Singapore will table changes to its haze law on Tuesday, as Malaysia weighs a law of its own and Jakarta's stance on gas and electricity exports raises questions for the region's energy plans.
Singapore has issued three new notices to Indonesian companies on Monday; three of them supply Asia Pulp & Paper, which the Singapore Environment Council has warned could lose its green label.
Earthshot Prize finalist Satellites on Fire uses AI, satellite imagery and ground data to detect blazes earlier, and is now discussing potential projects in Indonesia as its fires blanket parts of Southeast Asia in haze.
Economists suggest the 2026 haze will cost Singapore more than the 2015 episode, while other estimates state that Malaysia is losing RM20 million (US$4.9 million) to RM50 million (US$12.3 million) a day. Seven companies have been served notices under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act.
El Niño’s shifting ocean temperatures can disrupt atmospheric circulation worldwide – raising the risk of drought in some regions while bringing heavier rainfall and flooding to others.
Oleh
Ligin Joseph
With regional diplomacy and Singapore’s haze law offering victims slow responses, Indonesia’s own courts may be the most promising route to compensation. A recent procedural rule eases the hardest part of any haze lawsuit – proving whose fires caused the harm.
Oleh
Zefanya Albrena Sembiring
Studio EB
Stronger standards and fire prevention can help, but lasting progress requires action across industries, governments and communities.
Oleh
Aryo Gustomo
The return of smoke haze underscores a sobering reality: while Asean has policies designed to combat it, the problem continues to occur.
Oleh
Melinda Martinus