Independent growers are helping prevent wildfires even as haze threatens their families and livelihoods, while the costs of sustainable farming remain difficult to bear.
With 1.9 million hectares affected by fires in Indonesia, the palm oil industry faces questions over what sustainability certification can deliver – and who should be held accountable when fires occur.
Alishan, a mountain region in central Taiwan, is famous for producing the prized high-mountain tea, but its tea production has declined in recent years.
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.