Toxic haze from "super" El Niño forces millions into unhealthy air, 50,000 sickened
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
A 'super' El Niño and land-use changes have triggered massive wildfires across Southeast Asia, causing severe air pollution and over 50,000 respiratory cases in Indonesia.
Background
Wildfires in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines have caused millions to be exposed to toxic haze since mid-July. Indonesia's Health Ministry reported over 50,000 respiratory cases, with drained peatlands identified as 'carbon bombs' that intensify the fire risk.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentPeatlands: Organic soil layers that, when drained, become highly flammable and release significant carbon.
- FactIndonesia recorded over 50,000 respiratory cases linked to wildfire haze.
- S&TEl Niño: A climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, often leading to droughts and fires.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how land-use changes and climate phenomena like El Niño exacerbate air pollution in Southeast Asia. Suggest measures to mitigate the impact of peatland fires.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- impact of deforestation on carbon sinks
- transboundary nature of air pollution
- climate change-wildfire nexus
- way forward: peatland restoration
Keywords: transboundary pollution · carbon bombs · land-use change · climate resilience · peatland degradation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.