TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Southeast Asia faces a high risk of severe transboundary haze episodes in the remaining months of 2026 with August and September identified as the peak hazard period triggered by the El Nino weather phenomenon and the Indian Ocean Dipole, according to the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) on Wednesday, June 24.
In its Haze Outlook 2026 report, the Singapore-based think tank issued a "Red" risk rating, the second since the annual assessment was launched in 2019. The warning covers Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, as ANTARA reported.
The report states that the potential return of positive El Nino and Indian Ocean Dipole conditions could lead to hotter, drier weather, increasing the risk of forest and land fires across the region.
The institute also cited economic and market pressures, including the increasing demand for agricultural commodities and biofuels. If not managed sustainably, these factors may increase incentives for land clearing.
The report also calls for closer cooperation among ASEAN countries, increased funding, and stronger implementation of haze prevention measures to reduce risks.
Read: Wear a Mask, Jakarta Ranks Third for Worst Air Quality Worldwide
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