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

Even as hunger declines around the world, food insecurity remains prevalent in rural communities. Restoring soil health, expanding access to new technologies, strengthening land rights, and upgrading public infrastructure are essential to boost agricultural productivity and protect rural livelihoods. Oleh Esther Ngumbi

The dangerous flooding in Nepal and Tibet has demonstrated, once again, the need for prearranged disaster-risk financing to prepare for the economic chain reactions triggered by natural disasters. Asia's policymakers must act now to help cash-strapped Nepal and strengthen other countries' resilience before the next crisis hits. Oleh Yasuto Watanabe

A nature-positive approach to agriculture, and specifically palm oil plantations, can marry mandates with production. Oleh Mohd Yunus