The future seems hazy especially in light of the ineffective solutions that have been presented in this blog. However, there is still hope for the future based on recent developments.

Indonesia’s response

Increased political will by the Jokowi administration. In the aftermath of the 2015 haze, the Jokowi administration stepped up its haze mitigation efforts and set up a interagency haze mitigation task force. He has also promised to crack down on corruption as well as firing law enforcement chiefs who do not crack down on errant burning. A peatland restoration agency was set up under his order and is led by a former environmental activist Nazir Foead.

Singapore’s response

Environmental groups are exerting more pressure on businesses that do not engage in sustainable practices. The Singapore Environment Council suspended Asia Pulp and Paper’s (APP) use of the Singapore Green Label. The Singapore Green Label endorses products that are environmental friendly. As a result, supermarket chains such as NTUC, Sheng Siong and Prime pulled APP products of the shelves. This shows that civil society is playing and can contribute a larger role in pushing businesses towards sustainable practices.

Source: Singapore Environment Council