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According to a CNBC report on 15 October, the haze in Southeast Asia is mainly from massive peatland fires in Sumatra and Borneo. As global warming increases, peatlands and forests become more flammable during the dry season. This further complicates the perennial problem of transboundary haze in Southeast Asia, which has plagued the region's dry seasons for half a century, leading to a range of respiratory and other health problems and economic losses in the region.
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The transboundary haze problem caused by Indonesia during the annual dry season stems from small-scale farmers using slash-and-burn techniques, which are often driven by the palm oil industry. The crisis is exacerbated by drought conditions caused by the El Niño phenomenon in Indonesia.
Photo source : The Star Online
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According to Indonesian law, small-scale local farmers are allowed to burn their land, but only if the burning does not exceed two hectares and necessary safety measures are taken. This regulation has led to the continued use of grass-cutting and burning techniques by these farmers, who rely on cheap land-clearing methods, thus has resulted in smoke from forest fires in Indonesia and caused health problems.
Photo source : Reuters
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As transboundary haze engulfs Southeast Asia, the Malaysian Environment Minister urges a regional response. Air quality indices breach 150, risking health, as Indonesia denies responsibility. Regulatory gaps and climate change exacerbate 'slash and burn' practices for palm oil. The recurring crisis strains the region's environmental resilience and economic stability.
Photo source : Rappler
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Indonesia faces a severe haze crisis, with wildfires intensifying fourfold—soaring from 979 last year to 3,788 in 2023. With El Niño exacerbating the dry conditions, these human-induced fires, driven by agricultural practices and peatland degradation, threaten Southeast Asia, raising concerns of a repeat of the disastrous 2015 haze.
Photo source : Mongabay
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"Smallholders are victims of the haze, not the cause,“ says Aida Greenbury, sustainability advisor for Indonesia's independent smallholders union. Land rights issues, including Indigenous smallholder land occupation, contribute to the problem. Greenbury emphasises the importance of landscape stabilisation, revising land use plans, and empowering smallholders.