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Palm Oil Production & Processing Begins
Wild oil palms in West Africa are processed to make palm oil for farmers’ meals. Portuguese discover the tree during expeditions to Africa, and soon treat the palm oil as a cash crop. -
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Use of Palm Oil
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Industrial Revolution Increases Demand for Palm Oil
Industrial Revolution sparks consumer demand for palm oil for use in candle-making and machine lubricant. -
First Commercial Oil Palm Plantation is Planted in Sumatra, Indonesia.
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First Commercial Malaysian Plantation
Oil palm seedlings from Indonesia plantation are used to seed first commercial Malaysian plantation. -
Palm Oil Production Reaches 250.000 tons/year
Palm oil production reaches the amount of 250,000 tons per year, contributing to massive deforestation and loss of biodiversity. -
Malaysia Emerges as the Largest International Producer of Palm Oil
Malaysia emerges as largest international producer of palm oil. It is discovered that oil palms are pollinated by weevils, rather than the wind. The introduction of weevils into plantations dramatically cuts down on the practice of hand pollination. -
Massive Forest Fires Case Destruction in Indonesia
Massive forest fires cause destruction in Indonesia, as acres of forest are swallowed by flame. A smoky haze chokes nearby cities. An estimated 700 million tonnes of carbon are released, accounting for one fifth of annual global emissions. Palm oil companies are accused of setting the fires to clear land for oil palm plantations; company owners blame small farmers for starting the blaze. -
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is Created
Palm oil companies and consumers create the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) to create a thorough certification process in hopes of establishing sustainable and ethical methods of growth. Through this, the impact of oil palm plantations on forests, wildlife, and communities is hoped to be minimized. -
Palm Oil Production is Indonesia's Main Cause of Deforestation
United Nations cites palm oil production as Indonesia’s main cause of deforestation. In addition, illegal logging and oil palm planting is prevalent in 37 of 41 national parks. -
RSPO Estimates that 5% of all Palm Oil Produced is Certified Sustainable.
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Western Companies Disinterested in Sustainable Palm Oil Production
RSPO cites disinterest by Western companies as key reason for difficulties associated with sustainable palm oil production. -
Estimated Extinction Date of Orangutans if Current Palm Oil Production Methods Continue.
