2006 Southeast Asian haze

Satellite image of 2019 Southeast Asian haze in Borneo - 20190915

The 2006 Southeast Asian haze was a significant air pollution crisis that affected several countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei. The haze was primarily caused by widespread forest fires in Indonesia, particularly on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

Causes

The primary cause of the 2006 Southeast Asian haze was the illegal practice of slash-and-burn agriculture, which involves clearing land for agricultural use by burning vegetation. This method is commonly used in Indonesia to clear land for palm oil plantations and other agricultural activities. The fires, exacerbated by dry weather conditions, produced large amounts of smoke and particulate matter, which were carried by winds across the region.

Affected Areas

The haze affected several countries in Southeast Asia, leading to severe air quality deterioration and visibility reduction. The most affected areas included:

• Indonesia: Particularly the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.
• Malaysia: Especially the states of Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo, as well as parts of Peninsular Malaysia.
• Singapore: Experienced significant air quality issues and visibility reduction.
• Thailand: Southern regions were affected.
• Brunei: Also experienced haze-related air quality issues.

Health Impacts

The haze had severe health impacts on the populations of the affected countries. The primary health issues included:

• Respiratory problems: Increased cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
• Eye irritation: Many people experienced eye irritation and discomfort.
• Cardiovascular issues: The particulate matter in the haze was linked to increased cardiovascular problems.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of the haze was significant, affecting various sectors including:

• Tourism: The tourism industry suffered due to reduced visibility and health concerns.
• Agriculture: Crop yields were affected by the reduced sunlight and ash deposition.
• Transportation: Air and road transportation were disrupted due to poor visibility.

Government Response

Governments in the affected countries took several measures to address the haze crisis, including:

• Indonesia: Efforts to extinguish the fires and enforce laws against illegal burning.
• Malaysia and Singapore: Issued health advisories and distributed face masks to the public.
• Regional cooperation: Countries in the region worked together to address the transboundary haze issue through organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

See Also

• 1997 Southeast Asian haze
• 2015 Southeast Asian haze
• Air pollution
• Slash-and-burn