Who's to blame for the toxic smog choking South East Asia?
Summary
Indonesia is facing its worst wildfire season in ten years, causing heavy smog that affects millions in the region and neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia. Many fires are linked to large-scale land clearing by companies using slash-and-burn methods, which are illegal but hard to control.Key Facts
- Wildfires have burned about 900,000 hectares of land in Indonesia, mainly on the islands of Kalimantan and Sumatra.
- The fires create thick toxic smog, called haze, which has reduced air quality to hazardous levels.
- Smog from Indonesia has spread to other countries, causing health concerns and school closures.
- Many fires are caused by farmers and companies clearing land by burning vegetation, a method called slash-and-burn.
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called slash-and-burn farming "ecological terrorism" and has pushed for tougher punishments.
- Authorities suspended licenses of 26 companies linked to fires and launched investigations, with some cases going to court.
- Greenpeace reported that companies in Singapore and Malaysia own land in Indonesia where fires have started.
- Some companies deny responsibility and say they use strict policies to prevent and fight fires.
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