Transboundary haze pollution problem in Southeast Asia

Abstract

    Transboundary haze is a recurring air pollution issue in Southeast Asia caused mainly by slash-and-burn agriculture and peatland fires, particularly in Indonesia, that drifts across national borders, leading to severe health, environmental, and economic impacts. ASEAN has experienced periodic episodes of transboundary haze pollution resulting from land and forest fires caused by seasonal burning to clear vegetation on the ground for various purposes. Despite more than a decade since the ASEAN Haze Agreement came into force, the problem still recurs and sometimes with serious consequences to health, transportation, tourism, and other activities. What is urgently needed is a reframing of the way the issue is being currently addressed, i.e. mostly tackling at the tail-end of the problem of putting out the fires after they have been lit rather than preventing or curbing the illegal burning practices at source. It also represents balancing economic development initiatives with environmental protection and international relations concerns.