Smith manages campaign to protect rainforests
Wilmar International, one of the world’s biggest palm oil producers, has agreed to ensure the oil it supplies will not result in any additional loss of rainforests, in a move that could significantly slow the destruction of tropical forests around the world.
“If Wilmar is genuine in its commitments to deforestation-free, peat-free, exploitation-free palm oil, this could be a game-changer for the industry,” said Sharon Smith, palm oil campaign manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Last year, in a Newsweek ranking of the environmental performance of the world’s 500 biggest companies, Wilmar came last, Smith noted. But if the new agreement is effectively implemented, it “could become the industry standard for sustainable plantation expansion and palm oil trading.”
From Sharon Smith:
In my new role I along with my colleagues at Union of Concerned Scientists reviewed the policy language and offered improvements and suggestions for strenthening GHG reduction provisions and forest protection provisions.
Some of our quotes from: http://www.trust.org/item/20131206125900-zwku5/
