Transboundary haze pollution is a pressing issue in Southeast Asia caused by activities like forest fires and land clearing. Regional cooperation, monitoring, and prevention are crucial to combat this environmental and health challenge.
The Transboundary Haze Issue in Southeast Asia
Air pollution in Southeast Asia, particularly the transboundary haze problem, poses significant health risks as smoke from wildfires and land-clearing activities drifts across national borders. This issue affects countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, with severity fluctuating due to various factors like weather patterns and regional policies.
Root Causes and Efforts Towards Haze-Free Southeast Asia
The primary causes of transboundary haze in the ASEAN region include peatland fires, with over 3 million hectares of peatlands destroyed by fire. Initiatives like the Second Roadmap aim to eliminate haze pollution by 2030 through regional cooperation and agreements among ASEAN member states.
ASEAN’s Coordinated Efforts and Key Strategies Discussed
Recent meetings of the Subregional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution highlighted the commitment of ASEAN countries to combat the issue through strategies like enhancing monitoring efforts, conserving peatlands, improving fire prevention, and establishing the ASEAN Coordinating Center. Addressing transboundary haze is crucial for environmental sustainability, public health, and economic stability in the region.
Source : The Pressing Issue of Transboundary Haze in Southeast Asia