Palm oil is one of the most-traded commodities in the global economy and tropical countries around the world are working to meet the growing demand. What are the pros and cons of harvesting and consuming this ubiquitous crop?
The natural vegetable oil remains a little-known ingredient in many foods, makeup products and pharmaceuticals, but causes big concerns related to human rights and the environment.
The European Union is currently considering regulations to reduce palm oil's presence as a renewable biofuel, which is not sitting well with the world's biggest producers.
In what ways are consumers and laborers around the world affected by the palm-oil industry? How is Texas' migrant crisis connected to this industry?
How ethically conscious are you, as a consumer? Do you consider where the products you buy come from and how they got to your grocery store?
Guests:
- Kimberly Carlson, assistant professor in the department of natural resources and environmental management at the University of Hawaii Mānoa
- Paul Tullis, longform journalist and writer of "How The World Got Hooked on Palm Oil" for The Guardian
- Jeff Abbott, independent journalist and photographer reporting from Central America
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This interview aired on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.
