storage

The ability of rainforests to store carbon, which is diminished through deforestation.

Deforestation

The clearing of forested land for palm oil plantations, leading to habitat loss.

Indigenous Hunter-Gatherers

Native people such as the Penan and Dayaks who depend on rainforests for survival.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of production that do not harm the environment and promote ecological balance.

Higher Yields

The increased amount of product harvested, promoted by sustainable farming methods.

Peat Soils

Soils rich in carbon, often burned during the expansion of palm oil plantations.

Logging

The process of cutting down trees, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Smog

Air pollution that can result from burning peat and other sources, affecting nearby cities.

Wildlife Habitat Loss

The destruction of ecosystems leading to the endangerment of species like orangutans.

Orangutans

Critically endangered species that sustain rainforest biodiversity.

Plantation Expansion

The process of increasing land area for palm oil production, often leading to deforestation.

Environmental Standards

Regulations established to promote sustainability in palm oil production.

Transparency in Supply Chains

The clarity and openness about the sources and practices related to palm oil production.

Sustainable Certification

A process that verifies sustainable practices in palm oil production.

Consumer Awareness

Raising public knowledge about sustainable palm oil and its environmental impacts.

Boycott

A decision to not buy products associated with unsustainable palm oil.

Education

Teaching communities about the impacts of palm oil and promoting sustainable practices.

Income Reliability

Consistent earnings that farmers can expect from palm oil cultivation.

Soil Erosion

The removal of topsoil, often a consequence of deforestation for palm oil.

Local Community Engagement

Involving local populations in discussions about sustainable palm oil practices.

Ecosystem Protection

Conservation efforts to safeguard valuable environmental resources affected by palm oil.