Palm oil production contributes to climate change primarily through deforestation and the subsequent release of stored carbon.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Deforestation: The most significant impact comes from clearing tropical forests to create oil palm plantations. These forests store vast amounts of carbon.
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Carbon Release: When these forests are cleared, typically through burning, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Tropical deforestation accounts for a substantial portion (around 10%) of global warming emissions (UCS 2013).
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Peatland Conversion: Many oil palm plantations are established on peatlands, which are wetlands containing layers of decayed vegetation that also store immense amounts of carbon. Draining and clearing peatlands for plantations releases this carbon, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Peat decomposition, even without burning, releases CO2.
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Methane Emissions: Draining peatlands creates anaerobic conditions (lack of oxygen) which encourages the decomposition of organic matter through alternative pathways which produce methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
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Indirect Land Use Change: Palm oil production can also drive deforestation indirectly. As land is converted to palm oil plantations, other agricultural activities (like cattle ranching) may be displaced, leading to deforestation elsewhere to accommodate those activities.
In summary, the production of palm oil significantly contributes to climate change through the release of stored carbon from deforestation and peatland conversion, primarily in the form of carbon dioxide and methane.
