The Southeast Asian Hazes of 1997 and 2006

1. The Southeast Asian Hazes of 1997 and 2006 By: Melanie Gotell

2. Background Information • The southeast haze was a large-scale air quality disaster which occurred during the second half of 1997. • Area(s) affected: Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia and large parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan • Ecosystems: Forests, Coral Reefs and Mangrove.

3. Population Size & Historical References • Population size in 1997 is unknown. The population size in 2006 is also unknown. • Historical References: it is the biggest firefighting mission in history which involved Malaysian firefighting teams in indonesia.

4. Causes • In 1997 it was caused mainly by the slash and burn techniques used by farmers who adopted it. • Fires: which was used to claim property. • Dry Fuels: which happened in the dry season when dry fuels ignited and started fires. • In 2006 it was continually caused by uncontrollable slash and burn techniques. • Which increased more toxic.

5. Clean-up • It costs the US $9 billion due to healthcare, air travel and business activities.

6. Damage Report • Lives lost in 1997 & 2006: unknown • Ecosystems destroyed: forests

7. Effects Short-term • Health and regional tourism. • Industrial production losses. • Airline and airport losses. • Fishing decline. • Costs on cloud seeding. • Reduced crop produced. • Aesthetic value of reduced visibility. • Avertive expenditures. • Accidents, loss of lives • Evacuations Long-term

8. Lessons Learned • They addressed the problems behind the haze pollution. • They proposed signatories to the Agreement and focus on efforts controlling peat fires. • They also, recommended a new approach to financing sustainable development based on rules and incentives with a regional pool of funds. • Contributed by rich countries throughout he world.

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