The World Weather Attribution study revealed that global warming increased the likelihood of extreme fire weather threefold, while El Nino roughly halved regional rainfall from July to October. These intense conditions caused slash-and-burn plantation fires to spread uncontrollable across drained peatlands, consuming nearly 2.9 million hectares. Skies turned orange and thick toxic haze caused over 400,000 respiratory infections across Indonesia. Scientists emphasize that managing water tables and restoring vulnerable ecosystems can mitigate such predictable future disasters.
Key points
Drained peatlands developed decades ago for plantations served as the primary source of t…: Drained peatlands developed decades ago for plantations served as the primary source of the severe haze.
Scientists concluded that the intense seasonal heat in 2026 was virtually impossible with…: Scientists concluded that the intense seasonal heat in 2026 was virtually impossible without the influence of global warming.
Proactive land management through peatland restoration and elevated water tables can succ…: Proactive land management through peatland restoration and elevated water tables can successfully prevent future burning crises.
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- Climate change, El Nino and the dry season made Indonesia’s 2026 fires much worse. The study said warming made hot, dry conditions about three times more likely.
- The fires burned nearly 2.9 million ha, caused thick haze and more than 400,000 respiratory infections in Indonesia. Parts of Kalimantan turned orange, and nearby countries were hit too.
- Scientists warned that peatland restoration, higher water tables and less deforestation are needed. They said these steps could reduce illegal slash-and-burn fires and future haze.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Global warming, South-east Asia’s seasonal heat and dryness, and the super El Nino weather phenomenon combined to sustain the months-long inferno in Indonesia that choked the region in thick haze in 2026.
But these events are increasingly predictable, and in turn, solvable, said a new study published on Nov 13 by the World Weather Attribution group of scientists.
“El Nino conditions – even with the extra boost from climate change – are highly predictable which provides an opportunity for proactive, preventative action to stop future years from having impacts on this scale,”…
Severe weather events in south Wales continue to take a heavy toll on vulnerable residents long after initial waters recede. Jean Powell spent nearly ten months in temporary pub accommodation after November floods breached local defences and submerged hundreds of properties. Her passing in September highlights the prolonged displacement and severe personal disruption facing communities awaiting slow-paced home restorations.
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