The palm oil problem continues over the months and the Amazon continues to be steadily affected. In Peru, at least, there are around 74 million hectares of forest, and it is a fact that a large number of hectares have already been lost.
In the Brazilian Amazon, too, the number of hectares lost to deforestation is immense. And throughout these forests, the losses are only increasing thanks to the cultivation of oil palm throughout the territory.
If you are wondering why this is a problem, here you will find the answer to that and much more information about palm oil products.
If you don’t know, palm oil is, in fact, the most widely used product in the food industry around the world and is present in many of the foods we eat. However, it isn’t suitable for consumption from a nutritional perspective, and its production has environmental consequences.
Products with this vegetable oil have been the target of medical studies, as their consumption can be harmful to our health in the long run. This is because they contain a lot of saturated fats, which can cause cardiovascular problems. This oil is produced from the African palm.
As to what palm oil is used for, we can say that it’s present in the production of cosmetic and food products. Although this oil has replaced other types of fats that are harmful to health, it’s also a fact that the abuse of its use has nutritional consequences.
Although palm oil in Colombia has also begun to wreak havoc, about 85% of its production comes from Asia. In addition, it’s important to note that the world’s palm plantations cover a vast area, equivalent to the size of Brazil.
On a commercial level, oil palm is one of the most popular crops in the world, and because of this, the consequences for the environment can be observed. For more than 50 years now, hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of different tropical forests have been cleared for its plantation.
If we have to mention the environmental impacts of this oil, we can start with the following:
The environmental impact of oil palm in Colombia, and throughout the world in general, involves deforestation and the deterioration of natural habitats. If we have to mention a percentage, we can say that the home of 70% of the different species of animals and plants is compromised.
Not only that, but millions of people also depend on these forests to survive and maintain their different cultures. The abuse of the human rights of indigenous communities also applies in this case, as industries steal land for oil palm cultivation in Colombia.
Not only does it destroy important natural resources and the biodiversity of so many species that are compromised by the clearing of forests. As long as plantations for the production of palm oil in the Amazon continue to increase, this will contribute greatly to worsening the environment.
Climate change is damaged every time thousands of hectares of forest are burned due to greenhouse gases. Moreover, let’s not forget that these are the lungs of the earth and that if the situation continues, the quality of life will decrease drastically.
According to research, the cultivation of palm oil can be made sustainable and doesn’t require any chemicals to achieve this. Usually, the cultivation of palm oil leads to water pollution due to chemicals such as pesticides that are often used.
However, there are already some examples that serve as proof that oil palms can be planted and grown completely organically. Without resorting to pesticides, effective weeding and pest control techniques can be properly managed.
That said, one can only hope that the industries will become aware of what they are doing and work on the issue.
🌎 Promoting care for the environment and the correct use of resources is indispensable to be able to coexist with all species healthily and safely.
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