2009 Southeast Asian haze

Satellite image of 2019 Southeast Asian haze in Borneo - 20190915

2009 Southeast Asian haze

The 2009 Southeast Asian haze was a significant air pollution event that affected several countries in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. The haze was primarily caused by widespread forest fires and peatland fires in Indonesia, particularly on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

Causes

The primary cause of the 2009 Southeast Asian haze was the illegal practice of slash-and-burn agriculture, which is used to clear land for palm oil plantations and other agricultural activities. The dry season, coupled with the El Niño phenomenon, exacerbated the situation by creating ideal conditions for the fires to spread uncontrollably.

Affected Areas

The haze had a significant impact on air quality in several countries:

• Indonesia: The provinces of Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra were among the worst affected areas.
• Malaysia: The states of Selangor, Johor, and Sarawak experienced severe haze conditions.
• Singapore: The haze led to a significant deterioration in air quality, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching unhealthy levels.
• Thailand: Southern regions of Thailand, including Phuket and Hat Yai, were also affected by the haze.

Health Impacts

The haze had numerous adverse health effects on the populations of the affected countries. Common health issues included respiratory problems, asthma attacks, and eye irritation. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions were particularly at risk.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of the haze was profound, leading to the destruction of vast areas of rainforest and peatland. This not only contributed to the loss of biodiversity but also released significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of the haze was substantial, affecting various sectors including tourism, agriculture, and transportation. Flight cancellations, reduced visibility, and health-related work absences led to significant economic losses in the affected countries.

Government and Regional Response

Governments in the affected countries implemented various measures to combat the haze, including:

• Enforcing stricter regulations on land clearing practices.
• Increasing efforts to detect and extinguish fires.
• Collaborating with neighboring countries to address the transboundary nature of the haze.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also played a role in coordinating regional efforts to mitigate the haze through initiatives such as the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

See Also

• 1997 Southeast Asian haze
• 2013 Southeast Asian haze
• Air pollution in Malaysia
• Air pollution in Singapore