Commentary: Haze chokes plants too - how air quality can be a food security issue
Air pollution and haze in Southeast Asia are negatively impacting crop yields and food security by interfering with photosynthesis. Experts argue that air quality should be treated as a critical agricultural issue rather than just a public health concern.
Why it matters
Connects environmental policy to food supply chain stability, a growing concern in the ASEAN region.
Southeast Asia must address the damage of the haze on agriculture, especially food crops, says Paul Teng of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
A dog sits in the middle of a haze-shrouded road caused by forest and land fires in Palangkaraya city, Central Kalimantan, on Aug 28, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Reina)
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