According to research and a study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, more than half of the planet’s palm trees are in risk of extinction. According to BBC, scientists used AI to determine the current rate of risk of the palm family. And the results are shocking.
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Being a vital part of the food, and drink industries across the globe, byproducts of the the palm tree is omnipresent internationally. With more than 1000 species of palm at immediate risk, among the known total of 2600 species, it could mean a scarcity of popular and indispensable consumer products in the future.
Being the most commonly consumed vegetable oil in the world, palm oil is of the utmost importance when it comes to packaged food and drinks. According to WWF, it is also the most efficient vegetable oil to grow as it consumes lesser land.
How will the palm oil scarcity affect the way you eat?
Sweets and desserts
Many daily supermarket food items you shop for contain palm oil in some quantities. Be it chocolates, ice cream, or peanut butter, so many of the world’s most beloved desserts contain traces of palm oil.
Breads and baked foods
Store-bought commercial pizza dough is a great example of an item which always uses palm oil. Besides this, it is common in packaged bread, pastries and other such products.
Miscellaneous items
From vegan cheese and chips to baby formula and Nutella, so many household staples use oils extracted from palm trees. Even margarine and instant noodles are heavy on palm oil.
How will palm oil extinction affect your lifestyle?
Many everyday consumer products have palm oil content. So many soaps, detergents and shampoos you find in your local supermarkets have palm oil in them. Additionally, even many brands of lipsticks use palm oil as it helps hold color and form well. You can get complete information on this by simply checking the packaging.
Sources used:
- BBC: 'More than half of the world's palm trees in danger'
- WWF: 'Which Everyday Products Contain Palm Oil?'
- EcoWatch: 'More Than Half of Palm Species Threatened With Extinction, Study Finds'
- Nature Ecology & Evolution: 'The likely extinction of hundreds of palm species threatens their contributions to people and ecosystems'
Read more:
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