SINGAPORE: Southeast Asia faces a high risk of a severe transboundary haze episode in the remaining months of 2026, with August and September identified as the peak danger period, driven by the El Nino and Indian Ocean Dipole weather phenomena, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said today, reported Xinhua.
In its ‘Haze Outlook 2026’ report, the Singapore-based think tank issued a ‘Red’ risk rating, only the second such rating since the annual assessment was launched in 2019. The warning covers Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
The report said the potential return of El Niño conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole could bring hotter and drier weather, raising the risk of forest and land fires across the region.
The institute also cited economic and market pressures, including rising demand for agricultural commodities and biofuels, which could increase incentives for land clearing if not managed sustainably.
The report also called for greater ASEAN cooperation, increased funding and stronger implementation of haze prevention measures to reduce risks. – BERNAMA-XINHUA
