Stop Illegal Palm Oil Imports and Save Our Rainforests
5,927 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
Rainforest destruction for palm oil devastates our planet; act now to stop illegal imports and protect our future.
Palm oil is everywhere: in your snacks, cosmetics, and even household cleaners. This common ingredient has a hidden cost that’s destroying our planet. The production of palm oil is a leading cause of deforestation, especially in tropical regions like Indonesia. Despite global awareness of its impact, the United States continues to be a major importer, indirectly supporting practices that devastate rainforests and the communities within them.
The Ubiquity of Palm Oil
Palm oil is found in nearly half of all supermarket products, making it a staple in global food and consumer goods industries1. This demand drives large-scale deforestation, primarily in Indonesia, where vast areas of rainforest are cleared for palm oil plantations2.
A report by Global Witness and Trase found that palm oil imported by the U.S. contributed to the deforestation of approximately 103,000 acres in Indonesia, an area half the size of New York City2.
Environmental Consequences
Tropical rainforests are crucial for global climate regulation, storing a quarter of all terrestrial carbon and supporting diverse ecosystems3. The loss of these forests not only releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide but also disrupts rainfall patterns and destroys habitats for countless species.
In Indonesia, deforestation for palm oil plantations has reduced forest cover dramatically, despite a significant reduction in deforestation rates in recent years4.
The Human Cost
Beyond environmental damage, the palm oil industry has severe human rights implications. Many smallholder farmers, particularly women, work under harsh conditions with little pay and inadequate access to healthcare and nutrition5. Women smallholders, often the backbone of the industry, face significant challenges in balancing their labor-intensive jobs with domestic responsibilities5.
Efforts to improve their conditions are slowly emerging, with programs focusing on health and nutrition education making a positive impact5.
Economic Dependencies
The economic significance of palm oil cannot be overlooked. It supports millions of jobs and contributes billions to the GDP of producing countries. A study by Europe Economics highlighted that palm oil imports contribute $39 billion to the global economy, including $6.5 billion to the U.S. economy alone6.
This economic dependency complicates efforts to reduce palm oil consumption, as it plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of millions, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Regulatory Challenges
While countries like the European Union have implemented stringent regulations to curb the import of deforestation-linked commodities, the U.S. has lagged behind. The FOREST Act, reintroduced in Congress in 2023, aims to prohibit imports of products produced from illegally deforested land7. However, this legislation has yet to gain significant traction.
The act focuses on illegal deforestation, which, while a step in the right direction, does not address legal deforestation practices that also contribute to environmental degradation.
The Role of Consumers and Corporations
Companies and consumers have a critical role in addressing the palm oil crisis. By demanding transparency and supporting sustainable practices, they can drive change. Tools like PalmWatch, an online platform, help consumers trace the impact of palm oil in their products4. Companies can implement strict sourcing policies and invest in sustainable production to ensure their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation.
A Path Forward
Ending deforestation linked to palm oil requires a multifaceted approach. Stronger regulations, better enforcement, and increased support for sustainable practices are essential. Consumers must also be willing to make choices that support sustainability, even if it means higher prices or less convenience.
As awareness grows and more stakeholders take action, there is hope that the palm oil industry can transform into one that supports both economic development and environmental preservation.
Act Now for a Sustainable Future
The United States, as a major importer, has a responsibility to lead in this transformation. By passing comprehensive legislation like the FOREST Act and supporting sustainable practices, the U.S. can help ensure that palm oil production no longer comes at the expense of our planet's vital ecosystems.
We must act now to protect our rainforests, support human rights, and promote sustainable trade. Your voice can make a difference. Sign the petition today to urge Congress to pass the FOREST Act and take a stand against illegal deforestation.
- Michelle Toh, CNN (26 April 2022), "Palm oil is in half your groceries. Here’s why prices might shoot up."
- Manuela Andreoni, The New York Times (26 March 2024), "Why Palm Oil Is Still a Big Problem."
- Freda Kreier, Nature (1 April 2022), "Tropical forests have big climate benefits beyond carbon storage."
- Hans Nicholas Jong, Mongabay (9 March 2021), "Deforestation in Indonesia hits record low, but experts fear a rebound."
- Robin Hicks, Eco-Business (4 March 2024), "The skipped chapter of the sustainable palm oil story: Women smallholders."
- Dr Yusof Basiron, Food Navigator (28 February 2024), "New research shows the role of palm oil in the world economy."
- David E. Bond, Matt Solomon, Ian Saccomanno, White & Case (7 December 2023), "US Congress Reintroduces Bill to Restrict Imports Linked to Illegal Deforestation."
The Petition:
Dear Members of the United States Senate and the Committee on Finance,
We, the undersigned citizens, urge you to take immediate and decisive action to combat illegal deforestation by passing the Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade (FOREST) Act. This vital piece of legislation aims to prohibit the importation of products made wholly or in part from certain commodities, such as palm oil, produced on land undergoing illegal deforestation.
Illegal deforestation has devastating consequences for our planet. Tropical rainforests, which are crucial for global climate regulation, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of indigenous communities, are being destroyed at an alarming rate. The production of commodities like palm oil drives this destruction, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, disrupting rainfall patterns, and annihilating habitats for countless species.
The United States plays a significant role in this crisis as a major importer of palm oil and other deforestation-linked commodities. By passing the FOREST Act, we can take a powerful stand against illegal deforestation and set a global example for sustainable trade practices. This legislation will:
- Prohibit the importation of products linked to illegal deforestation, ensuring that our consumption does not contribute to environmental destruction.
- Require importers to certify that their products are deforestation-free, promoting transparency and accountability in supply chains.
- Expand enforcement of U.S. money laundering laws to target the proceeds of illegal deforestation, deterring financial support for these destructive practices.
- Provide technical assistance to countries to improve enforcement of forestry laws, supporting global efforts to protect our precious ecosystems.
By passing the FOREST Act, the United States will demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship and human rights. This legislation will help preserve the world’s rainforests, protect biodiversity, and support sustainable development. It will also encourage other countries to adopt similar measures, creating a ripple effect that can lead to significant global change.
We believe that the passage of the FOREST Act is essential for ensuring a better future for all. By taking this decisive action, we can protect our planet for future generations, promote sustainable trade practices, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient global environment.
We, therefore, call upon you, our elected representatives, to pass the FOREST Act without delay. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Sincerely,
