Palm oil production has long been a subject of environmental concern, but recent reports suggest it’s even more destructive than previously thought. Activists have accused Mondelez International, the parent company of Cadbury, Oreo, and Ritz, of massive deforestation in Southeast Asia, a practice pushing critically endangered orangutans closer to extinction. The scale of destruction has sparked renewed calls for accountability in the palm oil industry, especially as demand continues to rise.
A Troubling Track Record
Greenpeace International’s latest investigation claims that Mondelez suppliers have cleared over 70,000 hectares of Indonesian rainforest between 2015 and 2017 alone, an area larger than Chicago. Much of this deforestation has devastated habitats that are crucial for orangutans, a species now teetering on the brink of survival.
The Cost of Palm Oil
Orangutans, the intelligent and gentle primates native to Indonesia, are suffering as their natural habitats are converted into palm oil plantations. According to activists, as many as 25 orangutans die each day due to these destructive practices, underscoring the urgent need to find more sustainable solutions for palm oil production.
Weak Certification Standards
Despite Mondelez’s claim that it has used “responsible” palm oil since 2013, Greenpeace suggests otherwise. The organization reported that nearly 95% of Mondelez’s palm oil comes from weak certification systems that lack meaningful sustainability checks. This weak oversight allows deforestation to continue unchecked, diminishing trust in industry standards.
Public Outcry Against Deforestation
The issue of palm oil’s impact on wildlife reached a wider audience when a video campaign by Iceland Foods, originally created by Greenpeace, was banned from television for being “political.” The animated ad highlighted how palm oil production is ravaging the forests, resonating with viewers who saw it online.
A Call for Urgent Action
Activists insist it’s “now or never” to save the critically endangered orangutans of Indonesia. Kiki Taufik, Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s forest campaign leader, emphasized that Mondelez’s practices have persisted despite promises to source cleaner, more sustainable palm oil for nearly a decade. The pressure is on for companies like Mondelez to finally align with their environmental pledges.
A Rapid Decline in Orangutan Populations
Studies reveal that orangutan numbers are plummeting fast. Bornean orangutans have seen their population cut in half over the past 16 years, while Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans have lost over half their habitat since the 1980s. These species are now listed as critically endangered alongside other vulnerable animals like the Sumatran tiger and rhino.
Mondelez Responds
Mondelez International has responded to the accusations, affirming its commitment to eliminating deforestation in its supply chain. A spokesperson stated the company is working with suppliers to improve traceability and has dropped 12 suppliers failing to meet its standards. However, critics argue that words alone won’t save orangutans—the company needs to adopt stricter, more transparent practices.
Conclusion
With orangutans facing extinction and forests vanishing at alarming rates, consumers and environmentalists are calling for immediate action to halt destructive palm oil practices. Companies like Mondelez, holding substantial influence, can make a powerful difference by ensuring their products are sourced responsibly. For the orangutans and the Earth, there’s no more time to waste.
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