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.
The first year of reports under Singapore’s new sustainability rules are cautious and uneven. With consultation on the proposed changes now closed, practitioners hope the final rules will push companies to act on climate risk.
Fines of up to S$20 million (US$15.6 million), restrictions on business dealings and private assessors paid for by companies are among the changes in an urgent bill to toughen Singapore's haze law.
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.