Threats
Threats to biodiversity & the environment
The most significant threat to the Borneo Rainforest in Malaysia is logging, land-clearing/deforestation and conversion activities.
11.7 million people have settled in or near to the Borneo Rainforest, this has had much effect on how the rainforest functions. Like many other tropical areas around the world, Borneo’s rainforests are being cut down and destroyed for timber, palm oil, pulp, rubber and minerals. While deforestation is happening so is illegal wildlife trade, as cleared forests provide easy access to more open areas for animals to be seen. The arrival of two machines in the 1950’s – the chainsaw and the caterpillar tractor – have perhaps made more impact than any other introduced species. Since then, the opening up of new roads has been a main feature, changing Borneo. Roads not only provide access to profitable trees, but they also allow immigrant settlers, hunters and land adventurers to access new areas providing them with negative opportunities. |
Palm oil plantations are replacing what once was a luscious, vibrant greenery to produce palm oil that can be sold around the world. Palm oil is not only bad for us as human beings, but also it’s bad for the environment. 86% of deforestation since 2000 has been for palm oil plantations in the Borneo Rainforest. These plantations are replacing the homes of the helpless orang-utans, especially, and other wildlife.
Palm oil companies in Borneo make around $700 per hectare per month. Most everyday foods within our lives contain palm oil, also known as vegetable oil. Almost 100% of Australian’s Arnott’s biscuits contain palm oil. Consequently animals, like the endangered orang-utans are suffering while you are consuming something that isn’t doing your body any good. How does this make you feel?
Palm oil companies in Borneo make around $700 per hectare per month. Most everyday foods within our lives contain palm oil, also known as vegetable oil. Almost 100% of Australian’s Arnott’s biscuits contain palm oil. Consequently animals, like the endangered orang-utans are suffering while you are consuming something that isn’t doing your body any good. How does this make you feel?
How humans can change and help borneo
The main issue destroying Borneo is palm oil, we must first minimise this issue and a chain reaction will take place, healing and mending the wounded forest.
we must first reduce and eventually destroy palm oil plantations. If we get rid of them we must then plant the native forest trees and plants again.
However the plantations will only be removed from Borneo if we stop buying palm oil products. We, as consumers, need to watch what we are buying and avoid the palm oil products at all costs. We need to put the conflicting companies out of business in order to save the rainforests flora and fauna.
If one person is educated about the effects and risks of palm oil, and if they spread the word about the issue, then eventually most of the population may stop buying these harmful products. One person may not seem like much difference, but once they get the people they know on board, then maybe one household at a time, out of the palm oil game, will only serve to benefit Borneo.
So, next time you go to the supermarkets, check the products you’re buying. You may be surprised about how many world-renowned products contain palm oil.
Fight for justice and environmental safety not just for us but the flora and fauna struggling to survive as their habitats are lost!
we must first reduce and eventually destroy palm oil plantations. If we get rid of them we must then plant the native forest trees and plants again.
However the plantations will only be removed from Borneo if we stop buying palm oil products. We, as consumers, need to watch what we are buying and avoid the palm oil products at all costs. We need to put the conflicting companies out of business in order to save the rainforests flora and fauna.
If one person is educated about the effects and risks of palm oil, and if they spread the word about the issue, then eventually most of the population may stop buying these harmful products. One person may not seem like much difference, but once they get the people they know on board, then maybe one household at a time, out of the palm oil game, will only serve to benefit Borneo.
So, next time you go to the supermarkets, check the products you’re buying. You may be surprised about how many world-renowned products contain palm oil.
Fight for justice and environmental safety not just for us but the flora and fauna struggling to survive as their habitats are lost!