Indonesian wildfires on pace to rival worst emissions year on record
Wildfires across Indonesia have already released 76 million tonnes of carbon by early September, putting 2026 on a trajectory similar to the devastating 2015 fire season. The blazes are being fueled by an intense El Niño that began in June and is expected to persist into 2027, drying out the region. Experts note that parts of eastern Indonesia are burning more than ever before, with potential emissions approaching the century's highest levels.
By early September, the blazes have already released 76 million tonnes of carbon, a pace mirroring the 333 million tonnes recorded in 2015, which scorched 2.6 million hectares. The current event is also pushing eastern Papua into unprecedented burning territory.
The fires are exacerbated by drained peatlands, which become highly combustible during drought. Past episodes have had staggering consequences, with the 1997 season accounting for a significant share of global fossil-fuel emissions, and the 2015 haze linked to over 100,000 premature deaths.
The escalating fires could severely impact public health across Southeast Asia, as recurring haze may trigger respiratory crises and strain healthcare systems. Local farmers and plantation workers might face economic losses from land damage and disrupted operations. Globally, the substantial carbon release could accelerate climate change, potentially intensifying future drought cycles and creating a feedback loop that threatens regional food security and biodiversity.