The Wire

As we try to phase out oil and look for more eco-friendly alternatives like biodiesel. a whole new set of environmental problems arise. World demand for palm oil is on the rise and to supply that demand vast tracts of Indonesia’s rainforests are being rapidly cleared and orangutangs are losing their habitat. Many countries have banned the importation of palm oil but Australia isn’t one of them. However the Australian Orangutang Project is working in the forests of Sumnamatra and Borneo to stop the destruction. Two dedicated members of the project have emerged from the jungle this month to go on a speaking tour of Austriala to raise awarenss of what’s happening. Leif Cocks is founder of the project, and Hardi Baktiantoro works with local people in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra.