The Green Gold Rush: Sustainable Palm Oil & Its Impact on the Environment
The ever-escalating threat of climate change necessitates a multi-pronged approach and reevaluation of our resource consumption habits. Oil Palm agriculture activities have been finding and integrating innovative solutions that mitigate the damage already done. The versatile characteristics of palm oil kept increasing its demand.
In 2023, about 77 million metric tons of palm oil have been consumed globally. To keep fulfilling the current needs and market demand, the cultivation process needs to adopt a more sustainable approach.
Let's delve deeper into the world of sustainable palm oil and its underlines potential as a climate hero.
Land Use Efficiency: Palm Oil Compared to Alternatives
Palm oil reigns supreme when it comes to oil yield per hectare. Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) reported that 3.58 tonnes of oil per hectare is produced each year. This impressive figure, signifies Palm oil needs significantly less land to produce oil compared to other vegetable oils. The land-use efficiency translates into a potential environmental benefit. Most palm oil plantations have strictly organized methods that help to reduce the deforestation crisis.
Now growing concerns about various best practices, enforcing regulations, and supporting certification schemes like Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) RSPO guides the plantation owners to adhere to sustainability targets and preserve rainforests and biodiversity.
Palm Oil: Beyond the Barrel
Palm oil production goes beyond just the oil itself. Extracting palm oil leaves behind a vast amount of biomass, including empty fruit bunches (EFBs), palm fronds (OPF), palm kernel shells (PKS), and palm oil mill effluent (POME).
The biomass or by-products from the oil extraction process give us alternative resources. This is an efficient way to transform the waste that releases harmful greenhouse gases into valuable raw materials. The methane released from the oil palm process and the biomass are transformed into biofuels known as renewable energy sources.
These are the potentially powerful energy sources leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a cleaner energy future.
Sustainable Plantations Earn Carbon Credits
A hidden gem within sustainable palm oil production that many have not yet explored is palm oil's capability to claim carbon credits through sustainable best practices. This approach not only benefits the environment but also creates financial incentives for responsible farmers.
Sustainable palm oil plantations improve natural carbon sinks in the ecosystem. This process helps the management or owners to enroll in Carbon crediting programs that offer additional financial support by their environmental stewardship. This plays a crucial role in aligning the business with environmental and social responsibility goals within the industry.
Integrating the carbon credit program with the existing Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) ensures a path for farmers to adhere to compliance and fosters transparency. Embracing carbon crediting and prioritizing sustainable practices, palm oil business penetrates better in the new trend market, generates financial rewards, and contributes to a cleaner planet for all.
Join the Movement: Be the Change
The palm oil industry is in the phase of charting a new history transforming into a sustainable agricultural business that stays lead in the market while preserving the existing biodiversity. This industry has the potential to be a powerful force for good.
To step in the journey Carbon Bank is ready to guide you in Carbon Crediting Program. We support initiatives that promote responsible practices and carbon sequestration within the palm oil industry.
Together, Let's Move Towards a Sustainable Future!