Originally published on September 24, 2014, at ForceChange.com

Target: Sukanto Tanoto, Chairman of RGE; Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh, President of Sime Darby; Bachtiar Karim, Chairman of Musim Mas; R. M. Allas, Chairman of KLK; and Lee Shin Cheng, Chairman of IOI Group

Goal: Applaud palm oil companies for placing a moratorium on deforestation

Five major palm oil companies have agreed to hold a moratorium on deforestation. Notorious for destroying large areas of rainforest to make room for their palm oil plantations, these companies consented to a 12-month moratorium on deforestation while an environmental impact study is being conducted. A previous ForceChange petition demanded an end to deforestation caused by palm oil companies in Indonesia. With this moratorium, we’ve taken a giant step towards that goal.

While environmentalists and ecologists conduct a High Carbon Stock study, which will identify forest containing significant amounts of carbon, five palm oil corporations agreed to cease cutting down rainforests during the course of the study. For the next 12 months, the study will review biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, and socioeconomic impacts caused by massive land conversions.

After submitting to pressure from environmental groups, Sime Darby, Musim Mas, KLK, IOI Corporation, and Asian Agri agreed to end their rampant destruction of the rainforest while the study assesses the amount of damage that they have caused to the environment. Although the moratorium is temporary, these corporations should be applauded for taking a step in the right direction and will hopefully place a permanent moratorium on deforestation in the future.

By signing the petition below you will thank the heads of these five corporations for placing a moratorium on deforestation during this environmental impact study.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Sukanto Tanoto, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh, Bachtiar Karim, R. M. Allas, and Lee Shin Cheng,

Thank you for agreeing to hold a moratorium on deforestation. As the leaders of five major palm oil companies, you have made a decision that will benefit all of us in the long term. We have been tearing down rainforests for years without concern for the consequences. But time is running out, and we now realize we cannot continue recklessly depleting our resources.

When the environmental impact study concludes in 12 months, I urge you to heed the results of the study and continue your moratorium on deforestation. Profits acquired by destroying rainforests and depopulating endangered species are nothing to be proud of. You have a chance to alter the course of humanity and inspire other large corporations to follow in your footsteps. Show the world that you place life above money by ending the abhorrent practice of deforestation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Ben Sutherland via Wikimedia Commons