The Real Problem with Palm Oil

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

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. 

Additional 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. 

Differentiation

• In addition to the environmental degradation discussed in science or biology classes, cross-curricular connections could be made to social studies and economics.
• Students could 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.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.