What is causing the haze in Southeast Asia? Key facts explained

The ongoing wildfires in Indonesia have led to a sharp rise in respiratory issues across the region, significantly impacting air quality in neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia. (Pic Credit: AP) Prolonged wildfires across Indonesia have led to a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses and spread dangerous haze across several Southeast asian nations. Singapore and Malaysia have been among the worst affected over the past week.The worsening pollution has also heightened regional tensions, with officials raising concerns over Jakarta’s response to the fires and its reluctance to accept assistance from neighbouring countries.What is causing the haze?The haze is primarily caused by smoke and emissions from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, particularly across Borneo and Sumatra. These islands have extensive forest cover and large peatland areas that become highly susceptible to fires during the dry season, which generally lasts from April to October.The region is also experiencing the effects of severe “super El Niño” conditions, which have intensified heat and dryness, allowing fires to spread more rapidly.Indonesia last witnessed fires of a comparable intensity in 2015,...