The haze is back — and the root cause is global warming — Ahmad Ibrahim

The haze is returning, and this time, the underlying cause is global warming, according to Ahmad Ibrahim. Schools and offices are disrupted, and the smoky air has become a daily inconvenience in Sarawak and Malaysia. The root of the problem lies in the drying peatlands and longer, harsher dry seasons, exacerbated by erratic monsoon patterns, all of which stem from the effects of climate change.

The haze is no longer a local issue but a global one, with regions like the EU, the US West Coast, and Australia experiencing severe fires. The economic and health impacts of the haze are immense, but the real issue is our collective failure to act on climate change warnings from the IPCC. The upcoming COP31 conference in Turkey presents a critical opportunity to shift from empty promises to concrete actions.

The Asean region must prioritize renewable energy and enforce strict measures against deforestation. Developed nations must also provide financial and technological support to developing countries. The haze is a stark reminder that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a psychological one that induces hopelessness.

It is imperative that we act now, not just for the sake of the environment, but for our children's future and the ability to attend school without inhalers. COP31 must be the moment where we collectively admit that the farmers are not the enemy; the enemy is our own inertia. The time for finger-pointing has passed, and it is now time to roll up our sleeves and take action.