Haze may return in 2022: Singapore Institute of International Affairs

Haze may return in 2022, according to the Haze Outlook 2022 Report by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) released on Jun 28.

The risk transboundary haze event occurring in 2022 received a score of Amber, meaning a medium-level risk of haze affecting Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. 

It was gauged using a scale of Green, Amber and Red. Green indicates the lowest risk, while Red indicates the highest risk. It was calculated based on weather conditions, people behaviour, and policies.

Fortunately, the haze is “unlikely to be on the same degree as transboundary haze incidents” as the previous years if it returns this year, said the report.

“Based on weather factors alone, there is no elevated risk of haze,” the report added.

Nonetheless, the report also noted the rising trend of palm oil plantations, hence increasing the risk of haze if fire is used to open up new land for the plantations.

The Indonesian government has implemented a ban on palm oil exports from late April and May 2022, but global factors, such as the war in Ukraine, have increased the price of palm oil. 

As such factors are still in effect, some may resort to illegally using fire to clear land to maximise profit.