Thick smog blankets Ketapang, West Kalimantan, as forest and land fires rage.

These blazes are not just destroying habitats; they're pushing local primates like the orangutan closer to extinction. The crisis is exacerbated by prolonged dry seasons and human activities that ignite these infernos, creating a perfect storm for ecological disaster.

Veterinarian Komara and her team from YIARI work tirelessly to save what remains of the orangutans' habitat.

The long-term outlook shows increasing fire risks due to climate change, which could lead to irreversible damage to Borneo's forests and wildlife.

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

As temperatures rise and dry seasons lengthen, the risk of forest fires in West Kalimantan will likely increase. This trend threatens not only orangutans but also other species and human communities dependent on these forests.

The outlook is grim without significant intervention.