Remember this picture?
It was taken March 4. .
Here is the same view on June 24.
The buildings and hills in the background have disappeared. It is the annual haze. Who is at fault and what can be done is a matter of cross-national politics, debate and blaming. Winds carry smoke and debris from fires in Indonesia (and some open air burning in Malaysia). The Indonesian fires are partially caused by the traditional slash-and-burn agriculture. Note that, after the land is burned farmers can sell it for development as an oil palm plantation. Malaysian corporations that own plantations, claim say the burning isn't happening on their land. Rumors suggest this isn't totally true, for example, subcontractors may set fires to clear the land quickly.
On Monday we rec'd the 2nd notice from the US Embassy. Parts of it are below
It was taken March 4. .
Here is the same view on June 24.
The buildings and hills in the background have disappeared. It is the annual haze. Who is at fault and what can be done is a matter of cross-national politics, debate and blaming. Winds carry smoke and debris from fires in Indonesia (and some open air burning in Malaysia). The Indonesian fires are partially caused by the traditional slash-and-burn agriculture. Note that, after the land is burned farmers can sell it for development as an oil palm plantation. Malaysian corporations that own plantations, claim say the burning isn't happening on their land. Rumors suggest this isn't totally true, for example, subcontractors may set fires to clear the land quickly.
On Monday we rec'd the 2nd notice from the US Embassy. Parts of it are below
According to the Malaysian Department of Environment, the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur and nearby state of Negeri Sembilan are suffering from air pollutants (haze) at "unhealthy" levels. The state of Melaka and parts of the state of Johor are suffering from haze at "hazardous" levels. Updated information on air quality levels in Malaysia may be obtained from the Malaysian Department of Environment's website (in English) at: http://www.doe.gov.my/apims
The air quality in Malaysia is characterized according to the Air Pollutant Index (API), which measures many of the same pollutants in the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Mitigation of the Negative Effects of Air Pollution
The best protection against exposure to outdoor pollutants is to remain indoors as much as possible, with doors and windows closed and air conditioning on, and to refrain from strenuous activity when outdoors. Respirators, such as N95s and other filtering face piece respirators, may provide additional protection. Paper masks or surgical masks provide little protection.
So what has been some reactions other than calls for regional meetings to come up with a long run solution? In Malaysia, the government has prohibited open air burning in affected areas (except for cremations, barbecues, religious ceremonies). Government agencies and other organizations have been making face masks widely available. Alas, they may not be the effective N95s, which are in short supply. Groupon for Singapore listed specials on N95 masks. Groupon for Malaysia listed promotions to go to the Cameron Highlands, which are cooler and haze free. Recommendations to stay hydrated motivated at least one beverage company to advertise the benefits of its sports drink. The potential to turn risks into opportunities seem endless.
Today is Tuesday. A bit better - we haven't turned on the ac, but we have kept windows and doors closed. The major question will be once the crisis blows over we will wait until next year for the issue to come up again and calls for action to be repeated.
Today is Tuesday. A bit better - we haven't turned on the ac, but we have kept windows and doors closed. The major question will be once the crisis blows over we will wait until next year for the issue to come up again and calls for action to be repeated.
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