Ending the haze problem<\/p>\n
It appears that the thick haze hanging over parts of the
\nregion since last month is not about to dissipate. Rather, the
\nproblem seems to be getting worse.<\/p>\n
The haze now plagues not only parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan
\nbut also areas in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore. It not only
\nhampers land and air transportation but has become a health
\nhazard.<\/p>\n
Many people have complained that the haze is causing breathing
\ndifficulties and eye inflammations. It is reported that not less
\nthan 20 million people are currently suffering from respiratory
\nproblems due to the haze.<\/p>\n
Similar problems were reported when haze from smoke spread to
\nthese same regions in 1991 and again in 1994 and 1997. Forest and
\nbrush fires were the main sources of the problem. The worst
\noffenders, however, were agricultural estates which use fire for
\nland clearing.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the cause, as Minister of Environment Sarwono
\nsaid in Jakarta on Tuesday, the problem has reached serious
\nlevels. A routine approach to the problem would therefore be
\nunlikely to end it, he said. What is needed at this stage is a
\nsense of urgency.<\/p>\n
The relevant focus now is the concrete steps that can be taken
\nto overcome the problem given its increasing gravity. The planned
\nmeeting of corporate leaders, to discuss the issue, brings some
\nhope.<\/p>\n
Such a meeting, hopefully, will be able to suggest some
\nconcrete measures to end the haze problem. Apart from this, we
\nexpect that ways can be found to curb the practice of slash-and-
\nburn agriculture.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, our environment experts could try to come up
\nwith suggestions about how farmers and companies can clear their
\nland without the use of fire.<\/p>\n
-- Suara Karya, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ending-the-haze-problem-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }