Information sheet on palm oil & peatlands

This paper shines light on the issue of greenhouse gas emissions due to conversion of areas with peatsoils for palm oil production, including for biodiesel. The paper will focus on palm oil in Southeast Asia; the most relevant area for vegetable oil production on peatlands, with alarming greenhouse gas emissions as a result.

Poster - Peatland loss fuels climate change

The title of this poster is "Peatland loss fuels climate change". It is a cartoon showing the conversion of peatlands into palm oil plantation, which causes the relases of CO2 through burning practices as well as oxidation of the peat soil from the deforestation and drainage. The palm oil company employee has his pockets filled with dollars, stating "We plant oil palm to save the climate, and get REDD and biofuels subsidies".

Postcard - Peatland loss fuels climate change

The title of this postcard is "Peatland loss fuels climate change". It is a cartoon showing the conversion of peatlands into palm oil plantation, which causes the relases of CO2 through burning practices as well as oxidation of the peat soil from the deforestation and drainage. The palm oil company employee has his pockets filled with dollars, stating "We plant oil palm to save the climate, and get REDD and biofuels subsidies".

RSPO resolution on plantations on peatlands

At the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) 9th session in 2009, Weltands International submitted the attached resolution, calling for the development of criteria to deal with plantation on peat. The resolution was adadpted and will be carried out.

Rapport Annuel 2008 - Wetlands International Afrique

Submission to the European Commission regarding indirect land use change due to biofuels

This is the joint submission of the EU Biofuels Coalition on the Issue  of indirect land use change (ILUC) in relation to the growing demands for biofuels.

Palm Oil production, peatlands & CO2 Emissions (video)

This video tells the story how peatlands are drained and turned into oil palm plantations in Southeast Asia. Palm oil is used in many products, from shampoo to cookies. But their production causes peatland draining, peat fires, and the loss of habitats for many endangered species, such as the Orangutan and Sumatran Rhino.

Letter to the government of Kenya about the Tana wetlands

Letter to Hon. John. N. Michuki, EGH, MP, Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources about the plans to convert the Tana wetlands into sugarcane plantations for biofuel production.

Les biocarburants en Afrique

Biofuels in Africa

In 2020, Africa is expected to produce a relatively small but substantial part of the global biofuel demand. Millions of hectares will be turned into large scale biofuel plantations.

Especially natural areas of wetlands and rainforest – the hotspots for biodiversity - are vulnerable for this development.

Wetlands International letter 10% mandatory biofuel target EP

Wetlands International position on biofuels: letter to the European Commission.

Biomass, the zero emission myth

The Biomass, the zero emission myth factsheet highlights how UN FCCC greenhouse gas accounting rules promote the use of biofuels and biomass but ignore most of the emissions due to this production.

Peat CO2

This report presents shocking figures on CO2 emissions from drained peatland areas. These areas were once swamp forests. Due to extensive drainage for logging, palm oil plantations and pulp wood, the peat oxidates into huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2).

A study of Delft Hydraulics in cooperation with Wetlands International and Alterra.