Indonesia's wildfire emissions hit global high amid El Nino
Indonesia's wildfire emissions from September 1-7 reached 19.7 million metric tons, the highest in the world, according to Copernicus data. The country is experiencing its most intense wildfire season in 11 years due to El Nino conditions. Emissions were 273% above the seasonal average, with hazardous air quality in Pontianak.
Copernicus monitoring recorded 19.7 million metric tons of fire emissions from Indonesia between September 1 and 7, surpassing Russia and accounting for over a third of the global total. The burning intensity exceeded 1,500 kilograms per square kilometer, roughly ten times Russia's level, with the most severe concentrations located in Kalimantan and eastern Sumatra.
The current season marks the country's worst in over a decade, driven by El Nino's hotter, drier conditions. Emissions ran 273 percent above the seasonal norm, though slightly below the 2015 peak. In Pontianak, the air quality index reached 394, a level considered hazardous.
The prolonged haze could severely impact public health across Indonesia and neighboring nations, with hazardous air quality potentially triggering respiratory illnesses and disrupting daily activities. Economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and transportation may face significant setbacks. Furthermore, transboundary smoke could strain regional relations, as neighboring countries may demand stronger mitigation efforts. The intensity of this season suggests these societal burdens could persist until weather patterns shift.