Wildfires have turned parts of Indonesian Borneo into a smoky wasteland.

The putrid, red-brown haze enveloping the region is caused by burning peatlands, which are crucial carbon sinks. The fires not only threaten local ecosystems but also exacerbate global climate change due to massive carbon emissions. The crops failed immediately.

Residents wear masks as they navigate through a landscape choked with smoke from nearby farms and homes.

The long-term vulnerability of these areas is severe; repeated burning degrades the peatlands, making them more susceptible to future fires and less effective at storing carbon.

What is the long-term climate outlook for this region?

The continued degradation of peatlands will likely lead to increased fire risks and higher greenhouse gas emissions. Local communities face health risks from prolonged exposure to smoke, while global efforts to curb carbon emissions are undermined.

Outlook: Negative.