What would have happened if the world had turned to #renewables earlier?
If, say, oil companies hadnât been working for decades to slow down action on climate change?
We would be in a very different position.
grist.org/language/oil-companiâŠ
Over a few years, oil giants went from trumpeting their climate pledges to saying fossil fuels are here to stay.Kate Yoder (Grist)
Der Lehrgang âCertified Sustainability Communications Expertâ startet am 13. April 2026 in Wien in eine neue Runde.Peter Nestler (UMWELT JOURNAL)
Mondelez destroys rainforests, sending animals extinct and release mega-tonnes of carbon into air for so-called âsustainableâ palm oil. Boycott them!Palm Oil Detectives
A public relations firm for major U.S. polluters worked to dismantle EU laws that require large corporations to make plans for cutting emissions.Clare Carlile and Joey Grostern (DeSmog)
Trust had $254m invested in companies such as Chevron, BP and Shell in 2024, a nine-year record, analysis showsIsaaq Tomkins (the Guardian)
âCarbon creditsâ turn #forest đłđ„ ecosystems into investments but deny #indigenous communities their rights and are often blatant #greenwashing. Use your wallet as a weapon and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #landrights @palmoildetect.bsky.social
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Seeing Forest As Merely A Carbon âCommodityâ: Dangerous Greenwashing
The huge danger of commodifying forests and seeing them as merely an âinvestmentâ to be bought and sold as âcarbon creditsâ has many loopholes that deny indigenous sovereignty, social and economic outcomes of communities and pose grave extinction risks to wild animals and plants. Take action when you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4WildlifeThe huge danger of commodifying #forests đż đ„ and seeing them as merely an âinvestmentâ, denies #indigenous sovereignty, social and economic outcomes of communities and #extinction risks. #humanrights đŽâïž #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-92u
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Share to TwitterâCarbon creditsâ turn #forest đłđ„ ecosystems into investments but deny #indigenous communities their rights and are often blatant #greenwashing. Use your wallet as a weapon and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #landrights @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-92u
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Share to TwitterWritten by Constance McDermott, Senior Fellow in Forest Governance and Leader of Ecosystems Governance Group, University of Oxford; Eric Kumeh Mensah, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Oxford, and Mark Hirons, Environmental Social Science Research Fellow, University of Oxford. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Forests are great carbon sinks â they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. Globally, forests remove nearly all of the two billion tonnes of carbon dioxide that is currently being removed from the atmosphere every year.
These days, companies can buy âcarbon creditsâ for the carbon that is stored in living forests and offset this against their own greenhouse gas emissions. International financiers estimate that by 2050, Africa could be selling US$1.5 trillion in carbon credits per year, mainly from its forests. Environmental social scientists Constance L. McDermott, Eric Mensah Kumeh and Mark Hirons are co-authors of a report on global forest governance for the International Union of Forest Research Organisations. They have found that buying and selling forest carbon as a commodity is dangerous if it is prioritised over the other environmental and social uses of forests. It could even result in environmental damage and the displacement of forest-dependent people.
What is a carbon sink?
All living things contain carbon, and are considered carbon sinks when they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. Many ecosystems serve as carbon sinks, but forests have a large biomass (wood and twigs and leaves on the forest floor). This makes them a very important sink from a climate perspective.The carbon that trees capture is sequestered (stored) in their wood, leaves or needles, and roots. When forests are cut down or burned, their stored carbon is released into the atmosphere and becomes a source of carbon emissions rather than a sink. Forest carbon sinks can be conserved by leaving live trees standing, or created and enhanced by planting or natural regeneration of trees.
Why is it a problem for a forest to be seen only as a carbon sink?
Forests support and regulate soil, water and nutrient flows, and provide habitat for the majority of the worldâs species that live on land. They provide people with food, fuel, fibre, medicine and other products.They are important to the cultural survival and well-being of many communities. In Africa alone, an estimated 245 million people live within five kilometres of a forest, and many of these people rely directly on forests for their livelihoods.
Our research found that forests are increasingly being managed as carbon sinks, and the carbon they store treated as a commodity that can be internationally traded. Carbon markets allow businesses and governments to earn credits by paying for forests that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is cheaper than reducing their own emissions. This is part of what we call the climatisation of forests.
Animal agriculture and meat, The contents of your fridge and dining table directly impacts the future of rare rainforest and ocean animals. Thatâs because industrial agriculture and aquaculture for commodities like meat, dairy, fish and palm oil is driving animals in the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet closer towards extinction.
Governing forests only as carbon sinks can promote âgreen grabsâ where non-forested land, such as grasslands, used by communities for farming and other activities, is taken from the community and used by wealthy companies or governments to plant large tracts of trees to store carbon. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, is being targeted as a readily available and inexpensive location for one million hectares of forest restoration and tree plantations.This is especially threatening for people who do not have secure rights to the forests and land they depend on. These communities can even be restricted or banned from entering the forest. Research has found that forest-dependent communities are rarely given power to address their own priorities in forest carbon sink schemes. This can cause conflict locally and weaken local democracy.
Letâs take the example of the Mai-Ndombe forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which supports about 100,000 people in 23 villages. Activities in the Mai-Ndombe under the global Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) climate change mechanism have focused on changing the practices of local forest-dependent communities away from cutting trees for artisanal logging or firewood collection. These communities have also been told not to continue with traditional methods of shifting cultivation (where parts of a forest are temporarily cleared to grow food crops without deforesting the area permanently).
Yet in Mai-Ndombe and the Democratic Republic of Congoâs other forests, land is already allocated to companies for timber (mainly for the export market), for mining, and increasingly for forest carbon sequestration. The result is that large companies continue to extract major economic benefits from forests in ways that exclude local communities.
Ghanaâs Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme is another example. In a bid to reduce deforestation and increase forest carbon stocks, the government of Ghana pays farmers and local communities to not plant cocoa crops in forested areas and to grow shade trees on their cocoa farms.
These efforts to share benefits locally are very important. However, asking farmers to plant or conserve trees does not address the fact that farmers are not earning a living income from selling cocoa.
Ghanaâs cocoa farmers receive less than 7.5% of the value of a chocolate bar sold in international markets, and they suffer from food insecurity and increasing crop failures due to climate change. They do not have legal rights to the native trees that regenerate naturally on their cocoa farms.
The focus of REDD+ on channelling large amounts of money into forests as carbon could mean that many farmers lose access to land for growing food and meeting other livelihood needs â unless this is balanced by major investments to address the core challenges the farmers are facing.
What are some solutions?
Forests can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and still support communities. A people-centred approach to forests is needed. This means giving local communities secure rights to their land and forest resources, and governing forests according to what best suits the local context, rather than making forest use fit the international market.The important role of traditional authorities and local customs in managing land and resolving conflicts must be recognised. Many traditional practices have managed forests sustainably for thousands of years. The challenge is to value and support these alternative approaches.
Written by Constance McDermott, Senior Fellow in Forest Governance and Leader of Ecosystems Governance Group, University of Oxford; Eric Kumeh Mensah, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Oxford, and Mark Hirons, Environmental Social Science Research Fellow, University of Oxford. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Western Parotias AKA Arfak Parotias are stunning bird-of-paradise of West Papua known for their mesmerising dances. Palm oil and mining ecocide are threats
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
Worldâs Wealthiest Drive Two Thirds of Global Warming Since 1990
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
Jaguars and Pumas Eat More Monkeys in Damaged Forests
In fragmented forests of Mexico, big cats find it hard to locate prey ungulates instead seeking tree-dwelling #monkeys â thatâs bad news for primates!
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Mountain Tapirs are the most threatened large mammals of the northern Andes, hunting, climate change and mining are threats, take action and boycott gold!Load more posts
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Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbonCredits #corruption #deforestation #extinction #Forest #forests #greenwash #greenwashing #HumanRights #indigenous #landrights #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #plywood #supplyChain #supplychain #wood
How much CO2 is actually being removed from the air every year?
Forests are mostly to thank - with new tech only responsible for 0.1% of carbon dioxide removal so far, according to a new report.Lottie Limb (euronews)
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Although #WorldOrangutanDay falls on the 19th of August, every day deserves to be World Orangutan Day! So here is an infographic that you can download, print and share however you please. All three species of orangutan are classified as âendangeredâ or âcritically endangeredâ in S.E. Asia. Their main threat is palm oil deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia Help them and fight for their survival every time you shop! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Aug 19th is #WorldOrangutanDay đŠ§đ§Ą Yet for everyone who loves them, every single day is World #Orangutan Day! Learn why âSustainableâ #palmoil is a #greenwashing lie đŽđ«. Help orange apes every time you #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-4t7
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Happy #WorldOrangutanDay, download your #FREE #infographic in the link đ§đ Youâve been sold a lie! #Orangutans face extinction from âsustainableâ #palmoil, which DOES NOT STOP #DEFORESTATION đ„đŽđ« #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife! @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-4t7
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Animalia: Bornean Orangutan animalia.bio/bornean-orangutan
Animalia: Sumatran Orangutan animalia.bio/sumatran-orangutaâŠ
Animalia: Tapanuli Orangutan animalia.bio/tapanuli-orangutaâŠ
Global Palm Oil Market (2022 to 2027) â Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecasts (2022). globenewswire.com/en/news-releâŠ
The Asian Forest Fires of 1997-1998, Mongabay. rainforests.mongabay.com/08indâŠ
TIMELINE: Slaves, colonials, weevils: palm oilâs historic rise, Reuters (2019). reuters.com/article/us-indonesâŠ
Research: Palm Oil Deforestation and its connection to RSPO members/supermarket brands, Palm Oil Detectives, (2021). palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/âŠ
RSPO: History and timeline. rspo.org/about
Wildfires May Cause Long-Term Health Problems for Endangered Orangutans, Rutgers (2018). rutgers.edu/news/wildfires-mayâŠ
On August 19th each year, orange ape enthusiasts celebrate cheeky and nurturing orangutans of Indonesia and Malaysia. With their flame-coloured fur and expressive eyes like deep obsidian pools, orangutans are not only symbols of wild intelligence, they are vital ecological architects dispersing seeds and contributing to the survival of their rainforest home.
Celebrations of World Orangutan Day are tempered with immense worry for animal lovers each year. All three species of orangutan are on the brink of extinction. The relentless expansion of industrial palm oil plantations, roads and infrastructure slices through the heart of the rainforest. Human encroachment puts these gentle giants closer to greedy and unscrupulous poachers and also farmers who kill them in retribution for invading their crops.
Read on to discover the indelible and unique scientific discoveries about orangutans over the past few years. Also take a look at this infographic to understand how palm oil colonialism and land-grabbing have manifested into a pressure cooker of risks for one of our closest evolutionary relatives. Finally learn how you can take action to help orangutans every time you shop.
Orangutans communicate in ways that continue to fascinate people. A recent study has unlocked new insights into their sophisticated communication methods, revealing how orangutans use vocalisations and gestures to convey emotions and information (Erb et al., 2024). The study, conducted by a team of researchers from several institutions, employed machine learning algorithms to analyse vocal recordings of orangutans in the wild.
Understanding these communication patterns not only provides a window into the cognitive abilities of orangutans but also underscores the need for conservation strategies that consider their social dynamics. Protecting their habitats allows orangutans to continue engaging in these complex social behaviours, essential for their survival and well-being.
Recently, researchers were given insight into how orangutans showcase their remarkable intelligence through the use of tools. A study detailed the innovative ways these apes utilise objects in their environment, demonstrating a level of cognitive sophistication that rivals even our closest relatives, the chimpanzees (Motes-Rodrigo et al., 2022). This research, led by Alba Motes-Rodrigo and her team, observed wild orangutans across several regions in Sumatra.
These findings highlight the orangutansâ ability to innovate and adapt, underscoring the importance of preserving their habitats to allow for such natural behaviours. By understanding their tool use, conservationists can develop strategies that cater to their cognitive needs, ensuring that these intelligent beings continue to thrive in their natural environments.
In an extraordinary display of natural wisdom, orangutans have been seen in the wild tending to their own painful wounds. A groundbreaking study revealed that orangutans in the wild use plants with medicinal properties to alleviate pain and discomfort (Laumer et al., 2024). This research, led by Isabelle B. Laumer and her colleagues at the University of Zurich, involved detailed observation and analysis of orangutan behaviour in their natural habitat.
Medicinal Plants: The study found that orangutans use various forest plants known to humans for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They were observed chewing leaves and applying them to their skin to treat muscle and joint pain, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of the medicinal properties of their environment.
Behavioural Evidence: By closely monitoring orangutan behaviour, researchers documented over 20 instances of self-medication, providing compelling evidence of their ability to diagnose and treat their own health issues.
This remarkable discovery highlights the depth of orangutansâ ecological knowledge and underscores the importance of preserving their natural habitats. By protecting these environments, we not only safeguard the orangutansâ ability to care for themselves, but also maintain the biodiversity that supports such important medicinal plant life. Understanding this behaviour offers valuable insights into the evolution of self-care and the potential for discovering new medicinal compounds that could benefit human health as well.
Recent research has shown that playful teasing isnât limited to human babies. Scientists hypothesised that because language isnât necessary for teasing, this behaviour might also exist in non-human animals. Indeed, cognitive biologists and primatologists have observed playful teasing in four great ape species. Like human humour, ape teasing involves provocation, persistence, and unexpected playful elements. The fact that all four great ape species exhibit this behaviour suggests that the origins of humour may have evolved in our shared ancestors at least 13 million years ago.
Recognising the playful nature of orangutans highlights the importance of preserving their social groups and habitats. By understanding their social dynamics, conservationists can develop empathetic strategies that honour their complex social structures, ensuring the continued survival of these remarkable beings in the wild.
Orangutans, just like us spend many years nursing and nurturing their young before they are ready to fly solo. So itâs therefore no surprise that the bond between orangutan mothers and her baby is so profoundly powerful. A recent study by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology observed orangutan families across various habitats in Borneo and revealed the intricacies of their connections.
Understanding the family bonds and social learning in orangutan communities highlights the urgent need to protect their habitats, ensuring that these family structures remain intact. By safeguarding their environments, we preserve the social dynamics that are critical to their well-being and survival, allowing future generations of orangutans to flourish.
The palm oil industry frequently markets itself as âsustainable,â yet reports by industry watchdogs like the World Health Organisation, Greenpeace, Environmental Investigation Agency and researchers reveals that the RSPO is nothing more than an industry sponsored greenwashing body.
Exposing the greenwashing tactics of the palm oil industry is crucial for advocating genuine conservation solutions that prioritise orangutans and their ecosystems. By holding the industry accountable, we can work towards strategies that genuinely reflect the needs of these remarkable creatures and the environments they inhabit.
One of the most effective ways to support orangutans and their lush forest eden is to boycott products containing palm oil and meat. By choosing plant-based and palm oil free alternatives, you can help reduce the demand for these industries, contributing to the preservation of rainforests and protection of rare endangered animals. Learn which brands to boycott and brands to buy on the Palm Oil Detectives website.
Empowering indigenous communities for self-determination is critical to protect ecosystems and animals. Organisations like WAHLI and World Rainforest Movement support indigenous rights and grassroots collective action against palm oil and timber corruption.
Join the #Boycott4Wildlife movement on social media by sharing posts and information about the plight of orangutans. Use hashtags like #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife to spread awareness and encourage others to take action.
The next time youâre shopping, take a closer look at product labels to identify those containing palm oil. Share your a photo of what you discover on social media and call out brands engaging in greenwashing, using the #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags.
On International Orangutan Day, we celebrate the remarkable lives of orangutans and commit to protecting their future. By understanding their unique characteristics, exposing the myths of the palm oil industry, and taking action to preserve their habitats, we can ensure a brighter future for these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
Palm Oil Detectives is completely self-funded by its creator. All hosting and website fees and investigations into brands are self-funded by the creator of this online movement. If you like what I am doing, you and would like me to help meet costs, please send Palm Oil Detectives a thanks on Ko-Fi.
#BorneanOrangutanPongoPygmaeus #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #corruption #deforestation #free #greenwashing #infographic #orangutan #orangutans #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #RSPO #RSPOGreenwashing #SeedDispersers #seeddispersal #SumatranOrangutanPongoAbelii #TapanuliOrangutanPongoTapanuliensis #WorldOrangutanDay
Although #WorldOrangutanDay falls on the 19th of August, every day deserves to be World Orangutan Day! Please download this infographic as a gift and make su...Palm Oil Detectives (YouTube)
Apes Enjoy Joking and Teasing Each Other
New research finds that itâs not only human babies who love to playfully tease each other. Researchers reasoned that since language is not required for this behaviour, similar kinds of playful teasing might be present in non-human animals such as chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans. Now cognitive biologists and primatologists have documented playful teasing in four species of great apes. Like joking behaviour in humans, ape teasing is provocative, persistent, and includes elements of surprise and play. Because all four great ape species used playful teasing, it is likely that the prerequisites for humour evolved in the human lineage at least 13 million years ago.#News: Great #apes tease and prank each other đ€ĄđđŠđŠ§đ”đ just as humans do. Including body-slamming, hair-pulling and waving objects in front of each otherâs faces â new #research study finds #sentience #primatology #primates #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife wp.me/pcFhgU-7gR
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Share to TwitterMedia release from Science Alert, February 13, 2024. Research: Laumer I.B., Winkler S, Rossano F, Cartmill EA. Spontaneous playful teasing in four great ape species. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 2024 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2345
Joking is an important part of human interaction that draws on social intelligence, an ability to anticipate future actions, and an ability to recognize and appreciate the violation of othersâ expectations. Teasing has much in common with joking, and playful teasing may be seen as a cognitive precursor to joking. The first forms of playful teasing in humans emerge even before babies say their first words, as early as eight months of age. The earliest forms of teasing are repetitive provocations often involving surprise. Infants tease their parents by playfully offering and withdrawing objects, violating social rules (so-called provocative non-compliance), and disrupting othersâ activities.
In a study, scientists from the University of California Los Angeles, the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, and the University of California San Diego(Isabelle Laumer, Sasha Winkler, Federico Rossano, and Erica Cartmill, respectively) report evidence of playful teasing in the four great ape species: orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas. âGreat apes are excellent candidates for playful teasing, as they are closely related to us, engage in social play, show laughter and display relatively sophisticated understandings of othersâ expectations,â says Isabelle Laumer, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of California Los Angeles and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior.
The team analyzed spontaneous social interactions that appeared to be playful, mildly harassing, or provocative. During these interactions, the researchers observed the teaserâs actions, bodily movements, facial expressions, and how the targets of the teasing responded in turn. They also assessed the teaserâs intentionality by looking for evidence that the behavior was directed at a specific target, that it persisted or intensified, and that teasers waited for a response from the target.
Teasing to provoke a response
The researchers found that orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas all engaged in intentionally provocative behavior, frequently accompanied by characteristics of play. They identified 18 distinct teasing behaviors. Many of these behaviors appeared to be used to provoke a response, or at least to attract the targetâs attention. âIt was common for teasers to repeatedly wave or swing a body part or object in the middle of the targetâs field of vision, hit or poke them, stare closely at their face, disrupt their movements, pull on their hair or perform other behaviors that were extremely difficult for the target to ignore,â explains UCLA and IU professor Erica Cartmill, senior author of the study.
youtu.be/7NyiBuEfdGI?si=PBS_FyâŠ
Although playful teasing took many forms, the authors note that it differed from play in several ways. âPlayful teasing in great apes is one-sided, very much coming from the teaser often throughout the entire interaction and rarely reciprocated,â explains Cartmill. âThe animals also rarely use play signals like the primate âplayfaceâ, which is similar to what we would call a smile, or âholdâ gestures that signal their intent to play.â
Similarity with human behaviour
Playful teasing mainly occurred when apes were relaxed, and shared similarities with behaviours in humans. âSimilar to teasing in children, ape playful teasing involves one-sided provocation, response waiting in which the teaser looks towards the targetâs face directly after a teasing action, repetition, and elements of surprise,â Laumer explains.The researchers noted that Jane Goodall and other field primatologists had mentioned similar behaviours happening in chimpanzees many years ago, but this new study was the first to systematically study playful teasing. âFrom an evolutionary perspective, the presence of playful teasing in all four great apes and its similarities to playful teasing and joking in human infants suggests that playful teasing and its cognitive prerequisites may have been present in our last common ancestor, at least 13 million years ago,â explains Laumer. âWe hope that our study will inspire other researchers to study playful teasing in more species in order to better understand the evolution of this multi-faceted behaviour. We also hope that this study raises awareness of the similarities we share with our closest relatives and the importance of protecting these endangered animals.â
Media release from Science Alert, February 13, 2024. Research: Laumer I.B., Winkler S, Rossano F, Cartmill EA. Spontaneous playful teasing in four great ape species. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 2024 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2345
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Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global
South America
S.E. Asia
India
Africa
West Papua & PNG
Marsupials thought extinct for 6,000 years found in West Papua
Gurskyâs Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae
Sunda Flying Lemur Galeopterus variegatus
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Learn about âsustainableâ palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying
Fake labels
Indigenous Land-grabbing
Human rights abuses
Deforestation
Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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Join 3,180 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#animalBehaviour #AnimalBiodiversityNews #animalCommunication #apes #BonoboPanPaniscus #BorneanOrangutanPongoPygmaeus #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #ChimpanzeePanTroglodytes #cognition #deforestation #EasternGorillaGorillaBeringei #greatApes #News #primates #primatology #research #sentience #SumatranOrangutanPongoAbelii #TapanuliOrangutanPongoTapanuliensis #WesternGorillaGorillaGorilla
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Around 400 #ecolabels đ claim to provide #consumers with choice âïž Yet theyâre unreliable in holding #corporates to account for widespread #deforestation and #humanrights abuses and #greenwashing #Boycottpalmoil đŽđȘđ„ âïž#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect.bsky.social
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How Brands Exploit âGreenâ Certification
Brands and businesses may be tempted to exploit âgreenâ certifications to garner a larger market share at the expense of integrity.Around 400 #ecolabels đ claim to provide #consumers with choice âïž Yet theyâre unreliable in holding #corporates to account for widespread #deforestation and #humanrights abuses and #greenwashing #Boycottpalmoil đŽđȘđ„ âïž#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Y6
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Share to Twitter#Brands and giants of #FMCG may be tempted to exploit âgreenâ certifications like #FSC, MSC and #RSPO to reassure consumers. Yet ecolabels have deep flaws in enforcement of standards. #ecocide #greenwashing #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Y6
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Share to TwitterWritten by Dr Arne Nygaard, professor at the School of Communication, Leadership and Marketing at Kristiania University College, Norway. His primary research interests include sustainable supply chains, greenwashing, geopolitical risk and strategic uncertainty, economic contracts and incentives, sustainability and green marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship. Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą, read the original.
Analyses conducted in the study indicate that while certifications can help prevent greenwashing, they can also contribute to eco-opportunism [âŠ] the theory of eco-opportunism warns that this can lead to free riding and greenwashing, where products are falsely advertised as sustainable but fail to meet certified standards.
Nygaard, A. (2023). Is sustainable certificationâs ability to combat greenwashing trustworthy? Frontiers in Sustainability, 4, Article 1188069. doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2023.118âŠ
As the global fight against climate change intensifies, certifications have become crucial tools for industries to address environmental, business and social challenges. Sustainability certifications promote eco-friendly practices, protect human rights and boost the credibility of environmentally responsible brands.But although certifications often enhance the perceived value of sustainable products and services, challenges remain.
There are concerns about greenwashing and free riding plus the inability of certification systems to adapt to changes and failing to incentivise the adoption of newer, more sustainable technologies.
https://tinyurl.com/2u6hrsea Unsplash License" title="Understanding why companies greenwash can help certification bodies design better processes and criteria. : Image by Kelvin Zyteng available at https://tinyurl.com/2u6hrsea Unsplash License" class="has-alt-description">
At the supermarket, a shopper carefully studies a label, thinking, âThis product has a certification. Must be environmentally friendly. Iâll buy it.â And like that shopper, millions around the world make that same decision every day.
Greenwashing, where companies falsely claim eco-friendly credentials without meeting required standards, is a significant issue. Similarly, free riding allows businesses to benefit from the positive image of certifications without genuinely implementing sustainable practices.
The number of sustainability certifications has surged globally in recent years. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) reports that more than 400 certifications now cover sectors such as food, agriculture, energy, environment, health and social responsibility.
Consumer awareness
This growth reflects increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and the desire of companies to showcase their commitment to eco-friendly practices.Certifications serve as essential market signals, enabling businesses to distinguish themselves by adhering to recognised environmental and social standards.
Some of the internationally recognised certifications include the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for green buildings, the Forest Stewardship Council for sustainable forestry and the Fair Trade certification, which ensures that products meet strict social, environmental and labour criteria.
Another key example is the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification, which promotes the production of palm oil in a way that minimises environmental harm, protects biodiversity and ensures fair treatment of workers and local communities.
Certifications typically involve third-party evaluations to assess compliance with criteria such as environmental and economic impact or fair labour practices.
Despite widespread adoption, certifications face growing scrutiny.
For instance, consumer demand for eco-friendly products has led to companies charging higher prices for green products. While many consumers are willing to pay this premium, it can create perverse incentives for companies to engage in greenwashing.
Certifications, intended to assure consumers of a productâs environmental and social standards, can paradoxically encourage companies to exploit these authentications for profit.
When businesses realise they can charge a premium for eco-labelled goods, the temptation to stretch the truth or manipulate the certification increases.
Erosion of trust
Greenwashing erodes consumer trust and devalues the certifications of genuinely sustainable products.As more companies exploit these eco-friendly claims without verification, it becomes harder for consumers to differentiate between authentic and deceptive environmental practices, potentially undermining the credibility of certification systems.
This highlights the urgent need for stronger mechanisms to mitigate these risks, ensuring that certification systems are not only effective but also resilient against exploitation.
Certification bodies can tighten standards, increase transparency and implement stronger verification processes to reflect evolving sustainability standards and prevent misuse. Additionally, independent audits and greater rigour throughout the supply chain would hold companies accountable for their claims.
Investigation into the root causes of greenwashing is necessary to understand how and why companies manipulate sustainable claims.
One key issue is that certification processes often focus on specific criteria and may not capture the broader environmental or social impacts of a product.
Selective compliance
A company may meet the minimum requirements for certification in one area, such as reducing carbon emissions, while ignoring other important sustainability factors such as labour conditions or biodiversity conservation.This selective compliance allows companies to appear more sustainable than they truly are, feeding into the cycle of greenwashing.
Consumers can be educated on how to critically evaluate certification labels to avoid falling prey to greenwashing tactics.
By reinforcing certification systems with robust monitoring and compliance mechanisms, the credibility of sustainable products can be preserved, and the integrity of genuine sustainability efforts can be upheld.
Non-governmental organisations and activist groups play a critical role in developing and implementing certification systems. These organisations provide valuable input during the creation of sustainability standards and help monitor compliance, ensuring that certification systems remain credible.
For example, the Forest Stewardship Council certification system for responsible forestry was developed in 1993 with input from environmental NGOs such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.
NGOs advocate for higher sustainability standards, while certifications give them leverage to hold businesses accountable. By working together, NGOs and certification bodies can drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future.
The interaction between state institutions, laws, and certification systems is also vital to ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of sustainability efforts.
Governments often set baseline sustainability requirements, while certification systems provide an additional layer of accountability. A clear example is the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification now used in 21 countries.
Resistance to change
One challenge facing certification bodies is internal structural inertia. This refers to resistance to change, preventing the adoption of innovative green technologies.This occurs when certification bodies become too rigid in their processes, policies, or standards, making it difficult for them to quickly adapt to new environmental paradigms.
For example, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design initially focused on energy efficiency in buildings but was slow to incorporate newer technologies like green roofs or biophilic design which enhance sustainability.
Similarly, in the agricultural sector, government certification systems such as the United States Department of Agriculture Organic can be slow to recognise advancements in vertical farming or aeroponics, even though these methods significantly reduce land use, water consumption, and pesticide reliance.
This type of institutional resistance can delay the transition to more sustainable practices, as certification bodies may cling to outdated standards that fail to incentivise the latest green technologies.
To stay relevant and support ongoing environmental progress, certification organisations can work to overcome structural inertia and actively seek ways to update their standards in response to new innovations.
By updating their standards to reflect these disruptive technologies, certification systems can stay relevant and effective, driving sustainability across industries and supporting innovation while addressing evolving environmental challenges.
However, certifications, while essential tools for promoting sustainable practices, face limitations. Greenwashing, free-riding, and institutional inertia can undermine their value, posing challenges for businesses and consumers alike.
As markets evolve, certifications risk becoming obsolete unless they adapt to new environmental and technological challenges.
Nygaard, A. (2023). Is sustainable certificationâs ability to combat greenwashing trustworthy? Frontiers in Sustainability, 4, Article 1188069. doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2023.118âŠ
Dr Arne Nygaard is a professor at the School of Communication, Leadership and Marketing at Kristiania University College, Norway. His primary research interests include sustainable supply chains, greenwashing, geopolitical risk and strategic uncertainty, economic contracts and incentives, sustainability and green marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship. Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą, read the original.
ENDS
Read more about greenwashing associated with certified âsustainableâ palm oil and other commodities
Oreo Maker Linked to Ongoing Deforestation and Human Rights Abuses
MondelÄz International who make Oreos keep sourcing palm oil from suppliers linked to violence and deforestation. Their RSPO certification is pure greenwash!
Read moreJaguars vs Cows: JBS Fuelling Biodiversity Collapse in Brazilâs Forests
Global Witness report finds JBS, the worldâs largest meat company, is directly linked to deforestation in the Amazon and Pantanal putting jaguars at risk
Read moreParrot Deaths Highlight Urgent Need to Reform CITES
The legal trade is largely to blame for African grey parrots becoming endangered. Regulator CITES is broken allowing exploitation, massive reform needed now!
Read moreWorldâs Wealthiest Drive Two Thirds of Global Warming Since 1990
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
Read moreSeeing Forest As Merely A Carbon âCommodityâ: Dangerous Greenwashing
Commodifying forests as merely an investment for âcarbon creditsâ has many dangerous loopholes that human rights to indigenous peoples, take action!
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #brandCertification #Brands #consumers #corporates #corruption #deforestation #ecocide #ecolabels #FMCG #FSC #greenwashing #HumanRights #OrangutanLandTrust #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #RSPO #RSPOGreenwashing
How to not fall prey to greenwashing? Check the label!
In an age of heightened environmental awareness, distinguishing genuine commitments from greenwashing tactics poses a challenge. Learn how to spot the labels certifying a brand's sustainable claims.OxStu Science and Tech (The Oxford Student)
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Die GrĂŒnen in Harburg feiern einen Nachhaltigkeitspreis. Klingt gut, bringt aber keine VerĂ€nderung. Preise und Veranstaltungen sind schöne Fotos fĂŒr Social Media. Aber sie ersetzen keine verbindlichen Regeln fĂŒr Klima- und Umweltschutz im Bezirk. Politik darf nicht nur PR sein. Auch Sarah Pscherer sollte wissen: Preise retten kein Klima.
#Harburg #GrĂŒne #Nachhaltigkeit #Klimapolitik #Hamburg #Greenwashing #EinfacheSprache
This #Halloween, as you revel in terrifying tales and creepy costumes, remember that the most terrifying tale of all isnât enjoyable folkloreâitâs the horrifying truth about palm oil. This ingredient causes #deforestation, #ecocide, #humanrights abuses and #indigenous land-grabbing. The production of #palmoil casts a dark shadow over our planet, as it can only be grown on destroyed tropical rainforests. So-called âsustainableâ palm oil used by the worldâs biggest food brands like Nestle, Mondelez, Hersheys, Ferrero and Mars is a complete greenwashing lie. So donât buy any of it! All palm oil threatens the very existence of wildlife, polluting our air and water, accelerates climate change, and tramples on the rights of indigenous communities worldwide. This Halloween, take action and use your wallet as a weapon. đđłđŠ #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
What is #Halloweenâs most terrifying tale? #Palmoil #greenwashing đ§đ°đ€đż #ecocide contained in your favourite #chocolate â ïžđŽđȘâ ïž and #candy! Take action for #wildlife when you #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2023/10/âŠ
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DYK so-called âsustainableâ #palmoil is a #greenwashing lie that still causes #deforestation?đ€Ż Learn how to #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife this #Halloween đđ»đȘŠ Instead enjoy #palmoilfree and #vegan treats and #candy @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2023/10/âŠ
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Palm oil is commonly used in Halloween candies and treats for one reason only â it is cheap to manufacture.
The production of palm oil has severe environmental and social impacts. Deforestation and ecocide caused by palm oil production threatens wildlife habitats, contributes to air pollution and water pollution, is strongly linked to climate change, and infringes on the rights of indigenous peoples all over the tropical world.
Although proponents of palm oil claim that it helps farmers to earn a living wage, a 2021 report by Chain Reaction Research found that the worldâs biggest brands earn the lionâs share of profit from palm oil, 66% or more of gross profit flows back to the worldâs biggest FMCG companies such as Nestle, Unilever, Hersheys and Colgate-Palmolive. In contrast, almost 0% of profit flows back to farmers themselves.
Palm Oil Detectives is a website that gathers together evidence from dozens of different sources in order to clearly show the elaborate and widespread greenwashing of so-called âsustainableâ palm oil. Take a look at the 10 forms of âsustainableâ palm oil greenwashing to see how this works, using a network of zoos and fake NGOs in order to push the narrative of âsustainableâ palm oil to consumers.
University of Michigan research reveals that RSPO certification is associated with deforestation and human rights abuses in Guatemala. Boycott palm oil! TheâŠ
71 rights groups warn that certification schemes like RSPO and FSC fail to stop deforestation and abuses. Learn why they are calledâŠ
A 5-month investigation by Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi and Kevin Woke of Sahara Reporters reveals how RSPO member SIAT Nigeria Limited is involved inâŠ
Greenwashing Tactic 9. Corporations use NGOs, Zoo partnerships, sponsorships, and research funding to give an industry or brand a âgreen image.
This website also provides evidence in the form of many research papers and reports from many non-profits (those organisations not partnered with the palm oil supply chain). These reports expose the immense corruption, ecocide and greenwashing in the palm oil industry along with its human rights abuses, violence, land-grabbing and animal cruelty â all associated with RSPO members supposedly using âsustainableâ palm oil.
Since its inception two decades ago, the global certification for palm oil the RSPO continues to promote âsustainableâ palm oil. Yet not one of its supply chain members has actually eradicated deforestation or human rights abuses from their palm oil supply chains. This constant promotion of the palm oil industry in spite of evidence of its ongoing failures is clear evidence of the RSPOâs greenwashing.
Palm Oil Free
Brands to Boycott
The global demand for palm oil contributes significantly to deforestation, particularly in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Colombia, Nigeria and Uganda. These regions are rich in biodiversity, and the loss of their rainforests impacts numerous species non-human beings of all shapes and sizes. This includes not only the poster child for palm oil ecocide â the three orangutan species, but also rare and endangered plants and animal species.
From the smallest insect to the most magnificent elephant, to exquisite and vibrantly coloured birds â all are under threat by palm oilâs relentless growth across all tropical regions of the world. Indigenous peoples with their unique cultures, customs and languages are also endangered by palm oil expansion as well.
If this terrifying tale of palm oil has alarmed you, the good news is â there are actions you can take.
One powerful and effective way to help rare animals, plants and indigenous peoples is to use your wallet as a weapon and boycott palm oil. By learning how to identify palm oil in products and choosing products that are palm oil free, you can contribute to reducing demand for this destructive commodity.
A great place to start is by searching for palm oil-free alternatives on this website and also by promoting the #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife on movement on social media.
Remember, every purchase you make has an impact. This Halloween, support the wildlife you love and use your wallet as a weapon.
The reality of these chocolate and confectionery brands is the spookiest story you will ever hear this Halloween Learn how to boycott with handy lists for the US, Uk and Australia. Discover the spookiest story of #Halloween đđ»đ: âsustainableâ #palmoil is not sustainable! Major brands continue to buy #palmoil infused with #ecocide. Make sure youâŠ
#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #candy #chocolate #confectionery #consumerBoycott #consumerRights #Danone #deforestation #ecocide #ethicalConsumerism #greenwashing #Halloween #Hersheys #HumanRights #indigenous #Mars #Mondelez #Nestle #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #palmoilfree #treats #vegan #wildlife
This #Halloween, as you revel in the spooky tales and creepy costumes, remember that the most terrifying tale of all isn't enjoyable folkloreâit's the horrif...Palm Oil Detectives (YouTube)
Air Pollution from Palm Oil: A Human Rights Issue
Forest-fire haze drifting from Indonesia to neighbouring countries every dry season has eluded efforts to curb it.Land clearing by burning is prohibited in Indonesia and Malaysia. However, penalising foreign companies for palm oil and timber deforestation has been hampered by cronyism and corruption.
Under-explored legal avenues may provide new solutions to the decades-old problem.
Everybody in the world deserves to breath in #cleanair. #Palmoil air #pollution is a global problem. Domestic and international laws could combat it together and provide solutions. #TheAirWeShare Story via @360info_global #Boycottpalmoil @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2024/03/âŠ
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Share to TwitterPenalising foreign companies for #palmoil and #timber #deforestation in #Indonesia and #Malaysia has been hampered by #cronyism and #corruption at the highest levels of government. Story: @360info_global #TheAirWeShare #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife palmoildetectives.com/2024/03/âŠ
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Share to TwitterWritten by Cecep Aminudin, a PhD candidate in environmental law at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia. Originally published as âLaying down the law on air pollutionâ by 360info.org and republished under Creative Commons License.
Forest and land fires in Indonesia have attracted global attention since the great fires in 1982â83 and 1997â98. Large haze events occurred again in 2007, 2012 and 2015, causing international alarm and cross-border pollution throughout Southeast Asia. Smoke from these sorts of fires is the biggest source of air pollution in Indonesia after transportation and energy emissions.
Companies â mostly oil-palm producers â have usedfire as a tool to clear forests and peatland areas for agriculture, even though Indonesia and Malaysia are well aware of the need to strictly enforce bans on the practice.
- Indonesian and Malaysian laws since the 1997 haze event have not prevented local burning.
- And penalising foreign companies for their actions in Indonesia and Malaysia has been hampered by cronyism and corruption, lack of awareness and education, weaknesses in the institutional framework and lack of political will.
- Also, the penalties are too low to deter further pollution.
- In recent years Indonesiaâs environment ministry has brought more land- and forest-fire cases to court. Civil laws holding businesses accountable for the fires they cause have had some effect, according to a ministry report.
The ministry filed 21 cases between January 2015 and September 2020, and of these 10 were successful and 11 are still pending. Businesses have been ordered to pay compensation and restoration costs totalling almost US$1.38 billion.These outcomes are related to the application of the precautionary principle in decision-making by Indonesian civil courts, as is common in environmental cases that involve scientific evidence.
According to this principle, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used to make a decision regarding environmental protection. Indonesian courts applied the precautionary principle in the determining liable party and judging evidence even when there was scientific uncertainty.
Providing sufficient evidence in forest- and land-fire cases is often very difficult
Scientific evidence in the form of studies and expert opinion plays a crucial role in proving illegal fires have occurred, who started them, and how much environmental damage and loss they have caused.Laboratory test reports can also be used as evidence in civil environmental-justice cases. Entirely at the judgeâs discretion, these reports can be treated as expert testimony. Their relevance, which includes validity and reliability, and support from other expert testimonies, is a critical point in a judgeâs decision to admit them as compelling legal evidence.
External regulation could complement and support the legal framework in each Southeast Asian country to ensure the activities of transnational companies meet environmental standards and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) notion of cooperation.
Holding palm oil companies to account for air pollution under international law
A legitimate legislative framework could impose and enforce international environmental standards recognised under human rights obligations. In this way, palm oil plantation companies could be held accountable under international law for the pollution they cause elsewhere.The victims of transboundary pollution and other environmental destruction are the people whose health will suffer, either in the short or the long term. Many countries have also suffered economic loss from direct damage and loss of economic activity.
Holding polluters accountable will not just uphold domestic laws but also demonstrate political willingness to recognise air pollution as a human rights issue.Cecep Aminudin is a PhD candidate in environmental law at Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia. He is the Chairman of ECOTAS, a research institute on sustainability. Apart from pursuing his doctoral degree, Aminudin conducts research, delivers training and consults on environmental law. He declares no conflict of interest in relation to this article and does not receive special funds in any form.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą.
Written by Cecep Aminudin, a PhD candidate in environmental law at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia. Originally published as âLaying down the law on air pollutionâ by 360info.org and republished under Creative Commons License.
ENDS
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry finds extensive greenwashing of human rights abuses, deforestation, air pollution and human health impacts
Big brands using âsustainableâ RSPO palm oil yet still causing deforestation (there are many others)
Nestlé
NestlĂ© is destroying rainforests, releasing mega-tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, and killing hundreds of endangered species. Once these animals are gone â they are gone for good. See NestlĂ©âs full list ofâŠ
Read moreby Palm Oil DetectivesFebruary 9, 2021March 2, 2025
Colgate-Palmolive
Despite global retail giant Colgate-Palmolive forming a coalition with other brands in 2020, virtue-signalling that they will stop all deforestation, they continue to do this â destroying rainforest and releasing mega-tonnes of carbonâŠ
Read more
MondelÄz
Mondelez destroys rainforests, sending animals extinct and release mega-tonnes of carbon into air for so-called âsustainableâ palm oil. Boycott them!
Read more
Unilever
In 2020, global retail giant Unilever unveiled a deforestation-free supply chain promise. By 2023 they would be deforestation free. This has been and gone and they are still causing deforestation. This brand hasâŠ
Read more
Danone
Savvy consumers have been pressuring French Dairy multinational Danone for decades to cease using deforestation palm oil. Yet they actually havenât stopped this. From their website: âDanone is committed to eliminating deforestation fromâŠ
Read more
PepsiCo
Despite decades of promises to end deforestation for palm oil PepsiCo (owner of crisp brands Frito-Lay, Cheetos and Doritos along with hundreds of other snack food brands) have continued sourcing palm oil thatâŠ
Read more
Procter & Gamble
Despite decades of promises to end deforestation for palm oil Procter & Gamble or (P&G as they are also known) have continued sourcing palm oil that causes ecocide, indigenous landgrabbing, and the habitatâŠ
Read more
Kelloggs/Kellanova
In late 2023, Kelloggs became Kellanova for their US arm. Savvy consumers have been pressuring Kelloggs for decades to cease using deforestation palm oil. Yet they actually havenât stopped this. From their website:âŠ
Read more
Johnson & Johnson
Global mega-brand Johnson & Johnson have issued a position statement on palm oil in 2020. âAt Johnson & Johnson, we are committed to doing our part to address the unsustainable rate of globalâŠ
Read more
PZ Cussons
PZ Cussons is a British-owned global retail giant. They own well-known supermarket brands in personal care, cleaning, household goods and toiletries categories, such as Imperial Leather, Morning Fresh, Carex, Radiant laundry powder andâŠ
Read moreTake Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email addressSign Up
Join 3,178 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#360infoOrg #airPollution #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbonemissions #cleanair #corruption #cronyism #deforestation #fire #fossilFuels #fossilfuel #fossilfuels #greenwashing #humanHealth #Indonesia #Malaysia #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #pollution #SouthEastAsia #TheAirWeShare #timber
PZ Cussons
PZ Cussons is a British-owned global retail giant. They own well-known supermarket brands in personal care, cleaning, household goods and toiletries categories, such as Imperial Leather, Morning FrâŠPalm Oil Detectives
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A landmark Greenpeace report reveals that more than 25% of food labels fail to meet trustworthy sustainability standards. Clear and severe failures in ecolabel effectiveness were awarded to Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (#RSPO) which certifies palm oil as âsustainableâ and Marine Stewardship Council which certifies seafood as âsustainableâ. Consumers are increasingly sceptical, with 62% expressing concerns that these labels are a form of #greenwashing. Greenpeace is calling for stricter regulations and transparency in the use of terms like âsustainableâ or âclimate-friendlyâ to prevent misleading environmental claims. #Greenwashing #ConsumerRights #Transparency. If you want to resist and fight against greenwashing, adopt a #vegan lifestyle and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket.
Read Greenpeace report in German
@Greenpeace report finds #seafood certified by #MSC đ and #palmoil certified by #RSPO is âabsolutely untrustworthyâ in 2025. Resist the #ecocide and #greed. Adopt a #Vegan lifestyle and #BoycottPalmOil đŽâïž #Boycott4Wildlife when you shop @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-am5
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Environmental organisation Greenpeace Austria has analysed 42 of the most widely used food labels and found that over 25% of them are unreliable. The findings highlight growing consumer concerns over greenwashing in the food industry.
A representative survey by the research institute Integral found:
Greenpeace has singled out certain labels, such as the MSC certification for fish and the RSPO label for palm oil, as potentially harmful to environmental goals. Meanwhile, some labels remain credible, including Demeter, âPrĂŒf nach!â and Bio Austria.
Greenpeace is demanding that terms like âsustainableâ or âclimate-friendlyâ only be used when backed by scientific evidence and transparent certification standards. The upcoming EU Green Claims Directive aims to prevent companies from making false or exaggerated environmental claims without scientific proof.
Consumers are calling for honest and transparent labelling, while environmental advocates warn that without stricter regulations, greenwashing will continue to deceive shoppers.
Read the full English article on Kronen Zeitung and the report (in German) on the Greenpeace website.
The report itself is in German and can be read here. The RSPO and MSC sections have been machine translated below for your convenience. Greenpeace considers both MSC and RSPO ecolabels to be âabsolutely untrustworthyâ for consumers in 2025.
Austria has a jungle of quality seals, certification labels, and brand or quality marks. Hundreds of them appear on products when shopping in supermarkets. But which ones are truly trustworthy?
Greenpeace has examined the quality labels in the food sector. The alarming result: more than a quarter of the 42 certification labels are not or only moderately trustworthy. Some are even detrimental to achieving environmental goals â such as the MSC fish label or the RSPO palm oil label.
The analysis of quality labels and brands, particularly those relevant to climate and the environment, focused on four key areas:
For certification labels that do not primarily focus on environmental standards but instead prioritise animal welfare, social standards, or other aspects, a broader classification was used. This evaluation focused on:
The categories for these labels were:
REPORT : greenpeace.at/uploads/2025/02/âŠ
The label of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is an association comprising producers, traders, banks, investors, and some NGOs.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS:
ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUSTWORTHY
RSPOâs criteria are too weak to genuinely protect rainforests and are frequently not enforced. Despite RSPO certification, forests continue to be destroyed, and human rights continue to be violated. Greenpeace classifies the RSPO label as absolutely untrustworthy.
WARNING: GREENWASHING
Many food products carry labels such as âcertified palm oilâ or âsustainable palm oil,â which are often RSPO-certified. However, from an environmental perspective, the term âsustainableâ is misleading in this context. Greenpeace considers this to be greenwashing.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) was founded in 1997 by Unilever and WWF as an initiative for responsible fishing. However, little remains of its once ambitious goals.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS:
âą Even fisheries that use bottom trawling, which causes long-term destruction of the seafloor ecosystem, can receive MSC certification.
âą MSC certification is still granted even when fisheries target species that are scientifically recognised as endangered. For example in Australia, the endangered orange roughie was certified as âsustainableâ by MSC despite their population that is in grave peril.
NOT TRUSTWORTHY
Neither MSC nor other certification schemes apply the precautionary principle, which is essential for protecting marine life. Instead of addressing the real issues in global fisheries, MSC gives the destructive fishing industry a greenwashed image.
This is particularly alarming given that MSCâs own website acknowledges that fishing is the greatest threat to endangered marine species. Greenpeace considers this label to be untrustworthy.
WARNING: GREENWASHING
The MSC label is widely used and serves primarily as a marketing tool to boost fish product sales, claiming to be an âeco-label for wild-caught fishâ and a seal of approval for sustainable fisheries. However, our oceans are already severely overfished. The only truly sustainable choice is to stop buying and consuming seafood and predatory fish altogether.
Greenpeace. (2025, February 13). Greenwashing & Co.: Ein Viertel der GĂŒtesiegel ist nicht vertrauenswĂŒrdig. Kronen Zeitung. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from krone.at/3688558.
Greenpeace. (2025, February). Greenpeace quality label guide: Food products 2025. Greenpeace Austria. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from greenpeace.at/uploads/2025/02/âŠ.
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Virgin Atlantic airlines now uses âsustainable aviation fuelâ however experts call it greenwashing and industry spin causing climate change. Boycott palm oil!
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MondelÄz International who make Oreos keep sourcing palm oil from suppliers linked to violence and deforestation. Their RSPO certification is pure greenwash!
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The legal trade is largely to blame for African grey parrots becoming endangered. Regulator CITES is broken allowing exploitation, massive reform needed now!
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Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
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Commodifying forests as merely an investment for âcarbon creditsâ has many dangerous loopholes that human rights to indigenous peoples, take action!
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#Boy #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #consumerBoycott #consumerRights #ConsumerRights #diet #ecocide #ecolabel #EU #EUDR #govegan #greed #Greenpeace #greenwashing #MarineStewardshipCouncil #MSC #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #plantBasedDiet #RSPO #RSPOGreenwashing #seafood #Transparency #vegan
The environmental protection organization Greenpeace has taken a close look at the 42 most important quality labels for food. The result is ...krone.at (Kronen Zeitung)
Major Food Giants Sued Over Addictive UPFs Given To Kids
A landmark lawsuit filed in Philadelphia names major food companies: Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Post Holdings, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, NestlĂ©, Kelloggâs, Mars, and ConAgra and accuses them of designing and marketing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with addictive qualities, particularly targeting children. The suit alleges that these practices have led to serious childhood health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.The case and its repercussions echo sinister marketing tactics employed by Big Tobacco in decades past. In a similar way it is alleged, global food giants manipulate consumers with misleading health claims and aggressive marketing. A large body of research shows that cutting UPFs could save millions of lives, while palm oilâs role in deforestation and biodiversity loss compounds the crisis. Itâs time to reject harmful foods and demand accountability. Choose wholefoods, protect wildlife, and fight for a healthier planet. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop.
#FMCG food brands #KraftHeinz #Mondelez đ„« & #CocaCola đ„€ face lawsuit for using #tobacco đŹđ style tactics to hook kids on #UPF #ultraprocessed foods, causing chronic #health issues đ€źđ Resist when you eat #wholefoods and #BoycottPalmOil @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-9E1
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Share to TwitterIn a groundbreaking legal action, some of the worldâs largest food and beverage corporations are facing allegations of deliberately engineering ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to be addictive, with a specific focus on marketing these products to children. The lawsuit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, names companies including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Post Holdings, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, NestlĂ©, Kelloggâs, Mars, and ConAgra.
The 148-page complaint drawing unsettling parallels with insidious strategies employed by the tobacco industry, asserts that these companies have employed strategies reminiscent of those used by tobacco giants, utilising research on addiction to create hyper-palatable food products that are difficult to resist. This approach is alleged to have contributed to a rise in serious health conditions among children, notably Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseâailments that were once rare in this age group.
youtu.be/EpRiqCVtDRA?si=hNH-aZâŠ
The plaintiff, represented by the law firm Morgan & Morgan, contends that the defendants have prioritised profit over public health, leading to a public health crisis characterised by increased rates of chronic diseases linked to diet. The lawsuit seeks to hold these corporations accountable for their role in promoting and distributing products that may pose significant health risks to consumers, particularly vulnerable populations like children.
This case underscores the growing scrutiny of ultra-processed foods and their impact on health, especially among younger demographics. It raises critical questions about corporate responsibility, marketing ethics, and the need for greater transparency in the food industry.
The compliant alleges that these tactics originate from a time when tobacco giants acquired and operated major food brands, using the same addiction research once employed to hook smokers on cigarettes. This same research was subsequently applied to make ultra-processed foods tasty and irresistible to children.
This lawsuit represents a pivotal moment in the fight against corporate practices that prioritise profits over human health and planetary well-being. With childhood obesity rates and diet-related illnesses climbing, the case forces society to reckon with the profound consequences of marketing UPFs to vulnerable populations.
Big Food Taking from Big Tobaccoâs Playbook of Deception
The lawsuit alleges that Big Food employs tactics alarmingly similar to those pioneered by the tobacco industry, including targeting children, engineering addiction, and lobbying to obstruct regulation. These claims echo findings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Bulletin (2021), which likened the palm oil industryâs tactics to Big Tobaccoâs playbook. The report detailed how industries undermine health policies through lobbying, greenwashing, and misleading claims.In the context of ultra-processed foods, companies exploit health-conscious messaging to disguise their productsâ true impact. Misleading packaging, claims of âlow-fatâ or âfortifiedâ products, and cartoon characters lure children into consuming foods with little to no nutritional value. These strategies mirror the tobacco industryâs decades-long effort to obfuscate health risks while marketing addictive products to the public and in particular to children.
The Hidden Danger of Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods, rich in refined palm oil, sugars, salts, and additives, are engineered to override natural satiety signals, encouraging overconsumption. They not only fuel obesity and chronic diseases but also wreak havoc on cardiovascular health.Dawn Harris Sherling, in her research published in The American Journal of Medicine (2024), highlights the immense influence of multinational corporations producing ultra-processed foods:
âThe multinational companies that produce ultra-processed foods are just as, if not more, powerful than tobacco companies were in the last century, and it is unlikely that governments will be able to move quickly on policies that will promote whole foods and discourage the consumption of ultra-processed foods,â said Sherling.
She argues that this corporate dominance makes swift government action to promote whole foods and discourage ultra-processed food consumption unlikely, underscoring the challenges of addressing this public health crisis. (Sherling, Hennekens, & Ferris, 2024).Palm Oilâs Role in the UPF Crisis
Palm oil is a cornerstone of UPFs, contributing not only to their health risks but also to widespread environmental destruction. As detailed on Palm Oil Detectives, the palm oil industry drives deforestation, biodiversity loss, and violations of indigenous rights. The unchecked expansion of palm oil plantations continues to exacerbate climate change and disrupt ecosystems vital to planetary health.Companies like Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo rely heavily on palm oil, underscoring their complicity in both public health and environmental degradation. Addressing these interlinked crises requires holding corporations accountable and rethinking our food systems.
Take Action!
The evidence is clear: ultra-processed foods are a health hazard, and the industries behind them profit from addiction, environmental destruction, and misleading marketing. Hereâs what you can do:âą Boycott Palm Oil: Refuse to buy products containing palm oil to combat deforestation, biodiversity loss, and corporate greenwashing.
âą Choose Whole Foods: Opt for fresh, minimally processed plant-based foods to prioritise your health and reduce dependency on harmful UPFs.
To learn more about the dangers of UPFs and the palm oil industryâs impact on health and the environment, visit Palm Oil Detectives. Share your commitment to change with the hashtags #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop.
References
Dawn Harris Sherling, Charles H. Hennekens, Allison H. Ferris. (2024). Newest updates to health providers on the hazards of ultra-processed foods and proposed solutions. The American Journal of Medicine, DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.02.001Kadandale, S., Marten, R., & Smith, R. (2019). The palm oil industry and noncommunicable diseases. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 97(2), 118â128. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/âŠ
LawInc Staff. (2024, December 10). Hooked by design: Landmark lawsuit alleges Kraft, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and others used Big Tobacco tactics to addict kids to ultra-processed foods. LawInc. Retrieved from lawinc.com/hooked-by-design-laâŠ
Palm Oil Detectives. (2024). Cutting down on ultra-processed foods could save lives, research reveals. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives.
Palm Oil Detectives. (2022). Four things to know about cholesterol. Retrieved from Palm Oil Detectives.
Hanley-Jones, S, Wood, L, Letcher, T and Winstanley, M. 5.13 Products and packaging created to appeal to new users. In Greenhalgh, EM, Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors]. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2022. Available from tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapâŠ
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Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry
Do you love animals? Make every day #WorldWildlifeDay
This #WorldWildlifeDay take action for animals great and small! Reptiles insects, mammals and birds deserve better than palm oil ecocide and extinction. Make sure you Boycott palm oil
Read moreSo-called âNet Zeroâ Flights Flush Rainforest Carbon Into the Sky
Virgin Atlantic airlines now uses âsustainable aviation fuelâ however experts call it greenwashing and industry spin causing climate change. Boycott palm oil!
Read moreGurskyâs Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae
Gurskyâs spectral tarsiers AKA Wusing of North Sulawesi are vulnerable due to palm oil and timber deforestation. Take action for them and boycott palm oil!
Read moreForest Protection Equals Climate Protection
Forests offer climate protection and safeguard indigenous peoples, endangered animals and rare plants. Deforestation is a major threat. Boycott palm oil!
Read moreBeautiful and Doomed: Saving Bangladeshâs Langurs From Extinction
Critically endangered Phayreâs langurs and endangered capped langurs of Bangladesh, are interbreeding raising concerns about their survival, take action!
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email addressSign Up
Join 3,179 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #breakfastCereal #breakfastFoods #childhood #chips #CocaCola #corruption #crisps #deforestation #FMCG #health #KraftHeinz #Mondelez #News #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #sugar #sugarCane #sugarcane #tobacco #ultraprocessed #UPF #vegan #wholefoods
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MondelÄz International, the company behind Oreo biscuits, continues to source palm oil from suppliers linked to rainforest destruction, exploitation of workers, and #violence against #Indigenous land defenders. Despite marketing its palm oil as âsustainableâ and RSPO-certified, investigations show that these claims amount to greenwashing, with human rights abuses and #deforestation ongoing in its supply chain. We demand urgent action to expose these deceptive practices and protect marginalised indigenous peoples, endangered animals and endangered plants. #BoycottPalmOil #HumanRights
đȘđ„ #Mondelez maker of #Oreos is fuelling rainforest #ecocide and #humanrights abuses. They source #palmoil linked to #childlabour and exploitation đđŽ Use your wallet as a weapon to help animals and indigenous people! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife palmoildetectives.com/2026/02/âŠ
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Oreoâs âsustainableâ #palmoil is a #greenwashing mythâdeforestation and human rights abuses continue in #MondelÄzâs supply chain. Demand real change! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #HumanRights @palmoildetect đŽâ ïžđ« palmoildetectives.com/2026/02/âŠ
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youtu.be/eG8V-Cmj4Es?si=D3KyWvâŠ
Rainforest Action Network. (2025, May 14). The maker of Oreos is not taking its human rights responsibilities seriously.
MondelÄz International, the global food giant responsible for Oreo biscuits, faces renewed scrutiny for its palm oil sourcing practices. Despite public claims of using âsustainableâ RSPO-certified palm oil, evidence from multiple investigations shows that human rights abuses and deforestation remain widespread in the companyâs supply chain.
Between 2015 and 2017, 22 of MondelÄzâs palm oil suppliers cleared over 70,000 hectares of rainforest, including 25,000 hectares of orangutan habitat in Indonesia. These suppliers have also been accused of child labour, worker exploitation, illegal deforestation, forest fires, and land grabbing. Much of this palm oil is sourced from Wilmar International, the worldâs largest palm oil trader, which has repeatedly failed to monitor or control its suppliersâ destructive practices.
Despite adopting a âNo Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitationâ policy, MondelÄzâs reliance on RSPO certification has been widely criticised as ineffective and misleading. The RSPO standard has failed to prevent land grabs, forced labour, and environmental harm, while the company continues to market its products as ethical and sustainable.
Kiki Taufik, head of Greenpeace Southeast Asiaâs Indonesia forests campaign, said: âItâs outrageous that despite promising to clean up its palm oil almost ten years ago, MondelÄz is still trading with forest destroyers. Palm oil can be made without destroying forests, yet our investigation discovered that MondelÄz suppliers are still trashing forests and wrecking orangutan habitat, pushing these beautiful and intelligent creatures to the brink of extinction. Theyâre literally dying for a cookieâ.
The article highlights that these issues are not isolated incidents but reflect systemic failures in the palm oil sectorâs self-regulation and corporate accountability. The continued use of âsustainableâ palm oil claims is described as greenwashing, misleading consumers while abuses persist.
The article calls for urgent action from consumers, advocates, and policymakers to demand real accountability from companies like MondelÄz. Protecting Indigenous communities, upholding workersâ rights, and halting deforestation are identified as urgent priorities.
Rainforest Action Network. (2025, May 14). The maker of Oreos is not taking its human rights responsibilities seriously.
ENDS
Virgin Atlantic airlines now uses âsustainable aviation fuelâ however experts call it greenwashing and industry spin causing climate change. Boycott palm oil!
Read more
Gurskyâs spectral tarsiers AKA Wusing of North Sulawesi are vulnerable due to palm oil and timber deforestation. Take action for them and boycott palm oil!
Read more
Forests offer climate protection and safeguard indigenous peoples, endangered animals and rare plants. Deforestation is a major threat. Boycott palm oil!
Read more
Critically endangered Phayreâs langurs and endangered capped langurs of Bangladesh, are interbreeding raising concerns about their survival, take action!
Read more
Sunda flying lemurs AKA Malayan colugos rely on ancient forests to survive, despite being skilful gliders, palm oil is a major threat, boycott palm oil!
Read more
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email address
Sign Up
Join 3,178 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #childlabour #corruption #deforestation #ecocide #GHG #greenwashing #HumanRights #indigenous #landgrabbing #Mondelez #News #Oreos #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #violence
Palm oil deforestation in Guatemala: Certifying products as âsustainableâ is no panacea: University of MichiganNewly published research led by the University...Palm Oil Detectives (YouTube)
How Brands Exploit âGreenâ Certification
Brands and businesses may be tempted to exploit âgreenâ certifications to garner a larger market share at the expense of integrity.Around 400 #ecolabels đ claim to provide #consumers with choice âïž Yet theyâre unreliable in holding #corporates to account for widespread #deforestation and #humanrights abuses and #greenwashing #Boycottpalmoil đŽđȘđ„ âïž#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Y6
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Share to Twitter#Brands and giants of #FMCG may be tempted to exploit âgreenâ certifications like #FSC, MSC and #RSPO to reassure consumers. Yet ecolabels have deep flaws in enforcement of standards. #ecocide #greenwashing #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Y6
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Share to TwitterWritten by Dr Arne Nygaard, professor at the School of Communication, Leadership and Marketing at Kristiania University College, Norway. His primary research interests include sustainable supply chains, greenwashing, geopolitical risk and strategic uncertainty, economic contracts and incentives, sustainability and green marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship. Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą, read the original.
Analyses conducted in the study indicate that while certifications can help prevent greenwashing, they can also contribute to eco-opportunism [âŠ] the theory of eco-opportunism warns that this can lead to free riding and greenwashing, where products are falsely advertised as sustainable but fail to meet certified standards.
Nygaard, A. (2023). Is sustainable certificationâs ability to combat greenwashing trustworthy? Frontiers in Sustainability, 4, Article 1188069. doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2023.118âŠ
As the global fight against climate change intensifies, certifications have become crucial tools for industries to address environmental, business and social challenges. Sustainability certifications promote eco-friendly practices, protect human rights and boost the credibility of environmentally responsible brands.But although certifications often enhance the perceived value of sustainable products and services, challenges remain.
There are concerns about greenwashing and free riding plus the inability of certification systems to adapt to changes and failing to incentivise the adoption of newer, more sustainable technologies.
https://tinyurl.com/2u6hrsea Unsplash License" title="Understanding why companies greenwash can help certification bodies design better processes and criteria. : Image by Kelvin Zyteng available at https://tinyurl.com/2u6hrsea Unsplash License" class="has-alt-description">
At the supermarket, a shopper carefully studies a label, thinking, âThis product has a certification. Must be environmentally friendly. Iâll buy it.â And like that shopper, millions around the world make that same decision every day.
Greenwashing, where companies falsely claim eco-friendly credentials without meeting required standards, is a significant issue. Similarly, free riding allows businesses to benefit from the positive image of certifications without genuinely implementing sustainable practices.
The number of sustainability certifications has surged globally in recent years. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) reports that more than 400 certifications now cover sectors such as food, agriculture, energy, environment, health and social responsibility.
Consumer awareness
This growth reflects increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and the desire of companies to showcase their commitment to eco-friendly practices.Certifications serve as essential market signals, enabling businesses to distinguish themselves by adhering to recognised environmental and social standards.
Some of the internationally recognised certifications include the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for green buildings, the Forest Stewardship Council for sustainable forestry and the Fair Trade certification, which ensures that products meet strict social, environmental and labour criteria.
Another key example is the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification, which promotes the production of palm oil in a way that minimises environmental harm, protects biodiversity and ensures fair treatment of workers and local communities.
Certifications typically involve third-party evaluations to assess compliance with criteria such as environmental and economic impact or fair labour practices.
Despite widespread adoption, certifications face growing scrutiny.
For instance, consumer demand for eco-friendly products has led to companies charging higher prices for green products. While many consumers are willing to pay this premium, it can create perverse incentives for companies to engage in greenwashing.
Certifications, intended to assure consumers of a productâs environmental and social standards, can paradoxically encourage companies to exploit these authentications for profit.
When businesses realise they can charge a premium for eco-labelled goods, the temptation to stretch the truth or manipulate the certification increases.
Erosion of trust
Greenwashing erodes consumer trust and devalues the certifications of genuinely sustainable products.As more companies exploit these eco-friendly claims without verification, it becomes harder for consumers to differentiate between authentic and deceptive environmental practices, potentially undermining the credibility of certification systems.
This highlights the urgent need for stronger mechanisms to mitigate these risks, ensuring that certification systems are not only effective but also resilient against exploitation.
Certification bodies can tighten standards, increase transparency and implement stronger verification processes to reflect evolving sustainability standards and prevent misuse. Additionally, independent audits and greater rigour throughout the supply chain would hold companies accountable for their claims.
Investigation into the root causes of greenwashing is necessary to understand how and why companies manipulate sustainable claims.
One key issue is that certification processes often focus on specific criteria and may not capture the broader environmental or social impacts of a product.
Selective compliance
A company may meet the minimum requirements for certification in one area, such as reducing carbon emissions, while ignoring other important sustainability factors such as labour conditions or biodiversity conservation.This selective compliance allows companies to appear more sustainable than they truly are, feeding into the cycle of greenwashing.
Consumers can be educated on how to critically evaluate certification labels to avoid falling prey to greenwashing tactics.
By reinforcing certification systems with robust monitoring and compliance mechanisms, the credibility of sustainable products can be preserved, and the integrity of genuine sustainability efforts can be upheld.
Non-governmental organisations and activist groups play a critical role in developing and implementing certification systems. These organisations provide valuable input during the creation of sustainability standards and help monitor compliance, ensuring that certification systems remain credible.
For example, the Forest Stewardship Council certification system for responsible forestry was developed in 1993 with input from environmental NGOs such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.
NGOs advocate for higher sustainability standards, while certifications give them leverage to hold businesses accountable. By working together, NGOs and certification bodies can drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future.
The interaction between state institutions, laws, and certification systems is also vital to ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of sustainability efforts.
Governments often set baseline sustainability requirements, while certification systems provide an additional layer of accountability. A clear example is the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification now used in 21 countries.
Resistance to change
One challenge facing certification bodies is internal structural inertia. This refers to resistance to change, preventing the adoption of innovative green technologies.This occurs when certification bodies become too rigid in their processes, policies, or standards, making it difficult for them to quickly adapt to new environmental paradigms.
For example, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design initially focused on energy efficiency in buildings but was slow to incorporate newer technologies like green roofs or biophilic design which enhance sustainability.
Similarly, in the agricultural sector, government certification systems such as the United States Department of Agriculture Organic can be slow to recognise advancements in vertical farming or aeroponics, even though these methods significantly reduce land use, water consumption, and pesticide reliance.
This type of institutional resistance can delay the transition to more sustainable practices, as certification bodies may cling to outdated standards that fail to incentivise the latest green technologies.
To stay relevant and support ongoing environmental progress, certification organisations can work to overcome structural inertia and actively seek ways to update their standards in response to new innovations.
By updating their standards to reflect these disruptive technologies, certification systems can stay relevant and effective, driving sustainability across industries and supporting innovation while addressing evolving environmental challenges.
However, certifications, while essential tools for promoting sustainable practices, face limitations. Greenwashing, free-riding, and institutional inertia can undermine their value, posing challenges for businesses and consumers alike.
As markets evolve, certifications risk becoming obsolete unless they adapt to new environmental and technological challenges.
Nygaard, A. (2023). Is sustainable certificationâs ability to combat greenwashing trustworthy? Frontiers in Sustainability, 4, Article 1188069. doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2023.118âŠ
Dr Arne Nygaard is a professor at the School of Communication, Leadership and Marketing at Kristiania University College, Norway. His primary research interests include sustainable supply chains, greenwashing, geopolitical risk and strategic uncertainty, economic contracts and incentives, sustainability and green marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship. Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą, read the original.
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Read more about greenwashing associated with certified âsustainableâ palm oil and other commodities
Oreo Maker Linked to Ongoing Deforestation and Human Rights Abuses
MondelÄz International who make Oreos keep sourcing palm oil from suppliers linked to violence and deforestation. Their RSPO certification is pure greenwash!
Read moreJaguars vs Cows: JBS Fuelling Biodiversity Collapse in Brazilâs Forests
Global Witness report finds JBS, the worldâs largest meat company, is directly linked to deforestation in the Amazon and Pantanal putting jaguars at risk
Read moreParrot Deaths Highlight Urgent Need to Reform CITES
The legal trade is largely to blame for African grey parrots becoming endangered. Regulator CITES is broken allowing exploitation, massive reform needed now!
Read moreWorldâs Wealthiest Drive Two Thirds of Global Warming Since 1990
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
Read moreSeeing Forest As Merely A Carbon âCommodityâ: Dangerous Greenwashing
Commodifying forests as merely an investment for âcarbon creditsâ has many dangerous loopholes that human rights to indigenous peoples, take action!
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Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email addressSign Up
Join 3,177 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #brandCertification #Brands #consumers #corporates #corruption #deforestation #ecocide #ecolabels #FMCG #FSC #greenwashing #HumanRights #OrangutanLandTrust #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #RSPO #RSPOGreenwashing
How to not fall prey to greenwashing? Check the label!
In an age of heightened environmental awareness, distinguishing genuine commitments from greenwashing tactics poses a challenge. Learn how to spot the labels certifying a brand's sustainable claims.OxStu Science and Tech (The Oxford Student)
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Trust had $254m invested in companies such as Chevron, BP and Shell in 2024, a nine-year record, analysis showsIsaaq Tomkins (the Guardian)
Brands and businesses may be tempted to exploit âgreenâ certifications to garner a larger market share at the expense of integrity.
Around 400 #ecolabels đ claim to provide #consumers with choice âïž Yet theyâre unreliable in holding #corporates to account for widespread #deforestation and #humanrights abuses and #greenwashing #Boycottpalmoil đŽđȘđ„ âïž#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Y6
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#Brands and giants of #FMCG may be tempted to exploit âgreenâ certifications like #FSC, MSC and #RSPO to reassure consumers. Yet ecolabels have deep flaws in enforcement of standards. #ecocide #greenwashing #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Y6
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Written by Dr Arne Nygaard, professor at the School of Communication, Leadership and Marketing at Kristiania University College, Norway. His primary research interests include sustainable supply chains, greenwashing, geopolitical risk and strategic uncertainty, economic contracts and incentives, sustainability and green marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship. Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą, read the original.
Analyses conducted in the study indicate that while certifications can help prevent greenwashing, they can also contribute to eco-opportunism [âŠ] the theory of eco-opportunism warns that this can lead to free riding and greenwashing, where products are falsely advertised as sustainable but fail to meet certified standards.
Nygaard, A. (2023). Is sustainable certificationâs ability to combat greenwashing trustworthy? Frontiers in Sustainability, 4, Article 1188069. doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2023.118âŠ
As the global fight against climate change intensifies, certifications have become crucial tools for industries to address environmental, business and social challenges. Sustainability certifications promote eco-friendly practices, protect human rights and boost the credibility of environmentally responsible brands.
But although certifications often enhance the perceived value of sustainable products and services, challenges remain.
There are concerns about greenwashing and free riding plus the inability of certification systems to adapt to changes and failing to incentivise the adoption of newer, more sustainable technologies.
At the supermarket, a shopper carefully studies a label, thinking, âThis product has a certification. Must be environmentally friendly. Iâll buy it.â And like that shopper, millions around the world make that same decision every day.
Greenwashing, where companies falsely claim eco-friendly credentials without meeting required standards, is a significant issue. Similarly, free riding allows businesses to benefit from the positive image of certifications without genuinely implementing sustainable practices.
The number of sustainability certifications has surged globally in recent years. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) reports that more than 400 certifications now cover sectors such as food, agriculture, energy, environment, health and social responsibility.
This growth reflects increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and the desire of companies to showcase their commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Certifications serve as essential market signals, enabling businesses to distinguish themselves by adhering to recognised environmental and social standards.
Some of the internationally recognised certifications include the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for green buildings, the Forest Stewardship Council for sustainable forestry and the Fair Trade certification, which ensures that products meet strict social, environmental and labour criteria.
Another key example is the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification, which promotes the production of palm oil in a way that minimises environmental harm, protects biodiversity and ensures fair treatment of workers and local communities.
Certifications typically involve third-party evaluations to assess compliance with criteria such as environmental and economic impact or fair labour practices.
Despite widespread adoption, certifications face growing scrutiny.
For instance, consumer demand for eco-friendly products has led to companies charging higher prices for green products. While many consumers are willing to pay this premium, it can create perverse incentives for companies to engage in greenwashing.
Certifications, intended to assure consumers of a productâs environmental and social standards, can paradoxically encourage companies to exploit these authentications for profit.
When businesses realise they can charge a premium for eco-labelled goods, the temptation to stretch the truth or manipulate the certification increases.
Greenwashing erodes consumer trust and devalues the certifications of genuinely sustainable products.
As more companies exploit these eco-friendly claims without verification, it becomes harder for consumers to differentiate between authentic and deceptive environmental practices, potentially undermining the credibility of certification systems.
This highlights the urgent need for stronger mechanisms to mitigate these risks, ensuring that certification systems are not only effective but also resilient against exploitation.
Certification bodies can tighten standards, increase transparency and implement stronger verification processes to reflect evolving sustainability standards and prevent misuse. Additionally, independent audits and greater rigour throughout the supply chain would hold companies accountable for their claims.
Investigation into the root causes of greenwashing is necessary to understand how and why companies manipulate sustainable claims.
One key issue is that certification processes often focus on specific criteria and may not capture the broader environmental or social impacts of a product.
A company may meet the minimum requirements for certification in one area, such as reducing carbon emissions, while ignoring other important sustainability factors such as labour conditions or biodiversity conservation.
This selective compliance allows companies to appear more sustainable than they truly are, feeding into the cycle of greenwashing.
Consumers can be educated on how to critically evaluate certification labels to avoid falling prey to greenwashing tactics.
By reinforcing certification systems with robust monitoring and compliance mechanisms, the credibility of sustainable products can be preserved, and the integrity of genuine sustainability efforts can be upheld.
Non-governmental organisations and activist groups play a critical role in developing and implementing certification systems. These organisations provide valuable input during the creation of sustainability standards and help monitor compliance, ensuring that certification systems remain credible.
For example, the Forest Stewardship Council certification system for responsible forestry was developed in 1993 with input from environmental NGOs such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.
NGOs advocate for higher sustainability standards, while certifications give them leverage to hold businesses accountable. By working together, NGOs and certification bodies can drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future.
The interaction between state institutions, laws, and certification systems is also vital to ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of sustainability efforts.
Governments often set baseline sustainability requirements, while certification systems provide an additional layer of accountability. A clear example is the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification now used in 21 countries.
One challenge facing certification bodies is internal structural inertia. This refers to resistance to change, preventing the adoption of innovative green technologies.
This occurs when certification bodies become too rigid in their processes, policies, or standards, making it difficult for them to quickly adapt to new environmental paradigms.
For example, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design initially focused on energy efficiency in buildings but was slow to incorporate newer technologies like green roofs or biophilic design which enhance sustainability.
Similarly, in the agricultural sector, government certification systems such as the United States Department of Agriculture Organic can be slow to recognise advancements in vertical farming or aeroponics, even though these methods significantly reduce land use, water consumption, and pesticide reliance.
This type of institutional resistance can delay the transition to more sustainable practices, as certification bodies may cling to outdated standards that fail to incentivise the latest green technologies.
To stay relevant and support ongoing environmental progress, certification organisations can work to overcome structural inertia and actively seek ways to update their standards in response to new innovations.
By updating their standards to reflect these disruptive technologies, certification systems can stay relevant and effective, driving sustainability across industries and supporting innovation while addressing evolving environmental challenges.
However, certifications, while essential tools for promoting sustainable practices, face limitations. Greenwashing, free-riding, and institutional inertia can undermine their value, posing challenges for businesses and consumers alike.
As markets evolve, certifications risk becoming obsolete unless they adapt to new environmental and technological challenges.
Nygaard, A. (2023). Is sustainable certificationâs ability to combat greenwashing trustworthy? Frontiers in Sustainability, 4, Article 1188069. doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2023.118âŠ
Dr Arne Nygaard is a professor at the School of Communication, Leadership and Marketing at Kristiania University College, Norway. His primary research interests include sustainable supply chains, greenwashing, geopolitical risk and strategic uncertainty, economic contracts and incentives, sustainability and green marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship. Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą, read the original.
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MondelÄz International who make Oreos keep sourcing palm oil from suppliers linked to violence and deforestation. Their RSPO certification is pure greenwash!
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Global Witness report finds JBS, the worldâs largest meat company, is directly linked to deforestation in the Amazon and Pantanal putting jaguars at risk
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The legal trade is largely to blame for African grey parrots becoming endangered. Regulator CITES is broken allowing exploitation, massive reform needed now!
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Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
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Commodifying forests as merely an investment for âcarbon creditsâ has many dangerous loopholes that human rights to indigenous peoples, take action!
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
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#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #brandCertification #Brands #consumers #corporates #corruption #deforestation #ecocide #ecolabels #FMCG #FSC #greenwashing #HumanRights #OrangutanLandTrust #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #RSPO #RSPOGreenwashing
In an age of heightened environmental awareness, distinguishing genuine commitments from greenwashing tactics poses a challenge. Learn how to spot the labels certifying a brand's sustainable claims.OxStu Science and Tech (The Oxford Student)
Jaguars vs Cows: JBS Fuelling Biodiversity Collapse in Brazilâs Forests
A damning Global Witness investigation exposes how JBS, the worldâs largest meat company, is directly linked to deforestation in some of Brazilâs most biodiverse ecosystems, including the Amazon and Pantanal. Despite greenwashing promises, JBS continues sourcing cattle from ranchers involved in illegal deforestation in areas that overlap with protected jaguar territoryâpushing iconic species like the jaguar closer to extinction. The companyâs failure to track indirect suppliers undermines greenwashing and zero-deforestation claims. JBS is financed by British Bank Barclays who made a whopping $1.7 billion from this decimation of the environment. This scandal highlights the urgent need to divest your wealth from Barclays until they stop funding JBS. Also in the supermarket you can #BoycottMeat and be #vegan for not only farmed animals but also for wild animals like jaguars and countless others. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife#Meat giant đ„©â ïž #JBS is driving #deforestation in the #Amazonđ â Jaguars are losing their home to cows killed for burgers đ€źđ° Billions in profits to #Barclays and zero accountability đŁ Divest NOW! NO to #BigCat #extinction! #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan palmoildetectives.com/2026/01/âŠ
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Share to TwitterGlobal Witness. (2024, May 15). Jaguars vs cows: The biodiversity crisis under JBSâs shadow. globalwitness.org/en/campaignsâŠ
A Global Witness investigation has found that jaguars, vital guardians of Amazonian ecosystems and critical apex predators â are under siege as Brazilâs forests are cleared at alarming rates. New findings from Global Witness show that over 27 million hectares of the jaguarâs historic habitat in Brazil have been razed for industrial agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, between 2014 and 2023.
A single supplier to JBS, the worldâs largest meat company, illegally cleared over 1,200 hectares of protected jaguar habitat in just a decade. Across the jaguarâs range in ParĂĄ and Mato Grosso states, 75% of farms linked to JBSâs supply chain broke environmental laws in the past five years. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation have devastated jaguar populations, classified as âNear Threatenedâ on the IUCN Red List.
Jaguars are a keystone species, crucial to maintaining ecosystem health. Their decline ripples throughout the Amazon and Cerrado, triggering wider biodiversity loss. Meanwhile, financial institutions in Europe, China, and the US continue backing JBS despite its environmental breaches, profiting while forests fall.With Brazil hosting COP30 this year, Global Witness is calling for world leaders to show real commitment. They must strengthen laws regulating supply chains and finance to protect remaining forests and Indigenous territories, or risk missing the 2030 deadline to halt deforestation.
Without urgent action, jaguars â once revered as guardians of the rainforest â could vanish forever.
The Global Witness investigation found over 27 million ha of jaguar habitat â an area larger than the UK â had been converted to agricultural land in the states of Mato Grosso and ParĂĄ as of 2023.
âWe decided to investigate the loss of jaguar habitat driven by industrial agriculture because jaguars are a keystone species. They play a crucial role in stabilising ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity in areas such as the Amazon and Cerrado. When their territories are destroyed, the entire ecosystem suffers,â said Marco Mantovani, a Global Witness investigator leading the data analysis.
A road in Brazil which drives deep into jaguar habitat. Ricardo de O. Lemos/Shutterstock
Jaguar Panthera onca by Ecuadorian artist Juanchi PeÌrez
A jaguar in the jungle of southern Mexico. Mardoz/Shutterstock
âDeforestation is a solvable issue, but itâs one where there is stalling, a lack of political will to actually meet the global agreement to end forest loss by 2030,â said Global Witnessâs Reid, referring to the landmark pledge reached at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021.
She told Mongabay that she hopes that at COP30 countries will put forward plans âto actually deliver [on] their commitments when it comes to forest loss.â
British banking giant Barclays was a main financier of the megaproject and made an extraordinary $1.7 billion from financing JBS, surpassing 30 other global financial institutions bankrolling the meatpacker. A key way to take action is to not only boycott meat in solidarity to cows and jaguars, but to also divest your funds from Barclays.
Global Witness. (2024, May 15). Jaguars vs cows: The biodiversity crisis under JBSâs shadow. globalwitness.org/en/campaignsâŠ
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Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry
Meat-Stinking Giant Flower Has A Delectable Aroma For Pollinators
Titan Arum AKA âCorpse Flowersâ is famous for its repulsive meat smell. Palm oil agriculture is a massive threat to these rare stinky plants. Take action!
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Western Parotias AKA Arfak Parotias are stunning bird-of-paradise of West Papua known for their mesmerising dances. Palm oil and mining ecocide are threats
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
Worldâs Wealthiest Drive Two Thirds of Global Warming Since 1990
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
Jaguars and Pumas Eat More Monkeys in Damaged Forests
In fragmented forests of Mexico, big cats find it hard to locate prey ungulates instead seeking tree-dwelling #monkeys â thatâs bad news for primates!Load more posts
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Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
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Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#Barclays #bigCat #bigcat #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #corruption #deforestation #extinction #Jaguar #JaguarPantheraOnca #Jaguars #JBS #meat #meatAgriculture #meatAndSoyDeforestationInBrazil #meatDeforestation #News #PalmOil #vegan
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Forest-fire haze drifting from Indonesia to neighbouring countries every dry season has eluded efforts to curb it.Land clearing by burning is prohibited in Indonesia and Malaysia. However, penalising foreign companies for palm oil and timber deforestation has been hampered by cronyism and corruption.
Under-explored legal avenues may provide new solutions to the decades-old problem.
Everybody in the world deserves to breath in #cleanair. #Palmoil air #pollution is a global problem. Domestic and international laws could combat it together and provide solutions. #TheAirWeShare Story via @360info_global #Boycottpalmoil @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2024/03/âŠ
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Penalising foreign companies for #palmoil and #timber #deforestation in #Indonesia and #Malaysia has been hampered by #cronyism and #corruption at the highest levels of government. Story: @360info_global #TheAirWeShare #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife palmoildetectives.com/2024/03/âŠ
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Written by Cecep Aminudin, a PhD candidate in environmental law at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia. Originally published as âLaying down the law on air pollutionâ by 360info.org and republished under Creative Commons License.
Forest and land fires in Indonesia have attracted global attention since the great fires in 1982â83 and 1997â98. Large haze events occurred again in 2007, 2012 and 2015, causing international alarm and cross-border pollution throughout Southeast Asia. Smoke from these sorts of fires is the biggest source of air pollution in Indonesia after transportation and energy emissions.
Companies â mostly oil-palm producers â have usedfire as a tool to clear forests and peatland areas for agriculture, even though Indonesia and Malaysia are well aware of the need to strictly enforce bans on the practice.
The ministry filed 21 cases between January 2015 and September 2020, and of these 10 were successful and 11 are still pending. Businesses have been ordered to pay compensation and restoration costs totalling almost US$1.38 billion.
These outcomes are related to the application of the precautionary principle in decision-making by Indonesian civil courts, as is common in environmental cases that involve scientific evidence.
According to this principle, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used to make a decision regarding environmental protection. Indonesian courts applied the precautionary principle in the determining liable party and judging evidence even when there was scientific uncertainty.
Scientific evidence in the form of studies and expert opinion plays a crucial role in proving illegal fires have occurred, who started them, and how much environmental damage and loss they have caused.
Laboratory test reports can also be used as evidence in civil environmental-justice cases. Entirely at the judgeâs discretion, these reports can be treated as expert testimony. Their relevance, which includes validity and reliability, and support from other expert testimonies, is a critical point in a judgeâs decision to admit them as compelling legal evidence.
External regulation could complement and support the legal framework in each Southeast Asian country to ensure the activities of transnational companies meet environmental standards and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) notion of cooperation.
A legitimate legislative framework could impose and enforce international environmental standards recognised under human rights obligations. In this way, palm oil plantation companies could be held accountable under international law for the pollution they cause elsewhere.
The victims of transboundary pollution and other environmental destruction are the people whose health will suffer, either in the short or the long term. Many countries have also suffered economic loss from direct damage and loss of economic activity.
Holding polluters accountable will not just uphold domestic laws but also demonstrate political willingness to recognise air pollution as a human rights issue.
Cecep Aminudin is a PhD candidate in environmental law at Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia. He is the Chairman of ECOTAS, a research institute on sustainability. Apart from pursuing his doctoral degree, Aminudin conducts research, delivers training and consults on environmental law. He declares no conflict of interest in relation to this article and does not receive special funds in any form.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą.
Written by Cecep Aminudin, a PhD candidate in environmental law at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia. Originally published as âLaying down the law on air pollutionâ by 360info.org and republished under Creative Commons License.
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NestlĂ© is destroying rainforests, releasing mega-tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, and killing hundreds of endangered species. Once these animals are gone â they are gone for good. See NestlĂ©âs full list ofâŠ
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Despite global retail giant Colgate-Palmolive forming a coalition with other brands in 2020, virtue-signalling that they will stop all deforestation, they continue to do this â destroying rainforest and releasing mega-tonnes of carbonâŠ
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Mondelez destroys rainforests, sending animals extinct and release mega-tonnes of carbon into air for so-called âsustainableâ palm oil. Boycott them!
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In 2020, global retail giant Unilever unveiled a deforestation-free supply chain promise. By 2023 they would be deforestation free. This has been and gone and they are still causing deforestation. This brand hasâŠ
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Savvy consumers have been pressuring French Dairy multinational Danone for decades to cease using deforestation palm oil. Yet they actually havenât stopped this. From their website: âDanone is committed to eliminating deforestation fromâŠ
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Despite decades of promises to end deforestation for palm oil PepsiCo (owner of crisp brands Frito-Lay, Cheetos and Doritos along with hundreds of other snack food brands) have continued sourcing palm oil thatâŠ
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Despite decades of promises to end deforestation for palm oil Procter & Gamble or (P&G as they are also known) have continued sourcing palm oil that causes ecocide, indigenous landgrabbing, and the habitatâŠ
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In late 2023, Kelloggs became Kellanova for their US arm. Savvy consumers have been pressuring Kelloggs for decades to cease using deforestation palm oil. Yet they actually havenât stopped this. From their website:âŠ
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Global mega-brand Johnson & Johnson have issued a position statement on palm oil in 2020. âAt Johnson & Johnson, we are committed to doing our part to address the unsustainable rate of globalâŠ
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PZ Cussons is a British-owned global retail giant. They own well-known supermarket brands in personal care, cleaning, household goods and toiletries categories, such as Imperial Leather, Morning Fresh, Carex, Radiant laundry powder andâŠ
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email address
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Join 3,178 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#360infoOrg #airPollution #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbonemissions #cleanair #corruption #cronyism #deforestation #fire #fossilFuels #fossilfuel #fossilfuels #greenwashing #humanHealth #Indonesia #Malaysia #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #pollution #SouthEastAsia #TheAirWeShare #timber
PZ Cussons is a British-owned global retail giant. They own well-known supermarket brands in personal care, cleaning, household goods and toiletries categories, such as Imperial Leather, Morning FrâŠPalm Oil Detectives
Paraquat: Banned in EU, Destroying Lives of Palm Oil Workers in Indonesia
The dangerous pesticide Paraquat is banned in the EU and strictly limited in the USA, however it continues to destroy the lives of palm oil workers in Indonesia. Paraquat has severe human health impacts including respiratory problems, severe burns and skin and eye irritation. Americaâs Centre for Disease Control links it to Parkinsonâs disease and other life-threatening illnesses. Read this story below originally published in Geographical Magazine about the lives of vulnerable palm oil workers in Indonesia. Afterwards you can learn how to take action to resist the human rights abuses and ecocide of dangerous pesticide use in palm oil agriculture. #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife#Paraquat is a dangerous #pesticide đ€ą banned in #EU âïžand limited in #USA yet used widely in #Indonesia by #palmoil workers with grave #health impacts on (mainly) women đ©âđ§ and children workers #Boycottpalmoil đŽđ«Story via @geographicalmag @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Bt
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Share to Twitter#Paraquat #pesticide is deadly and causes respiratory illnesses, #Parkinsons #disease. Itâs banned in the #EU yet used routinely in #Indonesian #palmoil. Palm oil workers are paying with their lives #Boycottpalmoil Story: @geographicalmag @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Bt
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Share to TwitterThis article was originally published as âParaquat: banned in Europe, on sale in Indonesia in Geographical Magazine on the 28th of June 2024. Written by Daniela Sala, Adi Renaldi & Budi Baskoro. Photography by Daniela Sala. Republished with permission. Read original.
A local farmer sprays the herbicide Roundup among the oil palms in the small plot of land she and her family owns. She also routinely sprays Gramoxone, without protection
âI used to spray both the yellow and the green poison,â Herna says.
For nearly six years, from 2006 to 2011, Herna worked for the so-called âmaintenance teamâ on one of the oil palm plantations of Musim Mas, a Singapore-based multinational corporation, in Central Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. The green poison she refers to is Gramoxone, the brand name for a highly toxic herbicide based on the organic compound paraquat. Sold by the Swiss, now Chinese-owned multinational Syngenta, paraquat has been banned in the European Union since 2007 due to concerns related to its effect on the health of workers and the environment.
âI often had nausea, vomiting and dizziness after my work. I donât know exactly why, but most of my colleagues experienced the same symptoms. I knew these were dangerous substances and I was always afraid to handle them,â she says. Herna got an indication of how toxic paraquat is when one morning, while she was diluting it with water as instructed, a drop of the liquid splashed onto her hand, causing a burn that took weeks to heal.
Backpacks used for paraquat spraying
Sitting cross-legged on the floor of her home in Penyang, Herna looks tired. The humid heat gives no respite, the air is heavy and the fan Herna sits next to is of little use. Itâs difficult to imagine how, in these conditions, Herna and her colleagues could work an entire eight-hour shift with a heavy container (weighing some 13 kilograms) on their backs, without ever removing their masks.Herna grew up in a small cluster of houses surrounded by rainforest. Her family relied on hunting and farming; they had a small area of land where they harvested rice and fruit. It was a simple, quiet life. In the late 1990s, however, their economic situation rapidly deteriorated with the arrival of oil palm plantations. They lost not only their land, but also access to the forest. Herna, in her early 20s, had no choice but to accept a job on one of the plantations that had so drastically altered the way of life in her village. For five years, from 7am to 3pm, she sprayed highly toxic herbicides, which prevented weeds and other plants from proliferating and allowed oil palms to grow faster and taller.
Herna endured continuous discomfort for years, sometimes so intense that she had to stay in bed for days. The plantation doctor, whom she sometimes asked for help, always told her not to worry too much, prescribing at most paracetamol or an anti-emetic.
A fisher arrives at Bikal market with his meagre catch after a nightâs fishing
Eventually, Herna began to suffer a pain in the pit of her stomach, âlike a stab woundâ. The doctor speculated that it might be a symptom of a lung problem. The cause was never clarified because Herna couldnât take further tests as they were too expensive. She decided, however, that she couldnât take it anymore and quit her job.Paraquatâs known direct health effects include respiratory problems, severe burns and skin and eye irritation. In the USA, it has also been linked to Parkinsonâs disease. In Indonesia, paraquat should only be used by properly trained workers with appropriate protections. However, a report by PANAP (Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific) documented how these conditions are rarely met.
Herna, who is now 48 and has six children, did her best to find another job, âbut since the plantations are here, there is no other job,â she says.
As she goes silent, the background noise becomes more obvious: itâs the constant traffic along the Trans Kalimantan, the highway that cuts through southern Borneo, just a few dozen metres from Hernaâs home. Trucks follow one another in a constant back-and-forth. In one direction, they transport oil palm fruits to the refineries. In the opposite direction, they transport the refined oil to ports for the export market.
Villagers in Tanjung Puting National Park only use river water to wash and rely on rainwater for cooking and drinking
Made in Europe
Indonesia is by far the worldâs largest exporter of palm oil, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of global exports in 2022, closely followed by Malaysia, with 30 per cent. The industrial uses are countless, from food and cosmetics to the production of biofuels. About ten per cent of palm oil exports from Indonesia end up in Europe.The oil palm, a plant native to West Africa, was first introduced to Indonesia during Dutch colonialism. Over a few decades, the expansion of monocultures in the archipelago triggered the destruction of large portions of Borneoâs rainforest. Despite intense environmental campaigns in recent years, the rate of deforestation due to plantation expansion only slowed; it started to rise again in 2023.
In Indonesia, intensive palm oil production and the heavy use of paraquat and other herbicides are inextricably linked. In total, Indonesia imported pesticides worth about half a million US dollars in 2020, a market that has steadily grown over the past decade.
Old manâs hand and palm oil. Image: Daniela Sala
In 2019, Indonesia imported from the UK 2,300 tons of paraquat, largely manufactured by Syngentaâs Huddersfield plant. Since 2017, with ChemChinaâs acquisition of Syngenta, production and exports from China have also increased, making the paraquat supply chain increasingly difficult to track.The countries that are responsible for most of the manufacturing and export (China, Switzerland and the UK) ban paraquat domestically, as has the EU. While the EUâs internal regulations are increasingly protective of the environment, it remains the largest pesticide exporter, with EU companies investing more and more in countries in the Global South.
Environmental Disaster
In Kalimantan, the effects of palm oil monocultures and the extensive use of pesticides are unspooling before the eyes of the local communities.A short drive from Hernaâs house, just on the other side of the Trans Kalimantan highway in the village of Bangkal, most residents still have first-hand memories of life before the plantations. The village is located on the shore of the biggest lake in the region, Sembuluh Lake. Its 4,000 residents, mostly Dayaks, the indigenous peoples of Borneo, relied on farming and fishing, and they drank water from the lake. Now, they have lost their land and, in one of the wettest areas in the world, they struggle to access clean water.
It all started with huge concessions to palm oil companies. âIt happened suddenly, without any consultation with the community,â says Sangkai Rewa, secretary of Bangkal and leader of AMAN, the association that represents the indigenous people of Central Kalimantan. Sangkai has been connected to Bangkal for generations. His wooden house, on stilts, like all the houses in the surrounding area, sits on the edge of the village. The residents did everything they could to resist the arrival of the plantations. In the late 1990s, they managed to force the Indonesian company Agro Indomas to back down. But in 2005, their fight against another conglomerate, PT Hamparan Masawit Bangun Persada, failed, due in part to support for the company from the then local governor, Darwan Ali, as revealed by a Gecko Project investigation.
Worker carries palm oil fruits. Image: Daniela Sala
âThe people of Bangkal were forced to give up their land by threats and deception. Around us it was all forest. Look around: what is left today?â says Sangkai. The establishment of Hamparan plantation paved the way for the arrival of more companies. Bangkal is now surrounded by a dozen plantations and refineries.âWe saw the colour of the water changingâ, says Sangkai. âWe can not even use the water for washing: it feels itchy and you get rashes. The water is polluted, and because of that, our entire ecosystem is under threat.â
At dawn every day, a few narrowboats approach the small wooden dock next to the daily market in Bangkal. Nouredin, a 60-year-old fisherman from a nearby village, is busy untangling a few dozen small fish from his net. He spent the whole night fishing, but the catch was meagre. âIt did not used to be like that,â he explains while unloading his catch. âFish were bigger and easier to catch. There are species that are slowly disappearing.â
Fish have become scarcer, while the fast-growing weed water hyacinth is invading the shore of Sembuluh, forcing fishermen to travel much further. Residents say that the overgrowth must be associated with fertilisers and chemicals dumped from the plantations.
The village of Bangkal on the shores of the now heavily polluted Lake Sembuluh
In 2018, the Central Kalimantan Environment Agency had the water in the lake tested. Nothing is wrong, they stated, dismissing the residentsâ protests.But not everybody agrees. âWe openly challenged the agencyâs findings,â says Muhammad Habibi, director of the NGO Save Our Borneo. âWe asked the agency to disclose the actual results, and to share all the relevant details: where the samples had been taken, how they had been treated, what residues they had been analysed for. But the agency simply refused to comply.â
Save Our Borneo and Ecoton, another environmental NGO, conducted some water testing in Sambas, Western Borneo, in an area geographically very similar to Lake Sembuluh and similarly affected by palm oil monoculture. The results were worrying, with levels of chloride and phosphates in the regionâs river far higher than accepted norms. Habibi fears for the fate of Lake Sembuluh. âOur suspicion is that the local authorities have no interest in going against the palm oil industry. What if it becomes known that the ongoing ecological disaster in Lake Sembuluh is caused by the companies?â
Farmer Turned Protester
âPalm oil means Gramoxone, Gramoxone means palm oilâ, says James Watt, a farmer in Bangkal. Watt is among the few residents who still have a small piece of land left: he used to grow rubber plants, fruit and vegetables. He started life as a traditional farmer and had no interest in palm oil cultivation. But as the vast plantations came to dominate the region, he was forced to switch. Around the same time, in 2015, he was introduced to paraquat, under the label Gramoxone. âI needed a stronger herbicide, and I went to the shop in Sampit, the nearest city. I asked the shopkeeper for advice, and he gave me this,â Watt says, holding out the five-litre plastic package of the substance. Paraquat became a familiar household item and can be found in most farmersâ houses in Bangkal. âWhen I have to spray it, I smoke a cigarette first, so I make sure of the wind direction,â Watt says.Watt has no love for palm oil. In addition to being a farmer, heâs an activist. At 54, he has spent nearly half his life fighting against the palm oil industry, trying to mediate between residents and companies, and paying the price himself.
In 2020, following a demonstration against the plantation, Watt was sentenced to ten months in prison on a charge of stealing oil palm fruit from the land that once belonged to Bangkal residents.
Bottles of paraquat and pesticide â Image: Daniela Sala
The last major protest against palm oil companies in Bangkla was in October 2023. Gijik, a 35-year-old man, was killed by a gunshot fired by police deployed to defend the plantation. Such cases, according to the Consortium for Agrarian Reform (KPA), an Indonesian association fighting against land grabbing, are far from isolated. Between 2015 and 2022, at least 69 people died as a result of clashes and protests against land grabbing. The clashes and deaths, again according to KPA, canât be separated from the decision to deploy police forces always and exclusively in a repressive function, in defence of plantations.âI canât understand what the government means when it says palm oil brings development and prosperity,â says.Watt. He never asked his parents why they named him after the Scottish inventor, which is said to have started the industrial revolution. While he grasps the subtle irony, heâs proud of the name he bears.
âFor me, real prosperity was before. We were not dependent on anyone: we grew our own vegetables, rice. We went fishing and if we wanted meat, all we had to do was go hunting in the forest. Now all that is goneâ.
This article was originally published as âParaquat: banned in Europe, on sale in Indonesia in Geographical Magazine on the 28th of June 2024. Written by Daniela Sala, Adi Renaldi & Budi Baskoro. Photography by Daniela Sala. Republished with permission. Read original.
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Death by Pesticide on a Papuan Palm Oil Plantation
In the below 2021 report by respected non-profit Global Witness, there was a shocking revelation that a young child of a palm oil worker died as a result of consuming pesticide infused water on a âsustainableâ palm oil plantation in Papua New Guinea. The firm sold to global giants like Nestle, Ferrero, Unilever, Mondelez and more, with products on the shelves and bought be consumers all over the world.Global Witness October 2021 Report: Violence and death for palm oil connected to household supermarket brands (RSPO members)
âOne palm oil firm, Rimbunan Hijau, [Papua New Guinea] negligently ignored repeated and avoidable worker deaths and injuries on palm oil plantations, with at least 11 workers and the child of one worker losing their lives over an eight-year period.âTainted palm oil from Papua New Guinea plantations was sold to household name brands, all of them RSPO members including Kelloggâs, NestlĂ©, Colgate, Danone, Hersheyâs and PZ Cussons and Reckitt Benckiserâ
Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry
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SOCFINâs African Empire of Colonial Oppression: Billionaires Profit from Palm Oil and Rubber Exploitation
Investigation by Bloomberg exposes that despite being RSPO members, #SOCFIN plantations in #WestAfrica are the epicentre of #humanrights abuses, sexual coercion, environmental destruction, and #landgrabbing. Operating in #Liberia, #Ghana, #Nigeria, and beyond, SOCFINâsâŠ
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Family Ties Expose Deforestation and Rights Violations in Indonesian Palm Oil
An explosive report by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) details how Indonesiaâs Fangiono family, through a wide corporate web, is linked to ongoing #deforestation, #corruption, and #indigenousrights abuses for #palmoil. Calls mount forâŠLoad more posts
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3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
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4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #corruption #deforestation #disease #ecocide #EU #health #humanRights #Indonesia #Indonesian #MusimMas #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #Paraquat #Parkinsons #pesticide #pesticides #pollution #USA #waterPollution #womenSRights #workersRights #WorkersRights
Paraquat: Banned in EU, Destroying Lives of Palm Oil Workers in Indonesia
The dangerous #pesticide #Paraquat is banned in the EU and strictly limited in the USA, however it continues to destroy the lives of #palmoil workers in Indo...Palm Oil Detectives (YouTube)
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Virgin Atlantic airlines now uses âsustainable aviation fuelâ â a technology it claims will result in âNet Zeroâ flights. However experts and researchers have lambasted this #aviation and #palmoil industry promotion as #greenwashing. They cite problematic evidence that using Sustainable Aviation Fuel or #SAF in #airlinefuel will undermine goals of keeping climate warming below 1.5°. In the meantime, despite the greenwash and industry spin, SAF is poised to flush gigatonnes of #rainforest #carbon into the sky exacerbating #climatechange. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Is #SAF or âSustainableâ Aviation Fuel really a #climate saviour? Or just a greedy #greenwashing lie about #palmoil #deforestation? đ€źđŽđ„ Cut through the BS with this article by Open Democracy #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-9cg
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Despite #aviation âïž and #palmoil industry #greenwashing, #climate experts predict âSustainableâ Aviation Fuel or #SAF will flush gigatonnes of rainforest #carbon into the sky. We demand better! #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife đŽ đ„đ« @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-9cg
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Written by Ben Webster for Open Democracy, read original article. Republished under the Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
Virgin Atlantic and the UK government have been accused of misleading the public over what they claim will be âthe worldâs first net zero transatlantic flightâ ahead of next weekâs COP28 summit.
The Department for Transport said the flight, scheduled for Tuesday, was âushering in a new era of guilt-free flyingâ because it will run entirely on so-called âsustainable aviation fuelâ (SAF).
But openDemocracy revealed concerns earlier this year that SAF production in the UK may be linked to deforestation.
âThere are some incredible double standards at play here,â said Matt Finch, UK policy manager of green campaign group Transport & Environment.
The SAF market in the UK is largely dependent on used cooking oil from Asia â where sellers are suspected of passing off unused palm oil as waste in order to attract lucrative credits. This is a particular problem for the environment, as producing palm oil drives deforestation.
Virgin last year bought more than 600,000 litres of âusedâ cooking oil from China and Indonesia to turn into SAF and mix with regular fuel for routine flights. Although it says the raw material for next weekâs flight from London to New York will come purely from Europe and the US, the airline admitted it was still buying âfeedstocksâ from Asia for further SAF production this year.
âSome British airlines are â right now â greenwashing themselves by using used cooking oil made from Asian feedstocks,â said Finch.
âIf airlines were genuinely trying to be sustainable, they would stop right now because of the huge risk of rogue palm oil getting into the SAF supply chain.â
youtu.be/1Ly5kJcsFhc?si=Q4ejK3âŠ
âSustainableâ Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel alternative to using fossil fuels for powering planes and cars. SAF is being aggressively marketed by multiple industries as a greener alternative to burning fossil fuels in cars and airplanes.
However, SAF is produced from food crops such as rapeseed, palm oil, soy and sugar cane. ThisâŠ
The aviation industry claims that SAF â which is almost all made from either biofuel crops or waste â could deliver around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed for airlines to reach net zero in 2050.
Under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO), the government allows used cooking oil to be used to make the fuel. It currently accounts for the vast majority of SAF declared in the UK, most of which comes from Asia.
In 2024 alone, British airlines have bought more than 26 million litres of used Asian cooking oil â including 18 million litres from Malaysia, five million from China and two million from Indonesia.
Only about 15% of the used cooking oil purchased by airlines in 2023 has come from European sources, mainly the UK and the Netherlands.
Investigations suggest there is a high risk of fraud in the supply of biofuel from Asia, with particular concern over virgin palm oil being passed off as used cooking oil.
Labelling virgin palm oil as used makes it more valuable, partly because waste products earn double credits under the UK governmentâs rules for sustainable fuels.
Even genuine used cooking oil can indirectly cause deforestation because countries export waste oil they would otherwise have used domestically, and instead use virgin palm oil to meet their own local demand, according to T&E.
The campaign group says used cooking oil from Asia would be more effective at cutting emissions if it were used to replace diesel in road vehicles in the countries where it was produced â rather than being shipped across the world to be refined, using additional energy, into jet fuel.
The Royal Society, which represents the UKâs leading scientists, has also warned that an area at least half the size of the UK would be needed to grow enough biofuel crops to meet existing aviation demand in the UK alone. Increased levels of recycling are also likely to mean less waste material is available for making the fuel.
Commercial jet engines are currently allowed to burn a maximum of 50% SAF, which is blended with traditional kerosene jet fuel. But next weekâs demonstration flight is expected to show that it is safe to use 100% SAF. It is being funded with a government grant of up to ÂŁ1m.
It comes only weeks before the government is due to announce details about the so-called âSAF mandateâ, which will require at least 10% of jet fuel in the UK to come from âsustainable sourcesâ by 2030.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is planning to cap the amount of used cooking oil and animal fat that airlines can use to meet this obligation, because demand could divert the products away from efforts to decarbonise road transport.
The cap, though, could be as high as 250 million litres a year of waste fats and oils.
Finch of T&E said: âThe SAF mandate will be the biggest environmental regulation applied to UK aviation ever, and the government has a choice to make: should it carry on allowing SAF to be made from feedstocks that have dubious environmental benefits, or should it ensure that the sustainability criteria it sets genuinely achieve carbon reductions? Used cooking oil should be banned from UK planes.â
Virgin and other UK airlines say their SAF has been certified by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a scheme governed by a board that includes an executive from Air BP â one of Virginâs SAF suppliers.
ISCC has nonetheless taken some action over SAF mis-selling. It launched an investigation this year into âpotentially fraudulent behaviourâ involving biodiesel that had been declared as waste from Indonesia or Malaysia and then exported from China to Europe.
It also suspended the sustainability certification of three Chinese biofuel exporters and last month pledged to clamp down on fraud by implementing âa traceability database by the end of the yearâ.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told openDemocracy: âWith all SAF purchases, we require suppliers to comply with applicable sustainability standards. In respect of HEFA (Hydrogenated Esters and Fatty Acids) SAF, we ask suppliers to ensure that feedstocks do not contain palm oil or its derivatives.
âSAF is an emerging industry and we source feedstocks from regions around the world and ask that suppliers undertake robust due diligence to ensure there is no palm oil or derivatives.â
However, the Aviation Environment Federation says the aviation industryâs enthusiasm for SAF is obscuring the urgent need for genuinely sustainable solutions to aviation emissions, including development of zero emission aircraft and an overall reduction in flying.
Even if every drop of used cooking oil available globally were refined into jet fuel, there would only be enough to power about one in every 40 flights, according to estimates by sustainable fuel consultancy Cerulogy.
The aviation industry says it is developing alternative sources of sustainable aviation fuel, including ânon-edible industrial cornâ, âforestry residuesâ and household waste.
But a study in August by Manchester Metropolitan University challenged the industryâs claims that sustainable aviation fuel can drastically cut emissions.
It said: âThe scaling up of SAF to not only maintain but grow global aviation is problematic as it competes for land needed for nature-based carbon removal, clean energy that could more effectively decarbonise other sectors, and captured CO2 to be stored permanently. As such, SAF production undermines global goals of limiting warming to 1.5°C.â
Cait Hewitt, policy director of the Aviation Environment Federation, said one flight using 100% SAF âwill make no difference to the fact that only 2.6% of UK aviation fuel is anything other than kerosene. And globally, the figure is more like 0.1%.â
She said the industry and DfT were wrong to suggest that waste-based SAF could be scaled up sustainably.
âItâs a nice idea to make fuel out of rubbish, which is what the UK government and others are pushing for, but producing more rubbish to turn into plane fuel is pretty obviously not a sustainable long-term option.â
She also said it was misleading to claim, as the DfT has, that SAF cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 70%.
âEven using 100% SAF, as with the forthcoming Virgin Atlantic flight, reduces tailpipe emissions by 0% compared with using kerosene. Any CO2 savings will be net savings, just as with carbon offsets.â
She said the flight would not achieve any net CO2 savings unless Virgin and the DfT could demonstrate that more carbon had been captured than would have happened anyway.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: âOur sustainable aviation fuel programme is one of the most comprehensive in the world.
âWe require that the fuel used [for the 100% SAF flight] must meet the specified sustainability criteria. However, it is for the operator and their fuel suppliers to determine the exact nature of the fuel within these parameters. Fuel suppliers are subject to independently verified checks to confirm the authenticity of their materials.â
Written by Ben Webster for Open Democracy, read original article. Republished under the Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
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Forests offer climate protection and safeguard indigenous peoples, endangered animals and rare plants. Deforestation is a major threat. Boycott palm oil!
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Saolas are rare and considered Southeast Asiaâs âunicornsâ, this Critically Endangered antelope is facing imminent extinction due to hunting and deforestation
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Frill-necked lizard AKA frilled dragons are endangered in southern Papua New Guinea and Indonesian-occupied West Papua due to palm oil ecocide, take action!
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#airPollution #airlinefuel #aviation #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbon #Climate #climateChange #climatechange #corruption #deforestation #greenwashing #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #rainforest #SAF
"Sustainable" Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel alternative to using fossil fuels for powering planes and cars. SAF is being aggressively marketed by multiple...Palm Oil Detectives (YouTube)
Green Lie of âSustainableâ Aviation Biofuel
âSustainableâ Avaiation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel alternative to using fossil fuels for powering planes and cars. SAF is being aggressively marketed by multiple industries as a greener alternative to burning fossil fuels in cars and airplanes.However, SAF is produced from food crops such as rapeseed, palm oil, soy and sugar cane. This requires vast swathes of land to grow. This also means mass deforestation of land that is rich in biodiversity, putting at risk already threatened animals and plants and indigenous peoples all over the world. Emissions from palm oil-derived biodiesel are three times higher than fossil fuel diesel.âAccording to Transport & Environment EU food-based biodiesel leads to around 80% higher emissions than the fossil fuel diesel that it replaces. Read on to find out how you can take action.
DYK âSustainableâ Biofuel (#SAF) used in planes/cars is blatant #palmoil #greenwashing? đ€đ°đ©žđ„Emissions from palm-oil #biofuels are 3x higher than #fossilfuels. Say NO PALM OIL in your body and your car! #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-75Y
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Share to Twitter#Palmoil derived #biofuel is fuelling the #climatecrisis đ„đ©žđ°đ€ with #ecocide. Despite #greenwashing claims â one football field of destroyed rainforest powers only 2.4 cars for one year! Reject this insanity! #Boycottpalmoil đŽđȘđ§đâïž #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-75Y
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Originally published by Irish EVs as âBiofuel: A Greenwashing Battlegroundâ read the original article here.
Biofuel: A Greenwashing Battleground
Despite numerous independent studies demonstrating time and again that battery electric vehicles offer the only viable solution for the future of road transport â if we are to succeed in averting the worst outcomes of the Climate Crisis â myths about so-called âalternative fuelsâ persist.Those who have a vested interest in the oil industry and the associated infrastructure of pipelines and petrol stations have long been reluctant to commit to the switch to supporting battery electric vehicles, and as such have invested heavily in greenwashing and the development of new liquid fuels.
While we have covered the misleading greenwashing around the development of eFuels previously, today we take a look at the broader world of biofuels and highlight the many reasons why they offer no viable solution for the future and why their âgreenâ label must be dropped.
What is biofuel?
In its simplest form, a biofuel is produced from plant matter through man-made processes which are considerably quicker than the thousands of years that it takes for oil to naturally occur in the Earth.The first major challenge of biofuels â land requirements
Biofuels are produced from food crops such as rapeseed, palm oil, soy and sugar cane. They require vast swathes of land to grow, which requires either that land which was previously used to produce food for human consumption is set aside to produce fuel, or it requires the clearance of new land.The former increases food shortages and lowers levels of nutrition in the diets of the poorest people on the planet, while the latter requires that virgin forest and wetlands are destroyed in order to produce an inefficient form of fuel that barely compares to the efficiency of battery electric vehicles.
A 2008 study by The Nature Conservancy in Minneapolis, Minnesota found that for every 10,000 square metres of Brazilian rainforest cleared for growing soya to make biodiesel, over 700 tonnes of CO2 would be released.
As such, any carbon saving from the resulting biodiesel (compared to fossil fuel diesel) would take around 300 years of continual use in order to cancel out the climate impact of the rainforest destruction.
Even the most efficient liquid fuels pale in comparison to direct electrification. Furthermore, battery electric vehicles can be powered solely from renewable energy. Credit: Transport & Environment
To put these figures into context, it would take a field the size of a standard football pitch covered in crops to fuel just 2.4 cars over the course of one year. If that land were instead covered with solar panels, it would power 260 battery electric cars in one year.As of 2021, an area the size of the Netherlands (41,543 square kilometres) has been deforested around the world in order to support biofuel production over the past decade.
In fact, biodiesel current uses 44% of all vegetable oils consumed in Europe â oils that are perfectly good for human consumption.
âA field the size of a football pitch would produce enough biofuels for 2.4 cars per yearâ
The âGreen Miracleâ of Biofuel: In Reality a Greenwashing Lie
You donât have to look far to see various corporations claiming that biofuels are some âgreenâ miracle.From your local petrol station â where every petrol brand is at least 5% biofuel â to the sporting giant that is Formula 1, there are widespread claims that biofuels are the answer to the Climate Crisis.
The consumption of biodiesel has grown rapidly in the past decade, with palm oil and rapeseed accounting for the most common sources. Credit: Transport & Environment
In fact, a Formula 1 press release from 2019 states: âAs part of Formula 1âs ambitious sustainability strategy that targets a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030, biofuels will play a major part in the championship. [Biofuels] is a word that gets bandied about quite a lot, so we prefer to use the phrase âadvanced sustainable fuelsââ.
This is greenwashing in action.
As more and more people become aware of the enormous harm that biofuels can wreak on our ecological systems and our climate, they are rebranding them to sound more innocuous and advanced.
But how harmful are they for our climate and human health?
At present, around four in every five litres of biofuel sold in the EU is biodiesel, according to Transport & Environment. They also detail that, on average, EU food-based biodiesel leads to around 80% higher emissions than the fossil fuel diesel that it replaces.
As such the use of biofuels effectively increases the emissions from the road transport sector to the tune of an additional 12 million extra cars per year.Furthermore, emissions from palm oil-derived biodiesel are three times higher than fossil fuel diesel. This is a significant finding given that more than half of all palm oil imported into the EU is used to produce biodiesel, making drivers the biggest consumers of palm oil.
While many have boycotted foodstuffs that contain palm oil due to its huge environmental destruction, few are aware that such climate action is eclipsed if they drive a biodiesel-powered vehicle.
Beyond the emissions they create, palm oil-based biofuels have driven the clearance of more than 27 million hectares of the Earthâs surface â thatâs an area around the size of New Zealand which no longer supports any biodiversity.
âEmissions from palm oil-derived biodiesel are three times higher than fossil fuel dieselâ
Furthermore, the production of monocultures like palm oil dramatically increases the risk of pests and diseases in crops, making them considerably more likely to fail. Meanwhile, the production of palm oil is directly linked to the dramatic loss of endangered species such as orangutans, while more than 700 land conflicts in Indonesia alone have let to human rights violations on a daily basis.
Those who promote the consumption of these biofuels â and those who continue to use them â are ultimately responsible for consistent ecocide, human rights violations and the destruction of our planet.Closing The Loopholes
The rise in biofuel use has been led by the Renewable Energy Directive, which was introduced by the EU in 2010 with the aim of setting a 10% renewable energy target for the transport sector by 2020 for each member state. However, it has widely missed the mark, and even gone as far as further jeopardising our future.Laura Buffet, Energy Director at Transport & Environment, commented: âTen years of this âgreenâ fuel law and what have we got to show for it? Rampant deforestation, habitats wiped out and worse emissions than if we had used polluting diesel instead.â
âA policy that was supposed to save the planet is actually trashing it. We cannot afford another decade of this failed policy. We need to break the biofuels monopoly in renewable transport and put electricity at the centre of the Renewable Energy Directive instead.â
The consumption of biofuels in the Global North â and the destruction that they cause in the Global South â highlights the need for a just transition, where those who are least responsible for CO2 emissions will be worst affected by the Climate Crisis. Credit: Oxfam
While an updated Renewable Energy Directive was adopted in 2018, which includes legislation to reduce palm oil biodiesels, the EU is still only planning to slowly phase out biofuel consumption by 2030.This is far too late considering the ecological, climate and human impacts that these fuels have on a daily basis around the world.
It is clear that we need considerably more ambitious legislation to stamp out these fuels with immediate effect, and that the EU â and national governments â should focus on communicating the harm that they do, as well as communicating the clear efficiency gains afforded by battery electric vehicles.
That clear communication is essential to drive meaningful and informed climate action.
This is necessary to stem the worsening Climate Crisis that is already claiming lives and threatens to displace billions of people within our lifetime.
IrishEVs would encourage you to spread the word about biofuels, push back against the âgreenâ myth that they are being promoted under, and to boycott the consumption of these fuels if you do not already drive a battery electric vehicle.
Resolving the Climate Crisis will take action from us all, and time is running out.
Originally published by Irish EVs as âBiofuel: A Greenwashing Battlegroundâ read the original article here.
ENDS
Take Action! #Boycott4Wildlifeâs palm oil free revolution
- Sign this Rainforest Rescue Petition: âDonât trash the rainforest for âgreenâ jetfuelâ.
- Enjoy a home-cooked meal: Use your imagination: why not try almond-coconut-pear biscuits? Or pizza with potato and rosemary? A meal cooked from fresh ingredients beats processed foods containing palm oil every time. Oils such as sunflower, olive, rapeseed or flaxseed are ideal for cooking and baking. Here are some recipes to enjoy.
- Read labels: As of December 2014, labeling regulations in the EU require food products to clearly indicate that they contain palm oil. However, in the case of non-food items such as cosmetics and cleaning products, a wide range of chemical names may still be used to hide the use of palm oil. Find palm oil free alternatives for these products here.
- Remember that the customer is king: Do you have a favourite brand that uses palm oil? Write to product manufacturers and ask them why they arenât using domestic oils. Companies can be quite sensitive to issues that give their products a bad name, so inquiring with sales staff and contacting manufacturers can make a real difference. Public pressure and increased awareness of the problem have already prompted some producers to stop using palm oil.
- Sign petitions and write your elected representatives: Online campaigns put pressure on policymakers responsible for biofuels and palm oil imports.
- Speak out: Protest marches and creative action on the street raises public and media awareness of the issue of palm oil hidden on supermarket shelves and in petrol tanks. This turns up the heat on policymakers.
- Leave your car at home: Whenever you can, walk, ride a bicycle or use public transport.
- Be informed and inform others: Big Business and governments would like us to believe that biofuels are good for the climate and that palm oil plantations are âsustainableâ. Learn about the problems associated with palm oil on this website, which includes: human rights abuses, deforestation, greenwashing, animal extinction, air pollution and carbon emissions, human health impacts.
Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Western Parotias AKA Arfak Parotias are stunning bird-of-paradise of West Papua known for their mesmerising dances. Palm oil and mining ecocide are threats
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
Worldâs Wealthiest Drive Two Thirds of Global Warming Since 1990
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
Jaguars and Pumas Eat More Monkeys in Damaged Forests
In fragmented forests of Mexico, big cats find it hard to locate prey ungulates instead seeking tree-dwelling #monkeys â thatâs bad news for primates!
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Mountain Tapirs are the most threatened large mammals of the northern Andes, hunting, climate change and mining are threats, take action and boycott gold!Load more posts
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Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#airlinefuel #aviation #biofuel #biofuels #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbonemissions #Climate #climateChange #climatecrisis #corruption #deforestation #ecocide #fossilfuels #greenwashing #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #SAF
Climate crisis could displace 1.2bn people by 2050, report warns
Countries unable to withstand ecological threats among worldâs least peaceful, analysis findsJon Henley (the Guardian)
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GeÌneÌation Boum Boum
m.youtube.com/watch?v=_I3ZdQ8lâŠ
#environment #nature #climat #climate #climateCrisis #climateaction @environment @xrfrance @ExtinctionR #france #quebec #montreal #haiti #afrique #nature #biodiversity #climatechange #changementclimatique #mastodon #belgique #voyage #travel #culture #socialmedia @socialmedia @socialsciences @humanities #cdnpoli #europe #asie #tourism #tourisme #greenwashing
Provided to YouTube by DistroKidGénération Boum Boum · PlanÚte Boum Boum · Romain Caillard · Romain Caillard · Soundbox Mastering · HélÚne Martinelli · Marie...PlanÚte Boum Boum - Topic (YouTube)
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Maker of Cadbury, Belvita and other junk food: Mondelez uses âsustainableâ #palmoil from #RSPO, yet this #greenwashing does NOT STOP #deforestation and #extinction. Fight back in the supermarket #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife đŽđ€ąđ„đđđ« @palmoildetect wp.me/scFhgU-mondelez
"Claims that AI can help fix climate dismissed as greenwashing"
#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Greenwashing
theguardian.com/technology/202âŠ
Industry using âdiversionaryâ tactics, says analyst, as energy-hungry complex functions such as video generation and deep research proliferateAjit Niranjan (the Guardian)
Reiche jetzt deinen Kandidaten fĂŒr den Goldenen Geier ein und werde gegen Greenwashing aktiv!Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V.
Big Tech is fuelling a dirty AI boom, then hiding behind âAI for goodâ spin.
This is a new frontier of greenwashing.
AI wonât save the climate while data centres lock in more fossil fuels, water grabs and pollution. People power will.
Euronews article: euronews.com/next/2026/02/17/aâŠ
Report: beyondfossilfuels.org/2026/02/âŠ
#AI #greenwashing #tech
Only 26 percent of climate-related AI claims cite any academic papers, while 36 percent didnât cite any evidence at all, according to German non-profit Beyond Fossil Fuels.Anna Desmarais (euronews)
The educational materials distort how fossil fuel pollution has caused the climate emergency, new report finds.Ellen Ormesher (DeSmog)
Do the promises of âregenerative grazingâ hold up? Weâll look at the reality of public lands ranching in the Western US to separate myth from fact. đïž Join us Feb 21, 10AM for a deep dive with Erik Molvar!
âš Kick-off recording dropping soon!
âš Our founders speak TOMORROW morning!
RSVP & full series info: seedthecommons.org/regeneratioâŠ
#PublicLands #Conservation #RegenerativeAgriculture #Greenwashing #ClimateCrisis #EnvironmentalJustice
About our Series Our webinar series Regeneration: Lessons and Next Steps after the Peopleâs Summit Towards COP30 presents critical conversations on addressingSeed the Commons
Businesses Can Either Lead Transformative Change or Risk Extinction
Businesses Can Either Lead Transformative Change or Risk Extinction All Businesses Depend on and Impact Nature
"Business-as-usual Incentives are Driving Natureâs Decline
The loss of biodiversity is among the most serious threats to business
100+ Concrete Actions for Governments, Financial Actors & Civil Society"
"Every business depends on biodiversity, and every business impacts biodiversity. The growth of the global economy has been at the cost of immense biodiversity loss, which now poses a critical and pervasive systemic risk to the economy, financial stability and human wellbeing. This is a central finding of a landmark new report published today by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)."
âYet the twisted reality is that it often seems more profitable to businesses to degrade biodiversity than to protect it. Business as usual may once have seemed profitable in the short term, but impacts across multiple businesses can have cumulative effects, aggregating to global impacts, which can cross ecological tipping points. The Report shows that business as usual is not inevitable â with the right policies, as well as financial and cultural shifts, what is good for nature is also what is best for profitability. To get there, the Report offers tools for choosing more effective measurements and analysis.â
"The Report provides more than 100 specific examples of concrete actions that can be taken, across each of these five components, by businesses, governments, financial actors and civil society."
>>
ipbes.net/node/97532
#Biodiversity #life #habitability #Nature #degradation #loss #extractivism #IPBES #report #greenwashing #loggingImpacts #LobbyActivities #FossilFuelSubsidies #climate #BAU #risks #transformation
Summary for Policymakers, photos, âB-rollâ & media resources: https://bit.ly/IPBES12Media Media release also available in French: https://bit.ly/BBAMediaReleaseFR & Spanish: https://bit.ly/BBAMediaReleaseESIPBES secretariat
Despite decades of promises to end deforestation for palm oil Procter & Gamble or (P&G as they are also known) have continued sourcing palm oil that causes ecocide, indigenous landgrabbing,âŠPalm Oil Detectives
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#AlloTerra #écologie #biodiversité #budget2026 #pollution #plastique #recyclage #greenwashing #nature #résilience #actualité #twitch
News, animaux mims et suite NATURA TRAINING đ : Vocalisations chez les oiseaux đŠđ” | + Metazooa, sQuiz ? | !mnemolia !soutien !revueTwitch
đïž Mardi - 17H : Allo Terra đAu programme :
đ News, articles, reportages, enquĂȘtes⊠On dĂ©crypte les actus de l'Ă©cologie.#alloterra #actualitĂ© #news #ecologie #environnement #biodiversite
Rdv Ă 17H en live pour Allo Terra đïž !
Au programme :
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#AlloTerra #écologie #biodiversité #budget2026 #plastique #recyclage #greenwashing #nature #résilience @pogscience.bsky.social
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âSustainableâ Avaiation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel alternative to using fossil fuels for powering planes and cars. SAF is being aggressively marketed by multiple industries as a greener alternative to burning fossil fuels in cars and airplanes.However, SAF is produced from food crops such as rapeseed, palm oil, soy and sugar cane. This requires vast swathes of land to grow. This also means mass deforestation of land that is rich in biodiversity, putting at risk already threatened animals and plants and indigenous peoples all over the world. Emissions from palm oil-derived biodiesel are three times higher than fossil fuel diesel.âAccording to Transport & Environment EU food-based biodiesel leads to around 80% higher emissions than the fossil fuel diesel that it replaces. Read on to find out how you can take action.
DYK âSustainableâ Biofuel (#SAF) used in planes/cars is blatant #palmoil #greenwashing? đ€đ°đ©žđ„Emissions from palm-oil #biofuels are 3x higher than #fossilfuels. Say NO PALM OIL in your body and your car! #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-75Y
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#Palmoil derived #biofuel is fuelling the #climatecrisis đ„đ©žđ°đ€ with #ecocide. Despite #greenwashing claims â one football field of destroyed rainforest powers only 2.4 cars for one year! Reject this insanity! #Boycottpalmoil đŽđȘđ§đâïž #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-75Y
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Originally published by Irish EVs as âBiofuel: A Greenwashing Battlegroundâ read the original article here.
Despite numerous independent studies demonstrating time and again that battery electric vehicles offer the only viable solution for the future of road transport â if we are to succeed in averting the worst outcomes of the Climate Crisis â myths about so-called âalternative fuelsâ persist.
Those who have a vested interest in the oil industry and the associated infrastructure of pipelines and petrol stations have long been reluctant to commit to the switch to supporting battery electric vehicles, and as such have invested heavily in greenwashing and the development of new liquid fuels.
While we have covered the misleading greenwashing around the development of eFuels previously, today we take a look at the broader world of biofuels and highlight the many reasons why they offer no viable solution for the future and why their âgreenâ label must be dropped.
In its simplest form, a biofuel is produced from plant matter through man-made processes which are considerably quicker than the thousands of years that it takes for oil to naturally occur in the Earth.
Biofuels are produced from food crops such as rapeseed, palm oil, soy and sugar cane. They require vast swathes of land to grow, which requires either that land which was previously used to produce food for human consumption is set aside to produce fuel, or it requires the clearance of new land.
The former increases food shortages and lowers levels of nutrition in the diets of the poorest people on the planet, while the latter requires that virgin forest and wetlands are destroyed in order to produce an inefficient form of fuel that barely compares to the efficiency of battery electric vehicles.
A 2008 study by The Nature Conservancy in Minneapolis, Minnesota found that for every 10,000 square metres of Brazilian rainforest cleared for growing soya to make biodiesel, over 700 tonnes of CO2 would be released.
As such, any carbon saving from the resulting biodiesel (compared to fossil fuel diesel) would take around 300 years of continual use in order to cancel out the climate impact of the rainforest destruction.
To put these figures into context, it would take a field the size of a standard football pitch covered in crops to fuel just 2.4 cars over the course of one year. If that land were instead covered with solar panels, it would power 260 battery electric cars in one year.
As of 2021, an area the size of the Netherlands (41,543 square kilometres) has been deforested around the world in order to support biofuel production over the past decade.
In fact, biodiesel current uses 44% of all vegetable oils consumed in Europe â oils that are perfectly good for human consumption.
âA field the size of a football pitch would produce enough biofuels for 2.4 cars per yearâ
You donât have to look far to see various corporations claiming that biofuels are some âgreenâ miracle.
From your local petrol station â where every petrol brand is at least 5% biofuel â to the sporting giant that is Formula 1, there are widespread claims that biofuels are the answer to the Climate Crisis.
In fact, a Formula 1 press release from 2019 states: âAs part of Formula 1âs ambitious sustainability strategy that targets a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030, biofuels will play a major part in the championship. [Biofuels] is a word that gets bandied about quite a lot, so we prefer to use the phrase âadvanced sustainable fuelsââ.
This is greenwashing in action.
As more and more people become aware of the enormous harm that biofuels can wreak on our ecological systems and our climate, they are rebranding them to sound more innocuous and advanced.
But how harmful are they for our climate and human health?
At present, around four in every five litres of biofuel sold in the EU is biodiesel, according to Transport & Environment. They also detail that, on average, EU food-based biodiesel leads to around 80% higher emissions than the fossil fuel diesel that it replaces.
As such the use of biofuels effectively increases the emissions from the road transport sector to the tune of an additional 12 million extra cars per year.
Furthermore, emissions from palm oil-derived biodiesel are three times higher than fossil fuel diesel. This is a significant finding given that more than half of all palm oil imported into the EU is used to produce biodiesel, making drivers the biggest consumers of palm oil.
While many have boycotted foodstuffs that contain palm oil due to its huge environmental destruction, few are aware that such climate action is eclipsed if they drive a biodiesel-powered vehicle.
Beyond the emissions they create, palm oil-based biofuels have driven the clearance of more than 27 million hectares of the Earthâs surface â thatâs an area around the size of New Zealand which no longer supports any biodiversity.
âEmissions from palm oil-derived biodiesel are three times higher than fossil fuel dieselâ
Furthermore, the production of monocultures like palm oil dramatically increases the risk of pests and diseases in crops, making them considerably more likely to fail. Meanwhile, the production of palm oil is directly linked to the dramatic loss of endangered species such as orangutans, while more than 700 land conflicts in Indonesia alone have let to human rights violations on a daily basis.
Those who promote the consumption of these biofuels â and those who continue to use them â are ultimately responsible for consistent ecocide, human rights violations and the destruction of our planet.
The rise in biofuel use has been led by the Renewable Energy Directive, which was introduced by the EU in 2010 with the aim of setting a 10% renewable energy target for the transport sector by 2020 for each member state. However, it has widely missed the mark, and even gone as far as further jeopardising our future.
Laura Buffet, Energy Director at Transport & Environment, commented: âTen years of this âgreenâ fuel law and what have we got to show for it? Rampant deforestation, habitats wiped out and worse emissions than if we had used polluting diesel instead.â
âA policy that was supposed to save the planet is actually trashing it. We cannot afford another decade of this failed policy. We need to break the biofuels monopoly in renewable transport and put electricity at the centre of the Renewable Energy Directive instead.â
While an updated Renewable Energy Directive was adopted in 2018, which includes legislation to reduce palm oil biodiesels, the EU is still only planning to slowly phase out biofuel consumption by 2030.
This is far too late considering the ecological, climate and human impacts that these fuels have on a daily basis around the world.
It is clear that we need considerably more ambitious legislation to stamp out these fuels with immediate effect, and that the EU â and national governments â should focus on communicating the harm that they do, as well as communicating the clear efficiency gains afforded by battery electric vehicles.
That clear communication is essential to drive meaningful and informed climate action.
This is necessary to stem the worsening Climate Crisis that is already claiming lives and threatens to displace billions of people within our lifetime.
IrishEVs would encourage you to spread the word about biofuels, push back against the âgreenâ myth that they are being promoted under, and to boycott the consumption of these fuels if you do not already drive a battery electric vehicle.
Resolving the Climate Crisis will take action from us all, and time is running out.
Originally published by Irish EVs as âBiofuel: A Greenwashing Battlegroundâ read the original article here.
ENDS
Western Parotias AKA Arfak Parotias are stunning bird-of-paradise of West Papua known for their mesmerising dances. Palm oil and mining ecocide are threats
Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
In fragmented forests of Mexico, big cats find it hard to locate prey ungulates instead seeking tree-dwelling #monkeys â thatâs bad news for primates!
Mountain Tapirs are the most threatened large mammals of the northern Andes, hunting, climate change and mining are threats, take action and boycott gold!
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email address
Sign Up
Join 3,174 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#airlinefuel #aviation #biofuel #biofuels #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbonemissions #Climate #climateChange #climatecrisis #corruption #deforestation #ecocide #fossilfuels #greenwashing #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #SAF
Countries unable to withstand ecological threats among worldâs least peaceful, analysis findsJon Henley (the Guardian)
âSustainableâ Palm Oil No Different in Land Conflicts
New research published in the journal Political Geography reveals that there is no significant difference between RSPO-certified âsustainableâ palm oil companies and non-certified ones when it comes to handling land conflicts with rural communities in Indonesia. The study, titled âCorporate Contentious Politics: Palm Oil Companies and Land Conflicts in Indonesia,â highlights how both types of companies employ contentious tactics to deal with land disputes, challenging the perceived benefits of RSPO certification.New #research #study đ§ reveals âsustainableâ #palmoil isnât any better for workers. RSPO-certified and non-certified coâs in #Indonesia use violence and intimidation for #landgrabbing. Take action and #BoycottPalmOil â #humanrightsđŽđ« @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8IK
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Share to TwitterRegardless of RSPO âsustainableâ #palmoil or not, companies donât respect #landrights of farmers, finds a landmark #study into police/corporate collusion using #violence to suppress protest. #humanrights #BoycottPalmOil @palmoildetect @ward_berenschot wp.me/pcFhgU-8IK
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Share to TwitterBerenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.âŠ
Our study of trajectories of 150 such conflicts identifies a big gap between the policies that companies (and RSPO) publicly announce, and their on-the-ground practices. Many companies do not live up to their stated intent of respecting land rights and resolving grievances. Instead, companies implement various measures to limit the capacity of rural Indonesians to voice their grievances and realize their claims. This involves violent suppression of protests. This suppression is made possible by extensive collusion between company managers and local authorities and police officials â ensuring that local governments side with companies against villagers. The result is that demonstrations often end violently, and that the arrest and criminalization of protest leaders is common, effectively undermining the capacity of communities to protest. Despite corporate policies and pious public statements, we found that companies are actually quite hesitant to come to an agreement with communities, and tend to avoid or stall mediation efforts.
Key findings
- Systematic Strategies: The research documents 150 conflicts between palm oil companies and rural communities in four Indonesian provinces. It highlights how companies engage in conscious and strategic efforts to realise their claims to land, employing tactics such as co-opting local leaders, cultivating connections with local authorities, suppressing community protests, and criminalising protest leaders.
- Contentious Repertoire: Companies have been found to adopt a repertoire of contentious tactics, including providing gifts and inducements to local leaders, offering bribes to government officials and police, and using security personnel and hired goons to intimidate and suppress protests.
- Limited Legal Recourse for Communities: The study highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in Indonesia, where the lack of formal land titles and the curtailing of land rights by the state create a vulnerable position for locals. This environment allows palm oil companies to exploit informal networks and circumvent regulatory measures.
- RSPO Membership Impact: Surprisingly, the study found no significant differences in conflict behaviours between companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and those that are not. This suggests that the RSPOâs code of conduct has limited influence on reducing contentious tactics by its member companies.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" title="New Research Reveals: "Sustainable" Palm Oil No Different in Land Conflicts. Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" class="has-alt-description">
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" title="New Research Reveals: "Sustainable" Palm Oil No Different in Land Conflicts. Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" class="has-alt-description">
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" title="New Research Reveals: "Sustainable" Palm Oil No Different in Land Conflicts. Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" class="has-alt-description">
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" title="New Research Reveals: "Sustainable" Palm Oil No Different in Land Conflicts. Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" class="has-alt-description">
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" title="New Research Reveals: "Sustainable" Palm Oil No Different in Land Conflicts. Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" class="has-alt-description">
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" title="New Research Reveals: "Sustainable" Palm Oil No Different in Land Conflicts. Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" class="has-alt-description">
Research Implications
The authors, Ward Berenschot, Ahmad Dhiaulhaq, Otto Hospes, Afrizal, and Daniel Pranajaya, call for more comparative research on corporate contentious politics, particularly in regions with informalised state institutions. They argue that a contentious politics perspective provides valuable insights into the often-secretive tactics of corporations in land conflicts, challenging the benign image projected by CSR policies.Conclusion
This groundbreaking research reveals the dual-faced nature of palm oil companiesâ operations in Indonesia. While these companies publicly pledge to uphold high sustainability standards, their on-the-ground tactics often contradict these commitments, exacerbating land conflicts and community grievances. The study urges policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers to scrutinise corporate behaviour more closely and advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks to protect vulnerable communities.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" title="Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.103166" class="has-alt-description">Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.âŠ
twitter.com/ward_berenschot/stâŠ
Berenschot, W., Dhiaulhaq, A., Hospes, O., Afrizal, & Pranajaya, D. (2024). Corporate contentious politics: Palm oil companies and land conflicts in Indonesia. Political Geography, 114, 103166. doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2024.âŠ
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Read more about human rights abuses and child slavery in the palm oil industry
Indigenous Peoples Fight Climate Change
After wildfires, Belizeâs indigenous people rebuild stronger based on âseâ komonilâ: reciprocity, solidarity, gender equity, togetherness and community.
SOCFINâs African Empire of Colonial Oppression: Billionaires Profit from Palm Oil and Rubber Exploitation
Investigation by Bloomberg exposes that despite being RSPO members, #SOCFIN plantations in #WestAfrica are the epicentre of #humanrights abuses, sexual coercion, environmental destruction, and #landgrabbing. Operating in #Liberia, #Ghana, #Nigeria, and beyond, SOCFINâsâŠ
Palm Oil Threatens Ancient Noken Weaving in West Papua
Colonial palm oil and sugarcane causing the loss of West Papuansâ cultural identity. Land grabs force communities from forests, threatening Noken weaving
Family Ties Expose Deforestation and Rights Violations in Indonesian Palm Oil
An explosive report by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) details how Indonesiaâs Fangiono family, through a wide corporate web, is linked to ongoing #deforestation, #corruption, and #indigenousrights abuses for #palmoil. Calls mount forâŠ
West Papuan Indigenous Women Fight Land Seizures
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOilLoad more posts
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Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
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twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
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#BoycottPalmOil #BoycottPalmOil #childLabour #childSlavery #humanRights #HumanRights #indigenousRights #Indonesia #landRights #landgrabbing #landrights #PalmOil #palmoil #research #slavery #study #violence
New Research Reveals: "Sustainable" Palm Oil No Different in Land Conflicts
New research published in the journal Political Geography reveals that there is no significant difference between RSPO-certified "sustainable" palm oil compa...Palm Oil Detectives (YouTube)
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Three critically endangered African Grey parrots were seized in Norway in 2019 after being illegally smuggled and they were later euthanised. These intelligent birds had potentially 60 years of life to live and the massive tragedy is â they knew that they were going to die!Generally, international wildlife trade is not forbidden. Rather, it is regulated through CITES an international treaty to prevent illegal trade in wild animals. The industry is worth billions. The treaty needs a radical overhaul writes Professor Ragnhild Sollund for 360Info.
The legal trade is largely to blame for African grey parrots becoming endangered: parrots make popular pets due to their intelligence and sociability, so they have become âover exploitedâ. Help fight illegal wildlife trade and #Boycott4Wildlife
The tragedy of dead African grey #parrots highlights the need to overhaul #CITES a weak treaty which facilitates rather than stops #wildlife trade #extinction by Prof Ragnild Sollund for @360info_global #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife via @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-78q
âA #ban on #wildlife #trade would be easier to enforce than the current market, where some trade is legal, some illegal, and which offers ample possibilities for #fraud #corruption Story: @360info_global #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-78q
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą. Written by Professor Ragnhild Sollund. Read the original here.
In November 2019, three African grey parrot chicks (Psittacus erithacus) were seized at Oslo airport by customs inspectors. As endangered species, they did not have the required permits to be transported to Norway. During the month that officials contemplated what should happen to the birds, they were hand reared by veterinarians. Then the decision was made: euthanasia.
These highly intelligent birds had a potential 60-year life ahead of them; a life that was abruptly concluded in the hands of the vet. âI have euthanised many animals, but I cried when I euthanised these birds,â she said. âThey understood⊠[And I did] not want to work as the Norwegian environment agencyâs executioner of endangered species.â
In Norway, this was the standard outcome for illegally traded animals that are listed in CITES, the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. On March 3, International Wildlife Day, it highlights why addressing the wildlife trade, its regulation and enforcement, is urgent.
Generally, international wildlife trade is not forbidden. Rather, it is regulated through CITES. The legal trade is largely to blame for African grey parrots becoming endangered: parrots make popular pets due to their intelligence and sociability, so they have become âover exploitedâ, meaning the trade endangers the survival of the species. But the concept of over exploitation fails to cover the individual suffering or death of the animals involved in the trade. In view of species justice, any exploitation may be too much.
CITES entered into force in 1975. Eighty-four parties have signed the convention, including the European Union as one party. Each country must have a management authority, and all countries are obliged to submit annual reports to the CITES secretariat.
Animals are listed on three appendices of CITES, according to how endangered they are. The African grey is listed on appendix I as threatened with extinction. It was moved from appendix II in 2016, since trade in them was no longer deemed âsustainableâ. Currently 5,950 species of animals and 32,800 species of plants are listed across all three appendices.
CITES has been criticised for being an overly human-centred convention. It fails to take into consideration the fact that animals are sentient beings with capacity to suffer who have interest in living their lives in their natural habitats, free from human inflicted harm.
Instead, CITES frames wildlife species, whether plants or animals, as resources that are available for humans to exploit, until exploitation reaches a level that threatens the survival of a species. According to this logic, one individual can easily be disposed of and replaced by another; an individualâs intrinsic value is not recognised.
CITES has been criticised for not functioning even within its own parameters. For example, many parties to CITES never submit the required annual reports, and much trade is never recorded. And many species become threatened and go extinct from trade without ever being listed on the CITES appendices. For example, there are 10,247 known reptile species in the world, but only 8 percent of the reptile trade is regulated through CITES. Newly discovered species can be swiftly exploited, and 79 percent of traded species are not subject to CITES regulation.
According to CITES records, a staggering 2 million mammals, 5 million birds, 41 million reptiles, half a million amphibians, and 6 million fish were traded legally between 2011-2022.
Animals are used for medicinal purposes (often with no effect), fashion, as game hunting trophies, pets and as high-status food items.
Advocacy group Traffic estimates the economic value of legal wildlife trade including plants, at approximately US$323 billion. One important reason for the foundation of CITES was to secure the economic gains of wildlife trade for biodiverse, but poor countries in the global South.
Wildlife trade can be viewed as transnational, global, organised state corporate harm.
Given the general failure of CITES to protect animals from harm and species from extinction, there have been many calls to remodel the agreement. The logic behind CITES implies that the harms of wildlife trade shall continue relentlessly, with new individuals abducted, killed or in other ways exploited in a âsustainableâ way for human benefit.
A better CITES would be based around animal protection. Wild animals should have rights not to be exploited as pets, killed for their flesh or skin, teeth or whiskers, tusks, horns, or used for entertainment in zoos, circuses and aqua parks. CITES could rather become an instrument promoting justice both for nature, humans and animals.
One way to do this would be to transform it from a trade convention to an aid convention. The convention could be reformulated to promote species conservation and the protection of individualsâ and speciesâ rights.
CITES could then become an instrument to funnel economic resources from rich economies in the North to poor economies in the South, if their national budgets partly rely on wildlife trade. Aid, distributed by an accountable secretariat, could be conditional on the ways in which the recipients succeed in protecting the natural environment and its inhabitants.
This system is already in place when it comes to the protection of rainforest: Norway and Germany contribute significantly to the protection of rainforest in places such as Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador through the UN; the amount of economic resources allocated from Norway to these countries depends on how much rainforest is spared from logging and emissions reduced.
A ban on the trade in wild animals would be easier to enforce than the current murky market, in which some trade is legal, other parts illegal, and which demands significant skills by law enforcement officers and offers ample possibilities for fraud.
Ragnhild Sollund is professor at the Department of Criminology and Sociology of Law at the University of Oslo, where she has done research into the wildlife trade for 12 years. She is currently leading the research project: Criminal Justice, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Rights in the Anthropocene, which studies the implementation and enforcement of two nature conventions: CITES; and the Bern convention that protects wild animals and their habitats in Europe, in Norway, The United Kingdom, Spain and Germany. Her research is funded by Norwegian Research Council.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360infoâą. Written by Professor Ragnhild Sollund. Read the original here.
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Discover the environmental and social issues caused by palm oil production. Learn about its impacts on wildlife, indigenous communities, and how to take action with Palm Oil DetectivesPalm Oil Detectives
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Around 800 million people in our world go hungry each day. Yet around the globe we have enough food to go around. So why the discrepancy? Market concentration and corporate monopoly of our global food system means that corporate giants control everything from access to seeds, access to land, #workersrights, #greenwashing and wages. Mergers and acquisitions take place at all stages of the global food system â from seeds and fertilisers to machinery and manufacturing. This is what contributes to bad health outcomes and food inequality. Learn how you can boycott big brands causing the corporate crush and other solutions. #Boycott4Wildlife
Corporate control over global food #supplychain harms us all, causes #hunger, #food #poverty. Learn about #corporate power grabs behind seemingly innocuous #supermarket items. Reject the system đ„© đ„đŽđ« #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8UV
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Written by Liam Keenan, Assistant Professor in Economic Geography, University of Nottingham; Dariusz Wojcik, Professor of Financial Geography, National University of Singapore, and Timothy Monteath, Assistant Professor, University of Warwick. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Across the world, over 800 million people spend their days hungry. More than 2 billion have limited access to food. Yet todayâs global food system produces enough to feed every person on the planet.
This imbalanced situation can be explained in part by the effects of things like natural disasters, war, fragile supply chains and economic inequality. These are all significant factors which highlight the problems of a truly global food system, where shocks spread quickly from one place to another with sometimes devastating results.
But they do not provide the full picture and cannot fully explain the rise of ultra-processed foods, the financial difficulties facing farmers, or why the world has failed to address the harmful environmental impacts of food production.
To account for these trends, we need to look at market concentration, and how a small number of very big companies have come to dominate the production, greenwashing and supply of the food we all eat.
For the global food system has become much more concentrated in recent years, partly through an increase in mergers and acquisitions, where large firms buy up rival companies until they completely dominate key areas.
High levels of market concentration mean less transparency, weaker competition, and more power in the hands of fewer firms. And our research reveals that a rise in the number of mergers and acquisitions is taking place at all stages of the global food system â from seeds and fertilisers to machinery and manufacturing.
This is all part of food being increasingly seen as a source not only of human sustenance, but as a profitable investment â or what is known as the âfinancialisation of foodâ.
And while people have been buying and selling food for a very long time, the global system has seen a major incursion of big finance in recent decades. Pension funds, private equity and asset management firms have invested heavily in the sector.
The logic is simple. Everybody needs food, so the sector promises safe and potentially lucrative returns.
But feeding the world while looking after the planet costs money, and unfortunately, big financial actors are all about the bottom line. They aim to maximise returns, provide value to shareholders, and meet the expectations of markets.
This makes mergers and acquisitions an attractive business proposition. Why make risky, long-term investments in sustainable food solutions, when you can buy your competitor, increase your market share, and potentially make a lot of money in the process? By boosting share prices and removing competition, buy-outs have been used widely throughout the global food system as an easier way to achieve further growth.
This has resulted in more concentration and fewer, more powerful firms. One report revealed that just four firms control 44% of the global farm machinery market, two companies control 40% of the global seed market, and four businesses control 62% of the global agrochemicals market. This trend is matched in food retail, with four firms â Tesco, Sainsburyâs, Asda, and Morrisons â estimated to control over 64% of the UK grocery market.
This level of concentration and power affects everyone. It means less bargaining power for farmers, who are forced to negotiate with powerful conglomerates. Workers across key stages of the global food sector face downward pressures on wages, rights, and conditions. Local communities lose autonomy over how their land is cultivated and how the rewards are distributed.
And the negative effects are not limited to those working in food.
Fewer firms and less transparency can lead to higher prices. And research on Europe has shown that places with higher food market concentration, including the UK and Germany, sell more ultra-processed food.
The global food system also plays a big part in climate change. Too much corporate power limits the opportunities for communities to tackle environmental issues, and move towards sustainable provision of healthy food for everyone by producing more food themselves.
With so much at stake, improved regulation should surely be on the menu. Our research revealed the majority of food system mergers and acquisitions take place between firms of the same nationality. This could provide an opportunity for governments to prevent further market concentration within their borders â and even to seek to dilute what already exists.
International arrangements are more complicated, and would require a coordinated, international approach. However, this may prove difficult given the first-ever UN âfood systems summitâ in 2021 remained âstrategically silentâ on the issue.
We believe market concentration must become a defining feature of food system reform. To address climate change, provide a fair deal for workers, and eradicate hunger, we need power to be less corporate â for the benefit of the entire global community.
Written by Liam Keenan, Assistant Professor in Economic Geography, University of Nottingham; Dariusz Wojcik, Professor of Financial Geography, National University of Singapore, and Timothy Monteath, Assistant Professor, University of Warwick. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Western Parotias AKA Arfak Parotias are stunning bird-of-paradise of West Papua known for their mesmerising dances. Palm oil and mining ecocide are threats
Global Witness report finds JBS, the worldâs largest meat company, is directly linked to deforestation in the Amazon and Pantanal putting jaguars at risk
Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
In fragmented forests of Mexico, big cats find it hard to locate prey ungulates instead seeking tree-dwelling #monkeys â thatâs bad news for primates!
Mountain Tapirs are the most threatened large mammals of the northern Andes, hunting, climate change and mining are threats, take action and boycott gold!
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #corporate #diet #food #greenwashing #health #humanHealth #hunger #industrialAgriculture #meatAgriculture #meatAndSoyDeforestationInBrazil #nutrition #PalmOil #plantBasedDiet #poverty #saturatedFats #soyDeforestation #supermarket #supplyChain #supplychain #WorkersRights
Exclusive: FoI request reveals fears many would sell up if they saw assessment of post-Brexit farming payments schemeHelena Horton (the Guardian)
Deforestation-driven Climate Change and Natural Disasters
Deforestation in Indonesia is worsening the impact of severe weather events such as floods and landslides, as seen in West Sumatra in March 2024. Environmental groups cite deforestation and environmental degradation as key factors in intensifying natural disasters. Indonesiaâs rainforests, crucial for biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods, have been heavily logged for palm oil, paper, and mining. Despite government efforts to slow deforestation, including a palm oil permit freeze, illegal logging and large-scale developments continue to threaten forest areas. Experts warn that more equable land planning is needed to mitigate future disasters. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife#Palmoil đŽ #nickel đ§ș and #paper đ° #deforestation in #Indonesia đźđ© has accelerated the frequency and severity of extreme weather: #floods and #landslides as seen in #Sumatra. Fight back and #BoycottPalmOil đŽđ„âïž #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2024/11/âŠ
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Share to Twitter#Climatechange âïž and #deforestation đ„đ„ in #Indonesia đźđ© is being driven to a point of no return say experts, citing massive #forest loss for #palmoil đŽâïž and #nickel #mining. Take action when you #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2024/11/âŠ
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Share to TwitterWritten by Victoria Milko. Originally published by Associated Press, 30 March, 2024. Original title: âIn Indonesia, deforestation is intensifying disasters from severe weather and climate changeâ. Excerpt published, read the original article.
The shelves in supermarkets and stores are full of certified products. The packaging displays different labels indicating products were made with âsustainableâ paper or wood, food or cosmetic products made with âsustainableâ palm oil, âresponsibleâ soybeans and so on and so forth.
In Jakarta Indonesia, roads turned to murky brown rivers, homes were swept away by strong currents and bodies were pulled from mud during deadly flash floods and landslides after torrential rains hit West Sumatra in early March, marking one of the latest deadly natural disasters in Indonesia.
Government officials blamed the floods on heavy rainfall, but environmental groups have cited the disaster as the latest example of deforestation and environmental degradation intensifying the effects of severe weather across Indonesia.âThis disaster occurred not only because of extreme weather factors, but because of the ecological crisis,â Indonesian environmental rights group Indonesian Forum for the Environment wrote in a statement. âIf the environment continues to be ignored, then we will continue to reap ecological disasters.â
A vast tropical archipelago stretching across the equator, Indonesia is home to the worldâs third-largest rainforest, with a variety of endangered wildlife and plants, including orangutans, elephants, giant and blooming forest flowers. Some live nowhere else.For generations the forests have also provided livelihoods, food, and medicine while playing a central role in cultural practices for millions of Indigenous residents in Indonesia.
Since 1950, more than 74 million hectares (285,715 square miles) of Indonesian rainforest â an area twice the size of Germany â have been logged, burned or degraded for development of palm oil, paper and rubber plantations, mining and other commodities according to Global Forest Watch.
Indonesia is the biggest producer of palm oil, one of the largest exporters of coal and a top producer of pulp for paper. It also exports oil and gas, rubber, tin and other resources. And it also has the worldâs largest reserves of nickel â a critical material for electric vehicles, solar panels and other goods needed for the green energy transition.
Indonesia has consistently ranked as one of the largest global emitters of plant-warming greenhouse gases, with its emissions stemming from the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and peatland fires, according to the Global Carbon Project.Read the remainder of the article on AP
Written by Victoria Milko. Originally published by Associated Press, 30 March, 2024. Original title: âIn Indonesia, deforestation is intensifying disasters from severe weather and climate changeâ. Excerpt published, read the original article.
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Read more about human rights abuses and child slavery in the palm oil industry
Indigenous Peoples Fight Climate Change
After wildfires, Belizeâs indigenous people rebuild stronger based on âseâ komonilâ: reciprocity, solidarity, gender equity, togetherness and community.
SOCFINâs African Empire of Colonial Oppression: Billionaires Profit from Palm Oil and Rubber Exploitation
Investigation by Bloomberg exposes that despite being RSPO members, #SOCFIN plantations in #WestAfrica are the epicentre of #humanrights abuses, sexual coercion, environmental destruction, and #landgrabbing. Operating in #Liberia, #Ghana, #Nigeria, and beyond, SOCFINâsâŠ
Palm Oil Threatens Ancient Noken Weaving in West Papua
Colonial palm oil and sugarcane causing the loss of West Papuansâ cultural identity. Land grabs force communities from forests, threatening Noken weaving
Family Ties Expose Deforestation and Rights Violations in Indonesian Palm Oil
An explosive report by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) details how Indonesiaâs Fangiono family, through a wide corporate web, is linked to ongoing #deforestation, #corruption, and #indigenousrights abuses for #palmoil. Calls mount forâŠ
West Papuan Indigenous Women Fight Land Seizures
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOilLoad more posts
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Join 3,174 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #climateChange #ClimateAction #climatechange #climatecrisis #ClimateEmergency #deforestation #floods #Forest #Indonesia #landslides #mining #nickel #palmoil #paper #Sumatra
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Global Canopyâs Forest 500 report reveals that 150 of the worldâs largest financial institutions invested nearly $9 trillion in deforestation-linked industries during 2024, with six out of ten firms lacking any public deforestation policies. The analysis tracked $8.9 trillion in direct and indirect financial support for 500 companies exposed to forest-risk commodities including palm oil, soy, beef, cocoa, and timber, with $864 billion going to businesses making no public commitments against deforestation. Financial titans Vanguard, BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase alone accounted for more than one-fifth of total funding at $1.6 trillion. The EUâs upcoming Deforestation Regulation #EUDR will ban imports of products linked to forest destruction from December 30, potentially locking out companies without robust policies. Urgent action needed to redirect finance away from forest destruction and toward Indigenous-led forest protection. Support a strong and strict EUDR to safeguard forests, be vegan and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
đ°â ïž $8.9 TRILLION funds deforestation! BlackRock, Vanguard, JPMorgan lead with $1.6T funding #palmoil, #soy and #meat #deforestation đŽđ„ Support the #EUDR ban Dec 30 âïž #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2025/12/âŠ
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Sustainable Times. (2024). Global finance giants under fire for fueling an $8.9 trillion âdeforestation economyâ in 2024. Sustainable Times. sustainabletimes.co.uk/post/glâŠ
The worldâs largest financial institutions Vanguard, BlackRock, and JPMorgan Chase are bankrolling a massive $8.9 trillion deforestation economy whilst offering minimal safeguards against forest destruction, according to explosive new research that exposes the banking sectorâs complicity in global environmental destruction.
Global Canopyâs comprehensive Forest 500 report tracked investments from 150 of the planetâs biggest financial institutions throughout 2024, revealing systematic funding of industries driving tropical rainforest annihilation across palm oil, soy, beef and timber sectors. The scale of financial exposure proves staggering, with institutions providing $8.9 trillion in direct and indirect support for 500 companies engaged in forest-risk commodities.
The research exposed catastrophic policy failures across the financial sector. Six out of ten institutions reviewed maintain no publicly stated deforestation policies whatsoever, representing only marginal improvement from the previous year when two-thirds lacked such protections. Even more alarming, fewer than four in ten financial giants openly acknowledge that deforestation poses business risks to their portfolios.
Three financial behemoths dominate the destruction economy. Vanguard, BlackRock, and JPMorgan Chase âalone were responsible for more than one-fifth of the totalâ funding, collectively channelling $1.6 trillion toward forest-risk industries. Their enormous market influence means policy changes from these titans âcould trigger rapid change across the global financial system,â according to Global Canopy analysts.
The geographic concentration of destruction finance reveals systematic patterns. Beyond the United States, âChina and France also emerged as central hubs of financial flows into deforestation-linked industries.â This concentration demonstrates how relatively few financial centres drive global forest destruction through investment decisions.
Perhaps most damning, nearly $864 billion flowed directly to companies making zero public commitments against deforestation. This represents âalmost one in every ten dollarsâ of total financing going to businesses with no safeguards protecting tropical forests from destruction for palm oil plantations, cattle ranches, or soy cultivation.
Global Canopy researchers emphasised the sectorâs transformative potential, stating: âUnless financial institutions engage portfolio companies to act on deforestation risk â for instance, through strong stewardship of investee companies â their financing activities will undermine the positive impact of any transition finance they provide.â However, they noted these âfinancial heavyweights could use their investment strategies to drive better practice and transform commodity supply chains for the better.â
The European Unionâs new Deforestation Regulation dramatically increases pressure on financial institutions to implement robust policies. Beginning December 30, the EU âwill ban large businesses from importing beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, natural rubber, soy, or wood if these products are linked to deforestation.â The ban will eventually extend to smaller businesses, creating comprehensive market exclusions for forest-destructive products.
This regulatory shift creates urgent risks for financial institutions backing non-compliant companies. âWithout robust policies, they will find themselves backing companies that are locked out of key markets,â the report warns. Financial institutions face the prospect of massive portfolio devaluations as their investee companies lose access to lucrative European markets.
A handful of progressive institutions demonstrate viable alternatives. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, Deutsche Bank, and Lloyds Banking Group represent âthe only institutions shown to be screening and monitoring all the highest-risk commodities.â Their comprehensive approaches âprovide a blueprint for others to followâ in developing effective deforestation policies.
Global Canopy outlined essential components for credible deforestation policies extending âwell beyond a vague pledge.â Effective policies require âclear standards for screening clients and portfolio holdings, active engagement to bring non-compliant firms into line, and strict deadlines for divestment if companies fail to improve.â Additionally, institutions must maintain âtransparent reporting of progress and commitments to human rights safeguards.â
The analysis examined nine critical forest-risk commodities: âbeef, cocoa, coffee, leather, palm oil, pulp and paper, soy, rubber, and timber.â Each sector drives habitat destruction threatening wildlife populations whilst displacing Indigenous communities dependent on intact forests for survival.
The report concludes that financial institutions possess âimmense influence over whether deforestation is curbed or allowed to spiral further out of control.â Current investment patterns tell âa troubling story, but with the right commitments, banks and investment firms could become powerful drivers of changeâ toward forest protection rather than destruction.
Sustainable Times. (2024). Global finance giants under fire for fueling an $8.9 trillion âdeforestation economyâ in 2024. Sustainable Times. sustainabletimes.co.uk/post/glâŠ
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Titan Arum AKA âCorpse Flowersâ is famous for its repulsive meat smell. Palm oil agriculture is a massive threat to these rare stinky plants. Take action!
Western Parotias AKA Arfak Parotias are stunning bird-of-paradise of West Papua known for their mesmerising dances. Palm oil and mining ecocide are threats
Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
In fragmented forests of Mexico, big cats find it hard to locate prey ungulates instead seeking tree-dwelling #monkeys â thatâs bad news for primates!
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#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #corruption #crime #deforestation #ecocide #ecolabel #EUDR #greenwashing #meat #meatAgriculture #meatAndSoyDeforestationInBrazil #News #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #soy
Global Canopy's Forest 500 report reveals that 150 of the world's largest financial institutions invested nearly $9 trillion in deforestation-linked industri...Palm Oil Detectives (YouTube)
The Great Malaysian Timber and Palm Oil Swindle
A joint investigation by Malaysiakini and Pulitzer Centerâs Rainforest Investigations Network (RIN) reveals alarming deforestation in Pahang, #Malaysia, caused by one of the countryâs largest #palmoil plantations. The plantation threatens endangered species like #tigers and pollutes local water supplies. It has been described as âthe worst-managed oil palm plantation in Malaysia.â Palm oil yields are low, while the #deforestation is chaotic, leaving the land barren and overrun with #elephants. The report highlights links between developers and political or royal ownership and rampant corruption and strongly pushes for more transparency, improved government oversight and regulatory enforcement. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife#News: đŽđČđŸ Malaysiakini and Pulitzer investigation in #Malaysia: #Pahangâs badly managed #palmoil threatens endangered #tigers #elephants, disrupts villages. Rife with #corruption at highest level. #BoycottPalmOil đŽâ ïžâïž#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-9GZ
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Share to TwitterGIJN. (2024, December 20). Timber grab: The truth behind Pahang oil palm plantation. Global Investigative Journalism Network. Retrieved from gijn.org/stories/2024-editors-âŠ
An investigation by Malaysiakini, in collaboration with the Pulitzer Centerâs Rainforest Investigations Network, has exposed the dire environmental and social impacts of one of Malaysiaâs largest oil palm plantations in Pahang. Located near an environmentally protected area, the plantationâs operations have resulted in chaotic deforestation, disrupted water supplies, and threats to endangered wildlife, including tigers.
The plantation, described by an environmental consultant as âthe worst-managed oil palm plantation in Malaysia,â has low palm oil yields and barren landscapes overrun with elephants. Developers often cite âwildlife conflictâ to justify failures, shifting focus to logging valuable timber instead of sustainable plantation development.
Malaysiakiniâs investigation also shed light on troubling links between plantation developers and political or royal interests, with 95% of the land developed by such entities. In December, the investigative team revealed that prominent banks provided large loans to plantation developers despite repeated project failures, questioning the banksâ credibility and oversight practices.
The investigation calls on the Malaysian government to tighten plantation approval processes and enforce environmental protections to prevent further harm to biodiversity and local communities.
For detailed insights, read the full Malaysiakini report via GIJN.
GIJN. (2024, December 20). Timber grab: The truth behind Pahang oil palm plantation. Global Investigative Journalism Network. Retrieved from gijn.org/stories/2024-editors-âŠ
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Read more about human rights abuses and child slavery in the palm oil industry
Indigenous Peoples Fight Climate Change
After wildfires, Belizeâs indigenous people rebuild stronger based on âseâ komonilâ: reciprocity, solidarity, gender equity, togetherness and community.
SOCFINâs African Empire of Colonial Oppression: Billionaires Profit from Palm Oil and Rubber Exploitation
Investigation by Bloomberg exposes that despite being RSPO members, #SOCFIN plantations in #WestAfrica are the epicentre of #humanrights abuses, sexual coercion, environmental destruction, and #landgrabbing. Operating in #Liberia, #Ghana, #Nigeria, and beyond, SOCFINâsâŠ
Palm Oil Threatens Ancient Noken Weaving in West Papua
Colonial palm oil and sugarcane causing the loss of West Papuansâ cultural identity. Land grabs force communities from forests, threatening Noken weaving
Family Ties Expose Deforestation and Rights Violations in Indonesian Palm Oil
An explosive report by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) details how Indonesiaâs Fangiono family, through a wide corporate web, is linked to ongoing #deforestation, #corruption, and #indigenousrights abuses for #palmoil. Calls mount forâŠ
West Papuan Indigenous Women Fight Land Seizures
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOilLoad more posts
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Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbonCredits #childLabour #childSlavery #corruption #deforestation #elephants #humanRights #indigenousRights #landRights #landgrabbing #Malaysia #News #PalmOil #palmoil #plywood #slavery #supplyChain #supplychain #tigers #wood
West Papuan Indigenous Women Fight Land Seizures
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOilPalm Oil Detectives
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The huge danger of commodifying forests and seeing them as merely an âinvestmentâ to be bought and sold as âcarbon creditsâ has many loopholes that deny indigenous sovereignty, social and economic outcomes of communities and pose grave extinction risks to wild animals and plants. Take action when you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
The huge danger of commodifying #forests đż đ„ and seeing them as merely an âinvestmentâ, denies #indigenous sovereignty, social and economic outcomes of communities and #extinction risks. #humanrights đŽâïž #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-92u
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âCarbon creditsâ turn #forest đłđ„ ecosystems into investments but deny #indigenous communities their rights and are often blatant #greenwashing. Use your wallet as a weapon and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #landrights @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-92u
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Written by Constance McDermott, Senior Fellow in Forest Governance and Leader of Ecosystems Governance Group, University of Oxford; Eric Kumeh Mensah, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Oxford, and Mark Hirons, Environmental Social Science Research Fellow, University of Oxford. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Forests are great carbon sinks â they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. Globally, forests remove nearly all of the two billion tonnes of carbon dioxide that is currently being removed from the atmosphere every year.
These days, companies can buy âcarbon creditsâ for the carbon that is stored in living forests and offset this against their own greenhouse gas emissions. International financiers estimate that by 2050, Africa could be selling US$1.5 trillion in carbon credits per year, mainly from its forests. Environmental social scientists Constance L. McDermott, Eric Mensah Kumeh and Mark Hirons are co-authors of a report on global forest governance for the International Union of Forest Research Organisations. They have found that buying and selling forest carbon as a commodity is dangerous if it is prioritised over the other environmental and social uses of forests. It could even result in environmental damage and the displacement of forest-dependent people.
All living things contain carbon, and are considered carbon sinks when they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. Many ecosystems serve as carbon sinks, but forests have a large biomass (wood and twigs and leaves on the forest floor). This makes them a very important sink from a climate perspective.
The carbon that trees capture is sequestered (stored) in their wood, leaves or needles, and roots. When forests are cut down or burned, their stored carbon is released into the atmosphere and becomes a source of carbon emissions rather than a sink. Forest carbon sinks can be conserved by leaving live trees standing, or created and enhanced by planting or natural regeneration of trees.
Forests support and regulate soil, water and nutrient flows, and provide habitat for the majority of the worldâs species that live on land. They provide people with food, fuel, fibre, medicine and other products.
They are important to the cultural survival and well-being of many communities. In Africa alone, an estimated 245 million people live within five kilometres of a forest, and many of these people rely directly on forests for their livelihoods.
Our research found that forests are increasingly being managed as carbon sinks, and the carbon they store treated as a commodity that can be internationally traded. Carbon markets allow businesses and governments to earn credits by paying for forests that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is cheaper than reducing their own emissions. This is part of what we call the climatisation of forests.
Governing forests only as carbon sinks can promote âgreen grabsâ where non-forested land, such as grasslands, used by communities for farming and other activities, is taken from the community and used by wealthy companies or governments to plant large tracts of trees to store carbon. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, is being targeted as a readily available and inexpensive location for one million hectares of forest restoration and tree plantations.
This is especially threatening for people who do not have secure rights to the forests and land they depend on. These communities can even be restricted or banned from entering the forest. Research has found that forest-dependent communities are rarely given power to address their own priorities in forest carbon sink schemes. This can cause conflict locally and weaken local democracy.
Letâs take the example of the Mai-Ndombe forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which supports about 100,000 people in 23 villages. Activities in the Mai-Ndombe under the global Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) climate change mechanism have focused on changing the practices of local forest-dependent communities away from cutting trees for artisanal logging or firewood collection. These communities have also been told not to continue with traditional methods of shifting cultivation (where parts of a forest are temporarily cleared to grow food crops without deforesting the area permanently).
Yet in Mai-Ndombe and the Democratic Republic of Congoâs other forests, land is already allocated to companies for timber (mainly for the export market), for mining, and increasingly for forest carbon sequestration. The result is that large companies continue to extract major economic benefits from forests in ways that exclude local communities.
Ghanaâs Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme is another example. In a bid to reduce deforestation and increase forest carbon stocks, the government of Ghana pays farmers and local communities to not plant cocoa crops in forested areas and to grow shade trees on their cocoa farms.
These efforts to share benefits locally are very important. However, asking farmers to plant or conserve trees does not address the fact that farmers are not earning a living income from selling cocoa.
Ghanaâs cocoa farmers receive less than 7.5% of the value of a chocolate bar sold in international markets, and they suffer from food insecurity and increasing crop failures due to climate change. They do not have legal rights to the native trees that regenerate naturally on their cocoa farms.
The focus of REDD+ on channelling large amounts of money into forests as carbon could mean that many farmers lose access to land for growing food and meeting other livelihood needs â unless this is balanced by major investments to address the core challenges the farmers are facing.
Forests can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and still support communities. A people-centred approach to forests is needed. This means giving local communities secure rights to their land and forest resources, and governing forests according to what best suits the local context, rather than making forest use fit the international market.
The important role of traditional authorities and local customs in managing land and resolving conflicts must be recognised. Many traditional practices have managed forests sustainably for thousands of years. The challenge is to value and support these alternative approaches.
Written by Constance McDermott, Senior Fellow in Forest Governance and Leader of Ecosystems Governance Group, University of Oxford; Eric Kumeh Mensah, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Oxford, and Mark Hirons, Environmental Social Science Research Fellow, University of Oxford. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
ENDS
Western Parotias AKA Arfak Parotias are stunning bird-of-paradise of West Papua known for their mesmerising dances. Palm oil and mining ecocide are threats
Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
In fragmented forests of Mexico, big cats find it hard to locate prey ungulates instead seeking tree-dwelling #monkeys â thatâs bad news for primates!
Mountain Tapirs are the most threatened large mammals of the northern Andes, hunting, climate change and mining are threats, take action and boycott gold!
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbonCredits #corruption #deforestation #extinction #Forest #forests #greenwash #greenwashing #HumanRights #indigenous #landrights #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #plywood #supplyChain #supplychain #wood
Forests are mostly to thank - with new tech only responsible for 0.1% of carbon dioxide removal so far, according to a new report.Lottie Limb (euronews)
Jaguars and Pumas Eat More Monkeys in Damaged Forests
Study finds that in fragmented forests of #Mexico, #bigcats like #jaguars and pumas find it difficult to find traditional prey animals like #ungulates. Instead they focus on harder to catch prey like tree-dwelling #monkeys, forced out of the trees by #palmoil, #soy and #meat #deforestation. This spells bad news for many #primate species of Central and South America and highlights why urgent forest protection is needed. Help species survive and be #Vegan #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife to protect forests and forest animals.In #Mexico, big #cats like #jaguars đ and #pumas canât find ungulate prey due to #palmoil #mining #meat #deforestation. Theyâve switched to a diet of #monkeys, putting them in peril. Help them, be #vegan #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-92D
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Share to Twitter#Primates like #howler đand spider #monkeys in #Mexico đČđœ are declining due to overhunting by big cats: #pumas and #jaguars. Theyâre forced by #deforestation đł into smaller areas. Help them survive! #Boycottpalmoil đŽâïž #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-92D
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Share to TwitterWritten by Aralisa Shedden, Postdoctoral Researcher in Conservation, Bournemouth University. Originally published as âBig cats eat more monkeys in a damaged tropical forest â and this could threaten their survivalâ. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Monkeys arenât normally that popular with Jaguars and Puma but wide-spread logging robs primates of hiding places, drastically reducing their numbers.
Monkeys are not usually a popular menu item for big cats. Primates are, after all, hard to catch: living in the canopies of large trees and rarely coming down to the ground. Jaguar and puma have varied diets and will normally hunt the species that are most common where they live, such as deer, peccary (a type of wild pig) and armadillo.
But jaguar and puma living in southern Mexican forests with a high human footprint (where wood and other resources are regularly harvested and there are large clearings for farms or expanding settlements) seem to be changing their feeding preferences to include more monkeys, according to new research.
Other studies have already found that when there is less of their usual prey around, big cats turn to alternatives. The changes in jaguar and puma diets that my colleagues and I recorded may indicate that the populations of these normal prey are shrinking, or that something in the environment has changed to make catching and eating primates easier.
A jaguar in the jungle of southern Mexico. Mardoz/Shutterstock
This change in the diet of large cats could make the disappearance of primate populations in tropical forests like this one in southern Mexico more likely. This would, in turn, make the disappearance of large cats themselves more likely due to a lack of food, threatening the stability of an entire ecosystem.On the trail of big cats
When forests are cut down or altered by loggers and hunters, primates are particularly affected, as many species depend on tall trees for food, shelter and to chart paths through the forest. Globally, more than 60% of primate species are threatened with extinction.These changes to forests have also put large predators at risk. Understanding what is happening in these areas can inform more effective conservation measures, which may prevent species from disappearing.
The Uxpanapa valley in southeastern Mexico is one of the last relicts of tall evergreen forest in the country, and is classified as one of the most biodiverse areas in both Mexico and the world. It is home to jaguar, puma and many other species, including two endangered primates: howler and spider monkeys.
Howler monkeys are native to South and Central American forests. David Havel/Shutterstock
I led a research team that studied the distribution of primates in the Uxpanapa Valley for the first time. We recorded the number of primates and where they were found, as well as the type of forest they preferred.Another team looked for large cats with the help of a dog which could detect their faeces, otherwise known as scat. Scat was collected to obtain DNA and determine the species that left it, whether it had any parasites, and what its diet was like. The team found out what prey these large cats were eating by using microscopes to study the hairs left in each scat. Special identification guides can link each kind of animal to its hair â each has a particular colour, pattern and shape.
Large carnivores maintain biodiversity and the functioning of an ecosystem by controlling populations of certain species â for example, herbivores that might otherwise harm trees or prevent forests regrowing. The presence of such predators can indicate an ecosystemâs health. Knowing what top predators are eating can tell us even more about how an ecosystem is functioning.
Jaguar Panthera onca by Ecuadorian artist Juanchi PeÌrez portrait
What we found
When we combined the data and information we collected, we began to understand that something out of the ordinary was happening.Primates were the most frequent prey found in jaguar and puma scats, making up nearly 35% of the remains. Primate remains were also more likely to be found in scats collected from areas with less forest. Spider monkey remains, for example, were more likely to be found in scats collected in areas with more villages, and in forest that was regrowing after being disturbed.
A possible explanation is that where there are more villages, it is likely that there is more hunting and tree-cutting taking place. Where there is more hunting, the prey that jaguar and puma usually prefer might not be as plentiful. And regrowing forests do not offer primates the same protection as tall, untouched forests. These two factors may explain why large cats are eating spider monkeys more often here.
Jaguar and puma will usually eat the prey that is more abundant. If their preferred prey is scarce, they will hunt the species they encounter most. Similar to what we observed with spider monkeys, in areas where there was less tall forest, howler monkey remains were more likely than non-primate prey to be found in the scats, possibly as big cats found it easier to reach primates.
Logging robs monkeys of hiding places from predators. Eduardo Cota/Shutterstock
Less tree cover and overhunting of other prey (combined with general habitat loss) could explain the high rates of primate predation we discovered. Nevertheless, we need to continue monitoring these sites to fully understand these changes in large cat diets.Our results highlight the importance of maintaining tall forest cover to ensure primates and other forest-dependent species can survive. They also raise the urgent need for conservation, before the negative effects of human activities on both primate and large cat populations become irreversible, and the ecosystems they live in are lost.
Written by Aralisa Shedden, Postdoctoral Researcher in Conservation, Bournemouth University. Originally published as âBig cats eat more monkeys in a damaged tropical forest â and this could threaten their survivalâ. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Jaguar Panthera onca
Jaguars, currently deemed Near Threatened, face a substantial habitat reduction of up to 25% in just over two decades. This decline stems from rampant deforestation for palm oil, soy, and meat, as wellâŠ
Brown Howler Monkey Alouatta guariba
You will hear a Brown Howler #Monkey before you sere one. Heard from several kilometres away these monkeys have a haunting howl that penetrates and rustles the forest canopy. They live in groupsâŠ
Colombian Red Howler Monkey Alouatta seniculus
Red howlers are the largest of the howler monkey species. They have dense and vividly coloured fur that ranges from brown to dark red, with gold or bright orange undersides â the colourâŠ
Brown Spider Monkey Ateles hybridus
The enigmatic blue-billed curassow (Crax alberti â local name âPaujilâ), endemic to the tropical humid forests of northern Colombia, is the cracid species most threatened with extinction in the wild from #deforestation
YucatĂĄn Black Howler Monkey Alouatta pigra
Their range is being rapidly destroyed for palm oil and sugar cane deforestation and mining. They are also facing human persecution and hunting pressures. YucatĂĄn Black Howler Monkeys have been classified as endangeredâŠLearn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global
South America
S.E. Asia
India
Africa
West Papua & PNG
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis
Frill-Necked Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii
Learn about âsustainableâ palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying
Fake labels
Indigenous Land-grabbing
Human rights abuses
Deforestation
Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email addressSign Up
Join 3,174 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#animalBehaviour #AnimalBiodiversityNews #animalCommunication #animalCruelty #animalExtinction #animalIntelligence #animalRights #bigcats #biodiversity #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #cats #deforestation #howler #Jaguars #meat #Mexico #mining #monkeys #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #Primate #primates #pumas #soy #ungulates #vegan
The Problems with Palm Oil
Discover the environmental and social issues caused by palm oil production. Learn about its impacts on wildlife, indigenous communities, and how to take action with Palm Oil DetectivesPalm Oil Detectives
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Urgent call to action! đ #UKâs heavy use of #palmoil #soy & #beef fuels global #deforestation. Demand stricter regulations & transparency. Make every purchase count and #Boycottmeat #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife, learn more: wp.me/pcFhgU-78V
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) in the UK has raised serious concerns about the countryâs consumption of soy, cocoa, palm oil, beef, and leather and its importation of global deforestation from these commodities.Despite the UK governmentâs announcement that it would certify these commodities as âsustainableâ for UK markets, the EAC criticises the lack of a clear timeline and weak loopholes that could enable deforestation to continue.
The report highlighted that the UK has a higher consumption footprint per tonne compared to China. The EAC urges the government to close these gaps, enhance legislative frameworks, and develop a global footprint indicator to illustrate the UKâs deforestation impact and set reduction targets. Additionally, the report emphasises the need for more transparency in funding and meaningful inclusion of indigenous peoples in all deforestation negotiations.
Campaign groups like Global Witness and Friends of the Earth underscored the dire consequences of deforestation, including the alarming statistic of one environmental defender being killed every other day.
The UKâs role in global deforestation is fuelled in part by British banks. As the world experiences the intensifying effects of climate change and deforestation â comprehensive action is essential to truly safeguard forests and combat climate change.
Take action against deforestation by using your wallet as a weapon in the supermarket, be #vegan for the animals and #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife. Learn more
Media release originally published in the Guardian as âDeforestation effect of UK consumption unsustainable, say MPsâ on 4th January, 2024. Read original
EAC chair Philip Dunne said this âshould serve as a wake-up call to the Governmentâ.
It comes after the Government announced that four commodities â cattle products (excluding dairy), cocoa, palm oil and soy â will have to be certified as âsustainableâ if they are to be sold into UK markets.
The Government, which plans to gradually incorporate more products into the regime over time, has yet to provide a date for when the legislation will be introduced.
The committee said it is concerned this lack of timeline and its phased approach does not reflect the necessity of tackling deforestation urgently.
The report said: âThe failure to include commodities such as maize, rubber and coffee within this scope does not demonstrate the level of urgency required to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.â
The EAC, which outlined a series of recommendations in the report, urged the Government to address these gaps and strengthen the existing legislative framework to ban businesses from trading or using commodities linked to deforestation.
It also called on ministers to develop a global footprint indicator to demonstrate the UKâs deforestation impact to the public and set a target to reduce it.
The committee said it heard concerns there is a lack of transparency over how planned investments into nature and climate programmes â including ÂŁ1.5 billion earmarked for deforestation â will be spent and called for more clarity from ministers.
The MPs said they were also alarmed to hear from campaign group Global Witness that one person is killed every other day defending land and the environment.
They said support for indigenous peoples to participate fully in negotiations on deforestation activity is critical.
To fulfil its commitment to put environmental sustainability measures at the heart of global production and trade, the EAC repeated its calls for sustainability impact assessments to be conducted for all future trade agreements.
Mr Dunne said: âUK consumption is having an unsustainable impact on the planet at the current rate.
âUK markets must not be flooded with products that threaten the worldâs forests, the people whose livelihoods rely on them and the precious ecosystems that call them home.â
Chair of the committee, Philip Dunne MP
âThere is little sense of urgency about getting a rapid grip on the problem of deforestation, which needs to match the rhetoric.
âCountries all around the world contribute to deforestation and the international community of course needs to do much more to tackle deforestation.â
He added: âTo demonstrate genuine global leadership in this critical area, the UK must demonstrate domestic policy progress and embed environmental and biodiversity protections in future trade deals.â
âThe findings are clear, the UK will not reach net zero while British banks continue to fuel, and profit from, rampant deforestation of our climate-critical forests overseas. The Government will miss the global deadline to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030 unless it acts now.âAlexandria Reid, senior global policy adviser at Global Witness, who gave evidence to the inquiry.
Kate Norgrove, executive director of advocacy and campaigns at WWF, said: âDespite some progress, this report shows that the UK Government needs to do much more to save our forests, which are one of our strongest allies in the fight against climate change.
âEvery hectare of forest we lose takes us closer to runaway climate change which will be devastating for us all.â
âThe committee is right to highlight the many flaws in the Governmentâs plans to curb deforestation. Not least, the failure to include all high-risk commodities as part of its proposed new deforestation law, as well as the fact that it will only apply to illegal logging, which is notoriously difficult to determine. Weâre already seeing the very real impacts of climate and ecological breakdown both here in the UK and globally, through extremes such as searing heat, storms and floods, and this is only set to intensify.âClare Oxborrow, forests campaigner at Friends of the Earth.
A Government spokesperson said: âThe UK is leading the way globally with new legislation to tackle illegal deforestation to make sure we rid UK supply chains of products contributing to the destruction of these vital habitats.
âThis legislation has already been introduced through the Environment Act and is just one of many measures to halt and reverse global forest loss.
âWe are also investing in significant international programmes to restore forests, which have avoided over 410,000 hectares of deforestation to date alongside supporting new green finance streams.â
Media release originally published in the Guardian as âDeforestation effect of UK consumption unsustainable, say MPsâ on 4th January, 2024. Read original
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Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
Commodifying forests as merely an investment for âcarbon creditsâ has many dangerous loopholes that human rights to indigenous peoples, take action!
Forest 500 report shows 150 of the worldâs largest financial institutions invested nearly $9 trillion in deforestation-linked industries. Support EUDR!
Almost 25% of all land in Africa has been damaged driven by climate change and deforestation for mining palm oil and cocoa. Take action and protect forests!
The Indigenous Semai #indigenous people of #Malaysia can teach us a lot about how to protect people, planet and biodiversity. The Indigenous concept of #badi is not superstition or taboo, itâs about respectingâŠ
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
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4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#beef #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #greenwashing #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #RSPOGreenwashing #soy #UK #vegan
Committee finds British consumers contributing particularly highly to destruction of worldâs forestsHelena Horton (the Guardian)
Seeing Forest As Merely A Carbon âCommodityâ: Dangerous Greenwashing
The huge danger of commodifying forests and seeing them as merely an âinvestmentâ to be bought and sold as âcarbon creditsâ has many loopholes that deny indigenous sovereignty, social and economic outcomes of communities and pose grave extinction risks to wild animals and plants. Take action when you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4WildlifeThe huge danger of commodifying #forests đż đ„ and seeing them as merely an âinvestmentâ, denies #indigenous sovereignty, social and economic outcomes of communities and #extinction risks. #humanrights đŽâïž #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-92u
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Share to TwitterâCarbon creditsâ turn #forest đłđ„ ecosystems into investments but deny #indigenous communities their rights and are often blatant #greenwashing. Use your wallet as a weapon and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #landrights @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-92u
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Share to TwitterWritten by Constance McDermott, Senior Fellow in Forest Governance and Leader of Ecosystems Governance Group, University of Oxford; Eric Kumeh Mensah, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Oxford, and Mark Hirons, Environmental Social Science Research Fellow, University of Oxford. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Forests are great carbon sinks â they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. Globally, forests remove nearly all of the two billion tonnes of carbon dioxide that is currently being removed from the atmosphere every year.
These days, companies can buy âcarbon creditsâ for the carbon that is stored in living forests and offset this against their own greenhouse gas emissions. International financiers estimate that by 2050, Africa could be selling US$1.5 trillion in carbon credits per year, mainly from its forests. Environmental social scientists Constance L. McDermott, Eric Mensah Kumeh and Mark Hirons are co-authors of a report on global forest governance for the International Union of Forest Research Organisations. They have found that buying and selling forest carbon as a commodity is dangerous if it is prioritised over the other environmental and social uses of forests. It could even result in environmental damage and the displacement of forest-dependent people.
What is a carbon sink?
All living things contain carbon, and are considered carbon sinks when they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. Many ecosystems serve as carbon sinks, but forests have a large biomass (wood and twigs and leaves on the forest floor). This makes them a very important sink from a climate perspective.The carbon that trees capture is sequestered (stored) in their wood, leaves or needles, and roots. When forests are cut down or burned, their stored carbon is released into the atmosphere and becomes a source of carbon emissions rather than a sink. Forest carbon sinks can be conserved by leaving live trees standing, or created and enhanced by planting or natural regeneration of trees.
Why is it a problem for a forest to be seen only as a carbon sink?
Forests support and regulate soil, water and nutrient flows, and provide habitat for the majority of the worldâs species that live on land. They provide people with food, fuel, fibre, medicine and other products.They are important to the cultural survival and well-being of many communities. In Africa alone, an estimated 245 million people live within five kilometres of a forest, and many of these people rely directly on forests for their livelihoods.
Our research found that forests are increasingly being managed as carbon sinks, and the carbon they store treated as a commodity that can be internationally traded. Carbon markets allow businesses and governments to earn credits by paying for forests that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is cheaper than reducing their own emissions. This is part of what we call the climatisation of forests.
Animal agriculture and meat, The contents of your fridge and dining table directly impacts the future of rare rainforest and ocean animals. Thatâs because industrial agriculture and aquaculture for commodities like meat, dairy, fish and palm oil is driving animals in the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet closer towards extinction.
Governing forests only as carbon sinks can promote âgreen grabsâ where non-forested land, such as grasslands, used by communities for farming and other activities, is taken from the community and used by wealthy companies or governments to plant large tracts of trees to store carbon. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, is being targeted as a readily available and inexpensive location for one million hectares of forest restoration and tree plantations.This is especially threatening for people who do not have secure rights to the forests and land they depend on. These communities can even be restricted or banned from entering the forest. Research has found that forest-dependent communities are rarely given power to address their own priorities in forest carbon sink schemes. This can cause conflict locally and weaken local democracy.
Letâs take the example of the Mai-Ndombe forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which supports about 100,000 people in 23 villages. Activities in the Mai-Ndombe under the global Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) climate change mechanism have focused on changing the practices of local forest-dependent communities away from cutting trees for artisanal logging or firewood collection. These communities have also been told not to continue with traditional methods of shifting cultivation (where parts of a forest are temporarily cleared to grow food crops without deforesting the area permanently).
Yet in Mai-Ndombe and the Democratic Republic of Congoâs other forests, land is already allocated to companies for timber (mainly for the export market), for mining, and increasingly for forest carbon sequestration. The result is that large companies continue to extract major economic benefits from forests in ways that exclude local communities.
Ghanaâs Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme is another example. In a bid to reduce deforestation and increase forest carbon stocks, the government of Ghana pays farmers and local communities to not plant cocoa crops in forested areas and to grow shade trees on their cocoa farms.
These efforts to share benefits locally are very important. However, asking farmers to plant or conserve trees does not address the fact that farmers are not earning a living income from selling cocoa.
Ghanaâs cocoa farmers receive less than 7.5% of the value of a chocolate bar sold in international markets, and they suffer from food insecurity and increasing crop failures due to climate change. They do not have legal rights to the native trees that regenerate naturally on their cocoa farms.
The focus of REDD+ on channelling large amounts of money into forests as carbon could mean that many farmers lose access to land for growing food and meeting other livelihood needs â unless this is balanced by major investments to address the core challenges the farmers are facing.
What are some solutions?
Forests can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and still support communities. A people-centred approach to forests is needed. This means giving local communities secure rights to their land and forest resources, and governing forests according to what best suits the local context, rather than making forest use fit the international market.The important role of traditional authorities and local customs in managing land and resolving conflicts must be recognised. Many traditional practices have managed forests sustainably for thousands of years. The challenge is to value and support these alternative approaches.
Written by Constance McDermott, Senior Fellow in Forest Governance and Leader of Ecosystems Governance Group, University of Oxford; Eric Kumeh Mensah, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Oxford, and Mark Hirons, Environmental Social Science Research Fellow, University of Oxford. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Read more about deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry
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Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
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Mountain Tapirs are the most threatened large mammals of the northern Andes, hunting, climate change and mining are threats, take action and boycott gold!Load more posts
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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Wildlife Artist Juanchi PĂ©rez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneoâs Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carbonCredits #corruption #deforestation #extinction #Forest #forests #greenwash #greenwashing #HumanRights #indigenous #landrights #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #plywood #supplyChain #supplychain #wood
How much CO2 is actually being removed from the air every year?
Forests are mostly to thank - with new tech only responsible for 0.1% of carbon dioxide removal so far, according to a new report.Lottie Limb (euronews)
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An explosive report by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) details how Indonesiaâs Fangiono family, through a wide corporate web, is linked to ongoing #deforestation, #corruption, and #indigenousrights abuses for #palmoil. Calls mount for governments to act immediately to strengthen the #EUDR. Consumers can act when we #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #HumanRights
#News: Shady family ties underlie Fangiono familyâs #palmoil empire, peppered with #deforestation, rights abuse in #Indonesia đŽâ ïžđ§ Demand change! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #HumanRights @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2025/09/âŠ
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EIA & Kaoem Telapak. (2025, August 20). When deforestation, corruption and rights violations are just another palm oil family affair. [EIA]. eia-international.org/news/wheâŠ
A new investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) UK and Kaoem Telapak exposes widespread alleged deforestation, corruption, and human rights abuses permeating Indonesiaâs palm oil sector, tracing these patterns to the powerful Fangiono family and their sprawling corporate network. Despite public denials and ostensible sustainability commitments, the report finds disturbing evidence that companies linked to the family have persistently violated laws, destroyed forests, and displaced local and indigenous peoples.
Indonesia, the worldâs largest palm oil producerâexporting products worth nearly $28 billion in 2024âremains a hotbed for land-grabbing and habitat loss. The report, A Family Affair, catalogues cases across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua, each area inhabited by unique indigenous communities and affected by complex ecological shifts driven by industrial expansion.
Martias, the family patriarch, was convicted in 2007 for acquiring palm oil permits through corruption and bribery. Despite serving a sentence and paying fines, his relatives have increased their influence, now holding leadership positions in major groups such as First Resources, FAP Agri, and Ciliandry Anky Abadi. The report highlights a series of persistent issues, including illegal plantation expansion, continued deforestation after permit revocation, and land acquisition without proper consent.
âThe Fangiono familyâs activities are spread far and wide across Indonesiaâs palm oil industry and all too often we find routine, flagrant violations of the law, human rights and the environment.âSenior Forests Campaigner Siobhan Pearce (EIA)
âThis report reveals a governance failure that has enabled the Fangiono familyâs corporate network to engage in deforestation, legal violations and the criminalisation of indigenous peoples. As long as groups⊠continue to operate without oversight, accountability or legal consequences, indigenous and local communities will keep losing their land, livelihoods and fundamental rights.â
Olvy Tumbelaka, Kaoem Telapakâs Senior Campaigner.
Corporate denials have done little to resolve the controversies. Although First Resources is a member of the RSPO, renowned for its so-called âsustainabilityâ standards, the RSPO suspended its membership for three months in August 2025 after the company failed to demonstrate transparency regarding cross-ownership and shadow companies. The case reflects the broader limitations of voluntary industry certification and the persistent use of offshore entities to shield beneficial ownership from scrutiny.
The EIA and Kaoem Telapak strongly urge authorities, companies, investors, and certification bodies to address these ongoing violations and demand accountability for persistent environmental and social harm. The findings serve as an urgent warning for policymakers, buyers, and consumers on the global risks of unchecked palm oil expansion. Learn more via EIA.
EIA & Kaoem Telapak. (2025, August 20). When deforestation, corruption and rights violations are just another palm oil family affair. [EIA]. eia-international.org/news/wheâŠ
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After wildfires, Belizeâs indigenous people rebuild stronger based on âseâ komonilâ: reciprocity, solidarity, gender equity, togetherness and community.
Investigation by Bloomberg exposes that despite being RSPO members, #SOCFIN plantations in #WestAfrica are the epicentre of #humanrights abuses, sexual coercion, environmental destruction, and #landgrabbing. Operating in #Liberia, #Ghana, #Nigeria, and beyond, SOCFINâsâŠ
Colonial palm oil and sugarcane causing the loss of West Papuansâ cultural identity. Land grabs force communities from forests, threatening Noken weaving
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOil
A landmark study published in Global Studies Quarterly in April 2025 has revealed that the rapid expansion of the #palmoil industry in #WestPapua is not only fuelling #deforestation, #ecocide and environmental destruction butâŠ
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #childLabour #childSlavery #corruption #deforestation #EUDR #greenwashing #humanRights #HumanRights #indigenousRights #indigenousrights #Indonesia #landRights #landgrabbing #News #PalmOil #palmoil #slavery
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOilPalm Oil Detectives
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For decades, the palm oil industry, backed by the RSPO, has misled consumers with the false promise of âsustainableâ palm oil. Behind this green façade lies a brutal reality of deforestation, human rights abuses, and the destruction of endangered speciesâ habitats. Dozens of investigations from many different industry watchdogs have exposes the RSPOâs certification as a sham, enabling continued environmental devastation under the guise of sustainability.However itâs not only the palm oil industry that is an environmental liability, gold mining and meat deforestation also deserves to be strongly condemned for its ongoing ecocide. Read on to discover the examples of greenwashing deception from these industries, so that you donât fall for their corporate greenwashing. Protect our planet and all human and non-human beings by refusing to support these liesâ#Boycottpalmoil #BoycottGold #BoycottMeat and #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop.
For 30 yrs, #RSPO have promised #palmoil free from #deforestation, #humanrights abuses. This has proven to be a multi-stakeholder lie Donât buy the the #greenwashing instead #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect đȘđŽđ« wp.me/pcFhgU-7Sp
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Behind #RSPOâs certified âsustainableâ #palmoil lies a harsh reality of #deforestation and #humanrights abuses đ„đłđŽ âïžconnected to all #supplychain members. âSustainableâ palm oil is a lie, make sure you #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife wp.me/pcFhgU-7Sp
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Corporate hypocrisy is a masterclass in deceit, where companies promote their so-called social responsibility, while their actions tell a completely different story. This chasm between sparkling company promises and grim reality erodes the trust of citizens and shatters the ethical foundations of our communities.
Take JBS, a meat processing giant that pledged to fight deforestation but was caught sourcing cattle from illegally deforested Amazon land. Or Cartier, a luxury brand that prides itself on ethical sourcing yet was found using conflict gold and advertising their products using indigenous Amazonian peoples they violently dispossessed. Then thereâs IOI, a palm oil producer boasting about their âsustainabilityâ while contributing to massive environmental destruction. Such brazen acts of deception ignite public outrage, often sparking more public discontent that the original acts of deception.
Corporate hypocrisy involves making grand moral claims, failing to meet those claims, deceiving stakeholders, and profiting from this deceit. Industries like tobacco and palm oil are notorious for such behaviour. Despite pledging not to target young people, tobacco companies continued to do so. Similarly, palm oil producer IOI violated the zero-burning policy they helped establish, leading to significant public backlash and lost business from major companies like Unilever (7).
An 2020 experiment by German researchers tested whether people view corporate hypocrisy as harshly as individual hypocrisy. Participants read scenarios involving private individuals, managers, and firms, all behaving hypocritically. Results showed that both corporate and individual hypocrisies are condemned strongly, with corporations judged more harshly due to perceived greed and lack of empathy (7).
Greenwashing is a deceptive practice where companies falsely portray their products as environmentally friendly. The palm oil industry has been notorious for this, particularly under the guise of âsustainableâ palm oil certified by the RSPO. Every global supermarket brand has been implicated in this greenwashing. They claim adherence to âsustainableâ practices, while concurrently engaging in environmentally destructive activities that result in violent land-grabbing, human rights abuses, ecocide and putting at-risk species closer to extinction .
In Guatemala, despite RSPO certification, palm oil deforestation continues at alarming rates, harming local ecosystems and communities. A 2023 research paper from the University of Michigan highlighted that certifying products as sustainable does not necessarily prevent environmental destruction (5, 9).
In 2004, IOI, a major Malaysian palm oil producer, co-founded the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to champion sustainable palm oil production. A key aspect of their commitment was a âzero-burning policyâ aimed at preventing deforestation. However, IOIâs actions starkly contradicted their pledges. NGOs like Milieudefensie and Friends of the Earth Europe accused IOI of clearing rainforests in Indonesia, with aerial images and local reports providing irrefutable evidence (7).
In 2015, the sustainability advisor Aidenvironment filed a formal complaint, leading to IOIâs suspension from the RSPO in 2016. This suspension was a significant blow, resulting in financial losses as major companies like Unilever, Kellogg, and Mars severed ties. Despite eventually meeting the RSPOâs conditions and being reinstated, IOI deserved the resulting damage to their reputation. Their blatant disregard for the zero-burning policy they helped establish highlighted their hypocrisy and undermined their credibility as a promoter of sustainable practices (7).
Unilever and RSPO Certification: Unilever, a major player in the palm oil market, has faced criticism for promoting its use of RSPO-certified palm oil as sustainable. Investigations revealed that despite these claims, Unilever sourced palm oil from suppliers involved in deforestation and habitat destruction. The RSPO certification itself has been criticised for weak enforcement and allowing members to continue harmful practices under the âsustainableâ label, (6).
NestlĂ© and âNo Deforestationâ Pledge: NestlĂ© made a high-profile pledge to achieve zero deforestation by 2020, claiming its palm oil would no longer contribute to forest loss. However, reports surfaced showing that NestlĂ©âs suppliers were still involved in deforestation, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. This discrepancy between NestlĂ©âs public commitments and actual practices highlights the extent of greenwashing in the palm oil industry, (6).
PepsiCo and Supplier Controversies: PepsiCo has also been implicated in greenwashing. While the company advertises its commitment to sourcing âsustainableâ RSPO palm oil, it has been linked to suppliers violating human rights and environmental laws over many years. Investigations found that these suppliers were involved in illegal land clearing and exploitation of indigenous communities, (6).
JBS, the worldâs largest beef producer, has been sued by Attorney General Letitia James for misrepresenting their products as sustainable. The lawsuit, filed in early 2024, highlights how JBS falsely marketed their beef as eco-friendly while engaging in practices harmful to the environment. This case mirrors the deceptive tactics seen in the palm oil industry, underscoring the widespread nature of corporate greenwashing, (2).
The luxury brand Cartier has also been implicated in corporate hypocrisy and greenwashing. Cartier used images of the Amazon Yanomami tribe, which has been devastated by illegal gold mining, in their marketing campaigns to promote their gold jewelry as ethically sourced, (4). Activist Barbara Crane Navarro highlighted the hypocrisy of this act, exposing how Cartierâs practices contribute to environmental destruction and the exploitation of indigenous communities, (4).
Boycotts are a significant and powerful lever in calling corporate greed and hypocrisy to account. Research shows that boycotts can effectively influence corporate behaviour by impacting their profits and public image (3). For example, Nestlé faced a successful boycott campaign against deforestation for palm oil in its supply chain, leading to policy changes. Continuous public pressure through boycotts holds corporations accountable and drives them towards more transparent practices (8).
Studies indicate that boycotts can drive significant changes. For instance, according to John and Klein (2003), boycotts are effective in signaling consumer dissatisfaction and can lead to substantial financial impacts (8).
Companies must align their actions with their public statements to maintain trust and avoid the severe public backlash that accompanies perceived deception. Consumers play a critical role by participating in boycotts and demanding transparency and accountability from corporations, (1, 8).
Collective action is not limited to boycotts. Creating art, writing, and music to expose corporate hypocrisy are powerful forms activism in themselves. This can amplify messages and mobilise public sentiment. These creative expressions resonate deeply with people, inspiring them to take action. The work of activist-artist Barbara Crane Navarroâs work in exposing Cartierâs hypocrisy through art and advocacy is a testament to the impact of combining creativity with activism, (1).
To further harness the power of collective action, individuals and organisations can participate in various forms of activism as described on the Palm Oil Detectives website. By engaging in creative forms of activism both online and in-person and by participating in consumer boycotts, we can all hold corporations accountable and drive meaningful change towards a more ethical world.
Titan Arum AKA âCorpse Flowersâ is famous for its repulsive meat smell. Palm oil agriculture is a massive threat to these rare stinky plants. Take action!
Western Parotias AKA Arfak Parotias are stunning bird-of-paradise of West Papua known for their mesmerising dances. Palm oil and mining ecocide are threats
Capped langurs are found in India Bhutan Bangladesh and Myanmar, they are vulnerable from palm oil and other forms of deforestation. Take action for them!
Wealthiest people in USA and China responsible for 2/3 of global warming since 1990. Climate policies needed to target the richest people on the planet now!
In fragmented forests of Mexico, big cats find it hard to locate prey ungulates instead seeking tree-dwelling #monkeys â thatâs bad news for primates!
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
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#auditFraud #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottGold #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #consumerBoycott #corruption #deforestation #fraud #greenwashing #HumanRights #OrangutanLandTrust #PalmOil #palmOilBiofuel #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #poverty #RSPO #RSPOGreenwashing #RT2024 #supplychain #workersRights #WorkersRights
Advertising by one of the world's biggest jewellers with images of an Indigenous people devastated by illegal gold mining has some complaining of greenwashing, a corporation promoting its own image by supporting a cause.The Associated Press (CTVNews)
Unmasking Socfinâs Destructive Palm Oil Empire in Africa
A six-month investigation reveals Socfinâs exploitation of rubber and palm oil in Ghana and Nigeria, leading to deforestation, landgrabbing and human rights abuses. SOCFIN is a palm oil company and member of the RSPO purportedly using âsustainableâ palm oil. The companyâs activities have caused significant environmental and social harm, including the destruction of vital rainforests and the displacement of indigenous communities. Despite its substantial profits, Socfinâs operations have left local communities impoverished and struggling financially for survival. Help them to survive each time you shop when you #BoycottpalmoilâSustainableâ #palmoil and rubber co. and #RSPO member SOCFIN is on a decades long rampage of violent #landgrabbing and #ecocide in #Ghana and Nigeria. Help local communities to fight back against #humanrights abuses when you #Boycottpalmoil @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8H0
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Share to TwitterWritten by Gideon Sarpong, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi and Audrey TravĂšre. Writing and Editing by Gideon Sarpong. Article originally entitled âSocfin exploitation of rubber & palm oil linked to deforestation & human rights abuses in Ghana & Nigeriaâ This report was supported by JournalismFund Europe. Originally published on IWatchAfrica. Read original.
In April 2025, Bloomberg conducted an investigation into SOCFINâs rubber plantations. The investigation uncovered that SOCFINâs rubber and palm oil companies continue and sustain colonial slavery in Africa in the modern day.
youtube.com/watch?v=8kb1lHJ1IQâŠ
Okumu, Nigeria â Okumu Oil Palm Company, a subsidiary under the umbrella of the Socfin Group, possesses an extensive 7,335-hectare rubber plantation and a sprawling 19,062-hectare palm plantation, all nestled within the Ovia South-West local government area of Edo State.
The companyâs presence in the Okumu community has become a contentious issue, notably for the indigenous people, including children who have endured displacement due to the companyâs activities.
In 2021, the Socfin Group reported a remarkable profit of 80.4 million euros, its highest figure since at least 2014 due to increasing prices for palm oil and rubber. Yet, paradoxically, the Okumu community and other host communities throughout West Africa remain a stark contrast to the image of prosperity associated with Socfinâs substantial export earnings.
Okumu community in Nigeria, Credit: Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi, 2023
Human Rights Abuses
In a deeply distressing account of events, residents of Okumu have leveled accusations against the company for forcibly dismantling three villages within the district, namelyâLemon, Agbeda, and Oweike.This action resulted in the displacement of hundreds of indigenous inhabitants and the grim aftermath of community farmland destruction, loss of life, and the disruption of childrenâs education.
For many of these people, their roots run deep within these villages, with no kin beyond the boundaries of their home. The repercussions of the companyâs actions continue to haunt the affected communities, even decades after the devastation was wrought.
Today, Lemon, once a thriving community, has been reduced to a mere memory, while the residents of Oweike and Agbeda have been compelled to relocate to nearby communities, seeking refuge and new beginnings.
Upon closer examination, our investigation unveiled a disconcerting narrative: following the eviction of these three communities, the company proceeded to expand its palm and rubber plantations, acquiring a staggering 1,969 hectares of oil palm and 1,811 hectares of rubber in the process.
According to the companyâs own website, these expansions represent only a fraction of their broader growth trajectory, with an astounding total of 33,112 hectares now under their purview.
The story of Austin Lemon, a mere 15 years old at the time Socfinâs presence descended upon his community, serves as a heart-wrenching testament to the trauma endured by these communities. As he watched the Luxembourger company, accompanied by security personnel, lay waste to his ancestral home, he also witnessed the pleas of his parents and fellow Lemon village residents in Okomu.
They implored the company to allow them to remain, as they had no alternative haven. Regrettably, their appeals fell on deaf ears, as Socfinâs relentless pursuit of rubber and palm resources took precedence.
His father, the founder of Lemon Village in 1969 and the namesake of the community, followed the age-old Nigerian customary law, which dictates that the first person to settle on a virgin land gains rightful ownership.
Lemon, who is now 33, recalls the profound âshockâ that gripped his father, the respected leader of Lemon village within the Okumu community, upon learning that Socfin had acquired their ancestral home. In a desperate bid to secure some semblance of justice for his fellow villagers in the face of impending displacement, Lemonâs father implored the company to provide compensation for their relocation but that did not happen.
He ruefully reflects, âThe Company planted their plantation without heeding to their pleas.â The consequences were catastrophic â every single house in Lemon village met its demise, and the once-thriving areas reserved for the cultivation of plantain, cassava, cocoa, and cocoyam were reduced to ruins.
Lemonâs personal account of these events is a poignant reminder of the human cost inflicted by the companyâs actions. He reveals, âFor a whole year, I couldnât attend school because we were displaced and struggling to make ends meet.â
âIt was the companyâs actions that ultimately led to the death of my father, who had high blood pressure. He perished because the farms he once relied upon to feed his 32 children were also obliterated,â he revealed.
In a surprising turn of events, the company denied the findings presented to them.
According to Socfinâs communications team, they acquired their plantation following the de-reservation of a portion of Okomu Forest Reserve by Nigeriaâs federal government, in compliance with the Edo Forestry Commission Law (1968) and its subsequent amendments, among other relevant legislation.
Nevertheless, Ajele Sunday, a spokesperson for the Okumu community, contradicts the companyâs account. He asserts that the community ânever received any compensationâ when Socfin claimed to have procured the land from the government.
Multiple sources within the Okomu village have raised concerns, contending that the company conducted negotiations with the government without seeking or taking into consideration the communityâs perspective.
This apparent lack of consultation with the community âdirectly contradicts the principles outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly the concept of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC),â Ajele argued.
This breach raises critical concerns about the treatment of indigenous communities and their rights in the context of corporate activities, shedding light on the urgency of adhering to these vital principles.
According to FPIC, Indigenous Peoples possess the right to grant or withhold consent for projects that stand to impact them or their territories.
A Tragic Fight for Freedom in Okomu Village
In 2022, Socfin (Okumu Oil Palm Company) took a contentious step by excavating a large trench around its plantation, effectively barricading the community, leaving residents stranded with no access to the outside world. During the rainy season, the runoff from this trench, laden with fertilizers, contaminated the Okomu River, the sole source of drinking water, and proved fatal to fish in the water. Frustrated by this environmental degradation, the residents organized a peaceful protest at the companyâs entrance, demanding the closure of the trench.The protests had spanned two days, with the first day devoted to demonstrations within the community. On the second day, the residents decided to take their grievances to the companyâs gate. En route, they were intercepted by security officers determined to quell the protest.
Among the protesters, Iyabo Batu, aged 56, found herself at the forefront. On May 3, 2022, while demonstrating against the companyâs closure of the sole road leading to her village, Marhiaoba, she was struck by a bullet in the knee, believed to have been fired by a Socfin security personnel.
âIt was very difficult for my grandchildren to go to school because the white man blocked the road,â Iyabo Batu explained, referring to the Socfin manager. She went on to describe how the road closure, a consequence of the trench excavated by the company, led to children in the village discontinuing their schooling. This was the sole route in and out of the community, now obstructed by the companyâs actions.
The peaceful protest turned tragic when security personnel attached to the company targeted Iyabo Batu, shooting her in the knee. She was swiftly transported to a clinic before being transferred to the general hospital of Igbuobazua headquarters. Her hospitalization extended beyond a month following the surgery for her gunshot wound, but she expressed her deep sadness at the fact that the company had neither covered her medical expenses nor offered their sympathy.
The company denied any involvement in the incident, insisting that no employee had shot Mrs. Batu. However, community spokesperson Sunday, among others, claimed that the company was attempting to distance itself from the actions.
Iyabo BATU at the Benin Teaching Hospital during her surgery in 2022
Iyabo Batuâs X-ray results unveiled multiple patella fractures, and she credited Environmental Rights Actions (ERA) for her survival. Rita Ukwa of ERA disclosed that they supported Batu, including arranging a city apartment for her for a year after her hospital discharge, as evidenced by her hospital discharge receipt, indicating a payment of 226,940 naira[$296] to the Benin Teaching Hospital.The company, in responding to findings of this investigation, asserted that they were unable to comment on the allegations as no âformal complaint had been filed by the alleged complainant, either to the company or the Nigerian Police Force.â They also clarified that their security personnel âwere not permitted to carry weapons, as per government regulations.â
However, multiple witnesses, both within and outside the company, contended that a company security officer was indeed responsible for the shooting of 59-year-old Iyabo Batu. A non-Okomu resident working for the company identified the officer in question as a government anti-terrorism officer. The source chose to remain anonymous out of fear, considering the potential repercussions from either the company or the police officers who delayed recording the communityâs statement when Mrs. Batu was rushed to the police station.
Our investigations showed that the security apparatus for Okumu Oil Palm Company comprises police, private security, and military officers, even though they are compensated by the federal government. These officers are also subject to the directives of the company, raising questions about the dynamics of power and accountability in this complex relationship.
A spokesperson for Edo State Chris Osa Nehikhare said, âthe government will also monitor what is happening in Okomu to ensure no one is exploited and to make life better for the community,â
Plantation Socfin Ghana and Deforestation
Meanwhile in Ghana, the operations of Plantation Socfinaf Ghana (PSG), a subsidiary of the Socfin Group which operates rubber and oil palm plantations in Manso and Daboase in the Western Region has led to the destruction of vital rainforests.In 2017 and 2018, PSG contracted Proforest and HS+E respectively to conduct environmental assessments at its Subri site in Daboase ahead of the construction of a palm processing mill in 2019.
Findings from this assessment showed that any large-scale operations at the Subri site would result in the âloss of biodiversity, land degradation, increase in ambient noise levels, aerial emissions and the destruction of unique endangered ecosystems and species within the catchment areas.â
Notably, the Proforest assessment emphasized the substantial environmental value of the PSG Subri site. It was found to host a substantial âcarbon stock of 981,080.74 metric tonsâ and served as a crucial âhabitat for a vulnerable population of speciesâ in need of conservation measures. Despite these findings, PSG proceeded with the construction of the palm processing mill in in 2020 costing US$20 million.
PSG also admitted that between 2012 and 2016, over 1 089 ha of natural forests were cleared to make way for its plantations failing to heed to concerns by environmental groups.
Despite mounting concerns and inquiries into PSGâs actions, the company has remained conspicuously silent, failing to respond to our requests for information regarding their mitigation plans and the repercussions of their operations on the communities around Daboase and the environment at large.
Data from Global Forest Watch paints a distressing picture of the situation. Between 2001 and 2022, Ghanaâs Western Region witnessed the loss of a staggering 536,000 hectares of tree cover. This represents a 23% decline in tree cover since the turn of the millennium, accompanied by a grim emission of 297 million metric tons of COâ equivalent. Itâs worth noting that this region, the wettest in Ghana, plays host to PSGâs extensive plantations.
The ramifications of this ecological decline extend beyond the boundaries of forests and into the lives of the local communities. Farmers like Godwin Ofori, a 35-year-old resident of Daboase in close proximity to PSGâs plantation, have borne the brunt of these changes.
Mr. Ofori expressed his frustration with the evolving rainfall patterns, stating, âOne of the biggest challenges over the last decade has been unpredictable rainfall patterns. We cannot predict the rainfall pattern nowadays, and I believe that this is partly a destruction of our forests.â
Recent study by researchers at University of Leeds has shown that African tropical forests remain critical to the fight against the climate emergency, absorbing three times more carbon each year than the UK emitted in 2019.
The direct link between the decline in critical rainforests and these erratic weather patterns underlines the adverse impact on the livelihoods and food security of those living in the vicinity.
Startling findings from Global Witness showcase the unsettling consequence of industrial rubber plantations across the expanse of West and Central Africa, witnessing the loss of nearly 52,000 hectares of ecologically rainforest since the turn of the centuryâequivalent to an expanse 16 times the size of Brussels.
EU, Deforestation and Rubber companies
In June 2023, the EU introduced regulations on deforested products to address the challenge of rubber and oil plantation-driven deforestation. The EU remains the biggest export destination for palm oil and rubber cultivation from West Africa. Data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity shows that the EU imported over $500 million worth of natural rubber from West Africa in 2020 alone making natural rubber the EUâs most significant import from West Africa in terms of rainforest destruction.The effect has been the loss of critical rainforests, with a damning impact on local communities, biodiversity, and the environment. This new law has the potential to put a check on Socfinâs operations across West Africa.
Colin Robertson, a Senior Forests Investigator at Global Witness lauded EU efforts describing it as a âvery promising step towards reducing European consumersâ impact on the worldâs forests.â
He however cautioned that âthe inclusion of rubber should mean that European tire manufacturers will have to check that the rubber plantations they buy from are sticking firmly to zero deforestation pledges.â
Based on detailed export data examined, our investigation unearthed a direct link between Société des MatiÚres PremiÚres Tropicales PTE and the procurement of natural rubber from Okomu Oil Palm Company over the last two years.
SociĂ©tĂ© des MatiĂšres PremiĂšres Tropicales PTE functions as the sole consolidated purchaser of natural rubber for tire manufacturing giant, the Michelin Group. This revelation gives rise to profound ethical concerns, casting a shadow on the European tire manufacturing industryâs dedication to fostering sustainability.
In response to our investigation, the Michelin Group acknowledged our findings and affirmed their awareness of âhistorical grievances expressed by local communitiesâ against Okomu Oil Palm Company, insisting that they have closely monitored the situation since 2015.
âIn collaboration with a civil society organization, we urged Socfin to enhance its sustainable development performance, which eventually led to Socfinâs adoption of âzero deforestationâ and ânon-exploitationâ commitments,â Michelin wrote in their response.
However, our findings expose a crucial discrepancy: Socfinâs interpretation of âzero deforestationâ does not align with the industry-recognized standard known as the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA). Neither Socfin nor its subsidiaries across West Africa are members of the HCSA. This incongruity highlights the urgent need for greater clarity and alignment within the industry.
Greenpeace has sounded a resounding alarm, cautioning that Socfinâs steadfast resistance to adopting the industryâs zero-deforestation standard poses a significant and looming threat to the forests of West Africa, where the companyâs operations are concentrated.
The future of these critical ecosystems remains at a crossroads, demanding enhanced vigilance and rigorous commitment to sustainable practices.
ââ
Written by Gideon Sarpong, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi and Audrey TravĂšre. Writing and Editing by Gideon Sarpong. Article originally entitled âSocfin exploitation of rubber & palm oil linked to deforestation & human rights abuses in Ghana & Nigeriaâ This report was supported by JournalismFund Europe. Originally published on IWatchAfrica. Read original.
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In September 2024 Socfin is removed from both the Norwegian Pension Fund and Luxembourg Stock Exchange
The Norwegian Government Pension Fund Globalâs ethics committee has issued a damning report recommending the exclusion of Socfinâs main shareholder, the BollorĂ© group, due to evidence of systemic human rights abuses at Socfinâs plantations, particularly in Cameroon. The report outlines serious allegations, including violations of labour rights, widespread sexual violence, harassment of women by plantation supervisors, and deplorable working conditions where workers are often employed as day labourers without contracts, paid below the legal minimum wage, and subjected to arbitrary hiring and firing practices. The report also highlights unsanitary living conditions and a lack of social benefits for workers, painting a grim picture of exploitation and abuse across Socfinâs operations in Africa. These findings have intensified scrutiny on Socfin and the BollorĂ© group, pressuring them to address these human rights concerns. Read more at DelanoRead more about human rights abuses, deforestation and ecocide in the palm oil industry
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Investigation by Bloomberg exposes that despite being RSPO members, #SOCFIN plantations in #WestAfrica are the epicentre of #humanrights abuses, sexual coercion, environmental destruction, and #landgrabbing. Operating in #Liberia, #Ghana, #Nigeria, and beyond, SOCFINâsâŠ
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3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
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5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #BoycottPalmOil #corruption #deforestation #ecocide #Ghana #humanRights #HumanRights #hunger #landgrabbing #Nigeria #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #poverty #RSPO #workersRights #WorkersRights
Sex-for-Work Allegations Hang Over Tycoonsâ Rubber Plantations
A company majority-owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré's Bolloré Group and Hubert Fabri is the subject of allegations of labor abuses at some of its African...Bloomberg Originals (YouTube)
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An investigation by Bloomberg exposed that despite being RSPO members, #SOCFIN plantations in #WestAfrica are the epicentre of #humanrights abuses, sexual coercion, environmental destruction, and #landgrabbing. Operating in #Liberia, #Ghana, #Nigeria, and beyond, SOCFINâs #rubber and #palmoil plantations continue historical colonial legacies of exploitation. Despite widespread evidence of abuse and deforestation, SOCFIN and its partners benefit from weak sustainability certifications such as #FSC and #RSPO. Europe and the US buy products directly linked to these violations, greenwashing the destruction in the process. Indigenous communities and workers are actively resisting this huge injustice âThey seek proper redress in the form of stricter #EUDR regulations and better protections of their health, livelihoods and families. Consumers can boycott palm oil and rubber in solidarity. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
#News: đš #SOCFIN #palmoil and #rubber is linked to sexual #violence, forced #labour, #landgrabbing #deforestation in #WestAfricađŽđ„đ€ąâ ïžđđ« French tycoon Vincent BollorĂ© profits while communities suffer. đâđœ #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife palmoildetectives.com/2025/10/âŠ
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A recent Bloomberg investigation into SOCFIN, a plantation empire co-owned by French billionaire Vincent Bolloré, reveals ongoing human rights violations, sexual exploitation, deforestation, and colonial-style land grabs across West Africa. SOCFIN, based in Luxembourg and co-owned by Bolloré, operates sprawling palm oil and rubber plantations in Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and elsewhere. The investigation uncovered systemic abuses and environmental destruction, exposing the toxic greenwashing reality behind RSPO corporate sustainability claims.
According to Bloombergâs extensive report published in April 2025, SOCFIN plantations in Liberia and Ghana are sites of widespread sexual coercion, rape and sexual abuse.
Women workers at the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) plantation, one of SOCFINâs largest operations, routinely face demands for sex from supervisors as a condition for securing daily work. Women like Rebecca (a pseudonym) describe daily harassment and abuse, forced to accept demands out of economic necessity. Contract workers earn as little as $3.50 a day and face threats of dismissal if they refuse sexual advances.
Similar accounts emerge from SOCFINâs Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC), recently sold after violent worker protests over labour abuses, inadequate medical care, and poor housing conditions. Women workers have described supervisors openly demanding sexual favours in exchange for continued employment. Mamie, a former SRC worker, described being violently raped by her supervisor after repeatedly refusing his advances. Such experiences remain common, despite superficial anti-harassment measures like âNo Sexual Harassmentâ signs erected by the company (Bloomberg, 2025).
SOCFINâs operations are rooted deeply in colonial history. Established in the Belgian Congo in the late 1800s, SOCFIN expanded aggressively during colonialism, exploiting rubber and palm oil resources across Africa and Asia. Today, its co-owners, Vincent BollorĂ© and Belgian businessman Hubert Fabri, control vast landholdings, perpetuating neo-colonial dynamics of wealth extraction. According to an article by Tony Lawson for Shoppe Black, the plantations replicate exploitative plantation models, extracting wealth from African land and labour for European profit, reminiscent of colonial rubber plantations and antebellum slave operations like Louisianaâs Nottoway Plantation.
This neo-colonial exploitation is glaringly evident in Nigeria, where SOCFINâs subsidiary, Okumu Oil Palm Company, operates 19,062 hectares of palm plantations and 7,335 hectares of rubber plantations. Palm Oil Detectives (2024) documented widespread displacement of local Indigenous communities due to plantation expansion. Villages such as Lemon, Agbeda, and Oweike have been forcibly dismantled, leaving hundreds homeless. The affected communities received no compensation or consultationâviolating international human rights standards on Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Austin Lemon, whose family established Lemon village in 1969, recounted witnessing his ancestral land seized by SOCFIN and converted into plantations without consent or compensation. The trauma from losing their homes, livelihoods, and ancestral heritage remains profound, with many residents still unable to recover decades later.
In Ghana, SOCFINâs Plantations Socfin Ghana (PSG) has systematically destroyed vital rainforests, despite clear warnings from environmental assessments. PSG admitted clearing over 1,089 hectares of natural forest between 2012 and 2016. The loss of biodiversity and increased carbon emissions from these activities directly exacerbate the climate crisis, severely impacting local rainfall patterns and agricultural productivity. Farmers around PSGâs plantations suffer reduced yields, poverty, and food insecurity.
Meanwhile, the EU continues to import vast quantities of palm oil and rubber from SOCFIN, despite mounting evidence of human rights violations and deforestation. Europeâs reliance on SOCFINâs supply chains for products such as Michelin tyres, NestlĂ©âs consumer goods, and numerous cosmetic brands implicates major companies in these abuses. Investigations show European tyre manufacturers purchasing rubber sourced from plantations like Liberiaâs LAC and SRC, despite credible allegations of labour abuses, sexual coercion, and land theft.
SOCFIN and its partners rely heavily on weak and ineffective sustainability schemes like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). But investigations repeatedly reveal these certifications as ineffectual greenwashing tools. For example, SOCFINâs Cameroon plantationsâRSPO-certifiedâface lawsuits alleging severe environmental damage and community displacement. Water pollution tests conducted near these plantations revealed dangerous contamination levels, threatening public health (Bloomberg, 2025).
Vincent BollorĂ©, despite his influential position as a major shareholder and board member, consistently denies responsibility, claiming limited involvement. Yet BollorĂ©âs role remains central. Known for his vast media empire and conservative political influence in France, BollorĂ© has maintained his SOCFIN stake despite decades of documented abuses. Lawsuits brought under French duty-of-vigilance laws now challenge BollorĂ© directly, arguing that his oversight constitutes effective control, making him legally responsible for SOCFINâs actions.
Public pressure is growing. In 2024, Norwayâs sovereign wealth fund excluded BollorĂ© Group and strongly recommended divestment from BollorĂ© and SOCFIN, citing overwhelming evidence of abuse. Luxembourgâs stock exchange delisted SOCFIN the same year, further isolating the company. Despite these actions, European governments and multinational corporations including the RSPO continue to support SOCFIN financially, facilitating ongoing abuses in Africa.
Communities across West Africa resist despite enormous personal risk. Liberian union leader Mary Boimah was jailed after protests against SRCâs labour conditions. Nigerian community member Iyabo Batu was shot by SOCFIN-affiliated security personnel while protesting environmental contamination and blocked access to her village. Despite these risks, communities persist in their demands for justice, compensation, and the return of their lands.
SOCFINâs stated commitments to human rights and sustainability remain hollow. Decades of documented abuses, superficial responses to audits, and persistent denial illustrate systemic failure and wilful negligence. As long as global markets reward SOCFINâs rubber and palm oil, the cycle of violence and exploitation will continue.
The time has come to demand real accountability. Regulators and law-makers in the EU and USA must recognise their complicity in human rights abuses and ecocide in palm oil and rubber supply chains. Until this time, people and landscapes will continue to suffer from forced labour, sexual coercion, and environmental destruction. SOCFINâs ecocide and human rights abusesâmust end now.
Bloomberg. (2025, April 17). The Rubber Barons. Retrieved from bloomberg.com/features/2025-soâŠ
Palm Oil Detectives. (2024, July 31). Socfinâs Destructive Empire: Palm Oil Deforestation and Human Rights Abuses in West Africa. Retrieved from palmoildetectives.com/2024/07/âŠ
Shoppe Black. (2025). Labor Abuses: Nottoway and Liberia Plantations. Retrieved from shoppeblack.us/labor-abuses-noâŠ
ENDS
After wildfires, Belizeâs indigenous people rebuild stronger based on âseâ komonilâ: reciprocity, solidarity, gender equity, togetherness and community.
Colonial palm oil and sugarcane causing the loss of West Papuansâ cultural identity. Land grabs force communities from forests, threatening Noken weaving
An explosive report by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) details how Indonesiaâs Fangiono family, through a wide corporate web, is linked to ongoing #deforestation, #corruption, and #indigenousrights abuses for #palmoil. Calls mount forâŠ
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOil
A landmark study published in Global Studies Quarterly in April 2025 has revealed that the rapid expansion of the #palmoil industry in #WestPapua is not only fuelling #deforestation, #ecocide and environmental destruction butâŠ
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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email address
Sign Up
Join 3,174 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #childLabour #childSlavery #deforestation #EUDR #FSC #Ghana #greenwashing #humanRights #HumanRights #indigenousRights #labour #landRights #landgrabbing #Liberia #News #Nigeria #PalmOil #palmoil #RSPO #rubber #slavery #SOCFIN #violence #WestAfrica
French tycoon Vincent BollorĂ© has put his sprawling media empire at the service of the countryâs nationalist right, precipitating a rightward shift in French politics. Pulling strings from behind theâŠBenjamin DODMAN (France 24)
Family Ties Expose Deforestation and Rights Violations in Indonesian Palm Oil
An explosive report by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) details how Indonesiaâs Fangiono family, through a wide corporate web, is linked to ongoing #deforestation, #corruption, and #indigenousrights abuses for #palmoil. Calls mount for governments to act immediately to strengthen the #EUDR. Consumers can act when we #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #HumanRights#News: Shady family ties underlie Fangiono familyâs #palmoil empire, peppered with #deforestation, rights abuse in #Indonesia đŽâ ïžđ§ Demand change! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #HumanRights @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2025/09/âŠ
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Share to TwitterEIA & Kaoem Telapak. (2025, August 20). When deforestation, corruption and rights violations are just another palm oil family affair. [EIA]. eia-international.org/news/wheâŠ
A new investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) UK and Kaoem Telapak exposes widespread alleged deforestation, corruption, and human rights abuses permeating Indonesiaâs palm oil sector, tracing these patterns to the powerful Fangiono family and their sprawling corporate network. Despite public denials and ostensible sustainability commitments, the report finds disturbing evidence that companies linked to the family have persistently violated laws, destroyed forests, and displaced local and indigenous peoples.
Indonesia, the worldâs largest palm oil producerâexporting products worth nearly $28 billion in 2024âremains a hotbed for land-grabbing and habitat loss. The report, A Family Affair, catalogues cases across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua, each area inhabited by unique indigenous communities and affected by complex ecological shifts driven by industrial expansion.
Martias, the family patriarch, was convicted in 2007 for acquiring palm oil permits through corruption and bribery. Despite serving a sentence and paying fines, his relatives have increased their influence, now holding leadership positions in major groups such as First Resources, FAP Agri, and Ciliandry Anky Abadi. The report highlights a series of persistent issues, including illegal plantation expansion, continued deforestation after permit revocation, and land acquisition without proper consent.
âThe Fangiono familyâs activities are spread far and wide across Indonesiaâs palm oil industry and all too often we find routine, flagrant violations of the law, human rights and the environment.âSenior Forests Campaigner Siobhan Pearce (EIA)
âThis report reveals a governance failure that has enabled the Fangiono familyâs corporate network to engage in deforestation, legal violations and the criminalisation of indigenous peoples. As long as groups⊠continue to operate without oversight, accountability or legal consequences, indigenous and local communities will keep losing their land, livelihoods and fundamental rights.â
Olvy Tumbelaka, Kaoem Telapakâs Senior Campaigner.
Corporate denials have done little to resolve the controversies. Although First Resources is a member of the RSPO, renowned for its so-called âsustainabilityâ standards, the RSPO suspended its membership for three months in August 2025 after the company failed to demonstrate transparency regarding cross-ownership and shadow companies. The case reflects the broader limitations of voluntary industry certification and the persistent use of offshore entities to shield beneficial ownership from scrutiny.The EIA and Kaoem Telapak strongly urge authorities, companies, investors, and certification bodies to address these ongoing violations and demand accountability for persistent environmental and social harm. The findings serve as an urgent warning for policymakers, buyers, and consumers on the global risks of unchecked palm oil expansion. Learn more via EIA.
EIA & Kaoem Telapak. (2025, August 20). When deforestation, corruption and rights violations are just another palm oil family affair. [EIA]. eia-international.org/news/wheâŠ
ENDS
Read more about human rights abuses and child slavery in the palm oil industry
Indigenous Peoples Fight Climate Change
After wildfires, Belizeâs indigenous people rebuild stronger based on âseâ komonilâ: reciprocity, solidarity, gender equity, togetherness and community.
SOCFINâs African Empire of Colonial Oppression: Billionaires Profit from Palm Oil and Rubber Exploitation
Investigation by Bloomberg exposes that despite being RSPO members, #SOCFIN plantations in #WestAfrica are the epicentre of #humanrights abuses, sexual coercion, environmental destruction, and #landgrabbing. Operating in #Liberia, #Ghana, #Nigeria, and beyond, SOCFINâsâŠ
Palm Oil Threatens Ancient Noken Weaving in West Papua
Colonial palm oil and sugarcane causing the loss of West Papuansâ cultural identity. Land grabs force communities from forests, threatening Noken weaving
West Papuan Indigenous Women Fight Land Seizures
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOil
Greasing the Wheels of Colonialism: Palm Oil Industry in West Papua
A landmark study published in Global Studies Quarterly in April 2025 has revealed that the rapid expansion of the #palmoil industry in #WestPapua is not only fuelling #deforestation, #ecocide and environmental destruction butâŠLoad more posts
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The Worldâs Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the worldâs ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time youâre in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/statusâŠ
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/statusâŠ
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1âŠ
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #childLabour #childSlavery #corruption #deforestation #EUDR #greenwashing #humanRights #HumanRights #indigenousRights #indigenousrights #Indonesia #landRights #landgrabbing #News #PalmOil #palmoil #slavery
West Papuan Indigenous Women Fight Land Seizures
Indigenous Melanesian women in West Papua fight land seizures for palm oil and sugar plantations, protecting their ancestral rights. Join #BoycottPalmOilPalm Oil Detectives
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