Southeast Asia hit with record-breaking heat, heavy air pollution

The Southeast Asian region has been experiencing a record-breaking heatwave and heavy pollution this year, according to recent reports. The increase in temperature has caused several countries to issue heat warnings and led to an uptick in cases of heat exhaustion and stroke. Meanwhile, the air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels due to a combination of forest fires, industrial pollution, and vehicular emissions. The Indonesian island of Sumatra has been particularly hard-hit, with thick smog blankets causing respiratory problems. The situation is aggravated by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has forced people to wear masks that make it harder to breathe. Experts warn that the situation is a wake-up call for governments to prioritize climate action and public health interventions that can help prevent future catastrophes. This article is important because it highlights the urgent need to address the interlinked challenges of climate change and public health, and underscores the human toll of inaction.