Indonesia’s wildfire emissions surge to world’s highest, data shows
Indonesia is experiencing its most intense wildfire season in 11 years, driven by severe El Nino conditions. The resulting carbon emissions have surged to the highest levels globally, causing hazardous air quality in affected regions.
Why it matters
The surge in emissions highlights the severe impact of climate change and extreme weather patterns on global carbon levels and public health.
Indonesia is facing a surge in emissions from wildfires burning through parched stretches of forest and peatland on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, with carbon dioxide readings currently the highest in the world, data has shown.
Fire emissions from Indonesia from September 1 to September 7 reached 19.7 million metric tons, overtaking Russia this week and making up more than a third of the global total, according to Fire Emissions Watch, a portal developed by the European Union’s Copernicus climate monitoring service, on Wednesday.
Indonesia is one of the world’s most fire-prone countries, but as “super-El Nino” weather conditions drive up temperatures and cause punishing droughts, the country is battling what authorities say is its most intense wildfire season in 11 years.
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