Palm oil is a type of edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree, primarily found in tropical regions like Southeast Asia. It is widely used in cooking, food products, and various industrial applications due to its versatility and high stability at high temperatures.
The production of palm oil has significant economic importance, providing jobs and income for millions of people. However, it also raises environmental concerns, as large-scale cultivation can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and habitat destruction for species like the orangutan. Sustainable practices are being promoted to address these issues.