scrAPES #4
Source: http://ogoapes.weebly.com/uploads/3/2/3/9/3239894/stop_burning_rain_forests_for_palm_oil_scientific_american.pdf
Summary:
In the Tripa Forest, a fire was set, not a natural one, but a manmade one. The reason for this is for palm oil, widely used for biofuels, cosmetics, and food. Not only is it used for those listed above, but it is also used as cooking oil in many parts of the world and as a cash crop for farmers. However, this palm oil comes with a cost of destrying this home of many organutans and endangered species, such as the Sumatran tiger and Sumatran rhino. This logging and burning also causes large amounts of pollution to be emitted as well. Plantation for palm oil must not continue to destroy natural forests. The United Nations's Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation program has already taken as start at this by paying developed countries to stop cutting down these forests. Even consumers have the power to make a change as well, by making public awareness about the environmental stresses.
Reflection:
I probably use palm oil just as much as anybody else without even realizing it. In fact, I didn't even know what palm oil even was or how it was used until I read this article. I personally feel that even though palm oil is an extremely important substance, it is going too far to mow down tons of forests and forests sights just for this oil. While it is important in everyday life, people should not just straight up set an entire forest on fire. If I were them, I would only take what I could get without completely disrupting the environment. Now every time I put gel in my hair, I'm gonna get this message stuck in my head. Thanks a lot Mrs. Ogo.
Summary:
In the Tripa Forest, a fire was set, not a natural one, but a manmade one. The reason for this is for palm oil, widely used for biofuels, cosmetics, and food. Not only is it used for those listed above, but it is also used as cooking oil in many parts of the world and as a cash crop for farmers. However, this palm oil comes with a cost of destrying this home of many organutans and endangered species, such as the Sumatran tiger and Sumatran rhino. This logging and burning also causes large amounts of pollution to be emitted as well. Plantation for palm oil must not continue to destroy natural forests. The United Nations's Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation program has already taken as start at this by paying developed countries to stop cutting down these forests. Even consumers have the power to make a change as well, by making public awareness about the environmental stresses.
Reflection:
I probably use palm oil just as much as anybody else without even realizing it. In fact, I didn't even know what palm oil even was or how it was used until I read this article. I personally feel that even though palm oil is an extremely important substance, it is going too far to mow down tons of forests and forests sights just for this oil. While it is important in everyday life, people should not just straight up set an entire forest on fire. If I were them, I would only take what I could get without completely disrupting the environment. Now every time I put gel in my hair, I'm gonna get this message stuck in my head. Thanks a lot Mrs. Ogo.