Planet Palm: How Palm Oil Ended Up in Everything-and Endangered the World

Palm oil is a widely used vegetable oil that has played an outsized role in world history and economic development, but it has been built on stolen land and slave labor. It generates carbon emissions to rival those of entire industrialized nations, and has pushed animals like the orangutan to the brink of extinction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Palm oil, a ubiquitous ingredient found in a wide range of products, including instant noodles, chocolate bars, lipsticks, and fuel tanks, has permeated our lives to an unprecedented extent. However, its origins and impact remain largely unknown. In her captivating book, "Planet Palm," Jocelyn C. Zuckerman embarks on a remarkable journey across four continents and back two centuries, seeking to unravel the mysteries of this widely used vegetable oil.

The oil palm fruit, which is small in size, has played a colossal role in shaping world history and economic development. However, the multi-billion-dollar palm oil industry, built on the exploitation of stolen land and slave labor, has come at a devastating cost. It has fueled colonization, destroyed lives and cultures, and contributed to the alarming levels of carbon emissions, rivaling those of entire industrialized nations. Moreover, the relentless fires and widespread deforestation associated with palm oil production have pushed endangered species, such as the orangutan, to the brink of extinction.

"Planet Palm" is a powerful and eye-opening exploration of a global industry that has turned into an environmental, public health, and human rights disaster. Through a combination of history, travelogue, and investigative reporting, Zuckerman delves deep into the origins, production processes, and societal consequences of palm oil. She sheds light on the complex web of actors involved, from multinational corporations to local communities, and exposes the devastating impact of this industry on the environment, human rights, and the well-being of communities around the world.

The book highlights the devastating environmental consequences of palm oil production, including deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. The clearing of vast tracts of land for palm oil plantations has led to the destruction of critical habitats, displacing countless species and contributing to climate change. The burning of palm oil waste, often done in open fires, releases harmful pollutants into the air, exacerbating air pollution and posing a significant threat to human health.

Furthermore, palm oil production has been linked to human rights abuses, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, where labor rights are often violated. Slave labor and forced labor are common practices, and workers are subjected to harsh working conditions and exploitation. The lack of labor regulations and enforcement mechanisms has allowed these practices to continue, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.

The book also raises concerns about the impact of palm oil on public health. The consumption of palm oil, which is found in a wide range of processed foods, has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other health problems. The high levels of saturated fats and trans fats in palm oil contribute to these health issues, particularly in populations that rely heavily on processed foods.

In response to these pressing concerns, Zuckerman advocates for sustainable and ethical palm oil production. She calls for stricter regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and support for local communities and indigenous peoples who have been marginalized by the palm oil industry. She also highlights the importance of consumer awareness and the choice of sustainable and ethical products, which can help reduce the demand for palm oil and promote a more sustainable future.

"Planet Palm" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding palm oil. It is a powerful indictment of an industry that has wreaked havoc on the environment, human rights, and the well-being of communities around the world. By shedding light on the origins.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787383784