Driftspace
Wildfires burning across large parts of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia have pus
Wildfires burning across large parts of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia have pushed thick smoke across much of Southeast Asia, prompting Malaysia to declare an emergency in parts of Sarawak state after pollution readings hit hazardous levels. Residents in towns near the Indonesian border recorded some of the worst readings, while elevated pollution also spread to Kuala Lumpur and parts of the Philippines. Climate scientists link the severity of this season's fires to an intensifying El Niño pattern bringing prolonged dry conditions to the region. The ASEAN body responsible for monitoring air quality activated its highest transboundary haze alert in late August. The cycle of seasonal fires and cross-border smoke has repeated across Southeast Asia for decades, with ongoing debate over enforcement of land-use rules and the limits of regional cooperation in managing the health consequences. When environmental harm originating in one country crosses borders and affects the health of millions in neighbouring countries, how should responsibility and costs be shared?