Southeast Asia’s haze crisis will persist until polluters pay

Smoke from fires in Indonesia has led Malaysia to close schools, pushed air pollution in Singapore to dangerous levels and affected parts of the Philippines. In Indonesia, forest and peatland fires threaten communities and livelihoods, particularly in Kalimantan. Dry weather and El Niño can intensify fires, but many are deliberately set to clear land for agriculture. Ronny P Sasmita argues the crisis will persist while land-clearing gains remain concentrated and the health and social costs of haze fall on communities and neighbouring countries.