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The Real Problem with Palm Oil

Provided by: Our Changing Climate |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

This informative video from Our Changing Climate explores how palm oil production is linked to environmentally damaging practices such as clear-cutting rainforests and burning peatlands.

Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics

Authors: Our Changing Climate

Region: Global

Languages: English

Positives

This informative video contains reliable sources, statistics, facts, and studies that show the pros and cons of the palm oil industry and the associated environmental costs.
It is an interdisciplinary resource that offers a combination of economics, geography, science, and sustainability.
The video not only highlights the issues but also provides suggestions for environment-friendly best practices for palm oil producers.

Prerequisites

Students need to be familiar with the idea that certain commodities may have an associated environmental cost.
The teacher may need to wait through a commercial to view the video on YouTube and can stop the video at 7:54, as the remainder of the video is an ad.

Differentiation & Implementation

In addition to the environmental degradation discussed in science or biology classes, cross-curricular connections can be made to social studies and economics.
Students can discuss how to minimize global consumption of palm oil and what best practices could be put in place for palm oil producers.
Support Group: The teacher can pause the video after each chapter to help students understand the information and check their understanding.
Students could explore this interactive map from Global Forest Watch showing real-time deforestation around the world.
Students can discuss the connection between unsustainable agricultural practices and climate change. Teachers can pause the video after the burning segment to discuss the damage caused by releasing mass amounts of carbon dioxide.

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All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.

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