Global warming has become one of the greatest threats to life on earth. The rise of average global temperature had resulted in extreme global climate change, melting polar ice, rising sea surface, and disruption to the agricultural system and human health.
But amidst such concerns, certain groups of people had accused the oil palm plantations as the main cause of global warming. How come? But is the accusation supported with scientific evidence, or they just fabricated myths about palm oil? Find out the answers through the following explanation.
Scientists and environmentalists have proven that the global warming was resulted from the increase of concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. The GHG such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), absorbs the heat from solar radiation and trap it in the atmosphere, causing the increase of global temperature.
Naturally, the GHG is needed to make earth warm and habitable. But due to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, the GHG concentration has increased much higher than its normal level. It has resulted in the enhanced greenhouse effect that has caused global warming.
Based on the latest report from IPCC and other international sources:
- Concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere reached more than 420 ppm in early 2025, as compared to 280 ppm during the era of pre-industry (around the year of 1800s).
- Concentration of CH₄ rose to around 1.9 ppmv, while concentration of N₂O increased to more than 330 ppbv.
- F-gas from refrigerants and electronic industries has also increased sharply.
Based on the report of Oliver et al. (2022), total emission of global GHG had increased from 32.9 Gt CO₂ eq in 1990 to almost 50 Gt CO₂ eq in 2020, and it was projected to surpass 52 Gt CO₂ eq in 2025 if the current trend continues or not reduced.
Apparently, the accusations that development of oil palm plantations is the main cause of global warming are not supported by scientific facts. The following facts show the true reality of greenhouse gases:
- The main sources of GHG are industries of energy, transportation, manufacturing, and burning of fossil fuels, and not the sectors of agriculture and oil palm plantations.
- Human activities across the globe since industrial revolution (1800s) had become the main factor of increasing the concentration of GHG in the atmosphere.
By considering the true facts above, therefore, the oil palm plantations are not the main cause of global climate change, despite the fact that palm oil production should be always based on the green principles and sustainability.
The global warming is the result of accumulation of human activities across the globe, especially in the sectors of energy and industries.
The oil palm plantations are only one of many global economic activities, and their contribution to the GHG emission is much lower than other big sectors.
Actually, their focus of attention should not be on just blaming one commodity, but on the transformation of global energy system, efficiency of industries, and reforestation across the globe. By taking concrete steps, the world can still have the chance to slow down the global warming. (*)
IPCC. 2023–2025. Sixth Assessment Reports. Oliver JGJ, Schure KM, Peters JAHW. 2022. Trends in Global CO₂ and Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions. US Global Change Research Program. Human Influence on the Greenhouse Effect. Soemarwoto, O. 1992. Indonesia dalam Kamcah Isu Lingkungan Global. Jakarta: PT. Gramedia Pustaka Utama. (*)
