Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms and widely used in many products like chocolate bars, snack foods, and cosmetics. Unfortunately, the production of palm oil is linked to severe deforestation, which has caused many species of plants and animals to suffer immeasurably.

Today, we’re seeing the devastating effects of deforestation caused by palm oil production. According to recent studies, global deforestation rates have increased by more than 50% since the 1990s due to the expansion of palm oil plantations. This means that thousands of acres of forest have been destroyed to make way for these plantations, resulting in the destruction of habitats for some of the world’s most beloved species. The orangutan, for example, has seen a dramatic decrease in population due to the destruction of its natural habitat. Other animals like the Sumatran tiger, clouded leopard, and sun bear have also been affected by palm oil deforestation.

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source: Phys.org