2015 Southeast Asian haze

Haze2015 collage

2015 Southeast Asian haze

The 2015 Southeast Asian haze was an air pollution crisis that affected several countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. The haze was primarily caused by widespread forest fires in Indonesia, particularly on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan. These fires were often the result of illegal slash-and-burn practices used to clear land for palm oil and pulpwood plantations.

Causes

The primary cause of the 2015 Southeast Asian haze was the illegal practice of slash-and-burn agriculture. This method involves cutting down vegetation and burning it to clear land for agricultural use. In 2015, the fires were exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which led to drier-than-usual conditions in the region. The lack of rainfall made it easier for fires to spread uncontrollably.

Affected Areas

The haze had a significant impact on several countries in Southeast Asia:

• Indonesia: The source of the majority of the fires, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The haze caused severe air quality issues and health problems for residents.
• Malaysia: Many areas experienced hazardous air quality levels, leading to school closures and health advisories.
• Singapore: The haze caused the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) to reach hazardous levels, prompting the government to issue health warnings and distribute masks to the public.
• Thailand: Southern parts of Thailand were affected, with air quality reaching unhealthy levels.
• Philippines: The haze reached parts of the Philippines, causing visibility issues and health concerns.

Health Impact

The haze had severe health implications for millions of people in the affected regions. Common health issues included respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin irritation. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions were particularly at risk. The long-term exposure to the haze also raised concerns about chronic health issues.

Environmental Impact

The fires that caused the haze had devastating effects on the environment. Large areas of rainforest were destroyed, leading to loss of biodiversity and habitat for many species. The fires also released significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Economic Impact

The haze had a substantial economic impact on the affected countries. The tourism industry suffered as visitors avoided the region due to poor air quality. Agricultural productivity was also affected, and there were increased healthcare costs due to the rise in haze-related illnesses.

Government Response

Governments in the affected countries took various measures to address the haze crisis. In Indonesia, efforts were made to extinguish the fires and enforce laws against illegal burning. Malaysia and Singapore provided assistance to Indonesia in firefighting efforts and also implemented measures to protect public health, such as distributing masks and issuing health advisories.

International Cooperation

The 2015 Southeast Asian haze highlighted the need for regional cooperation to address transboundary air pollution. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) played a role in facilitating discussions and cooperation among member states to find long-term solutions to prevent future haze crises.

See Also

• Air pollution
• Slash-and-burn
• El Niño
• Palm oil
• Climate change