Smaze

     One of the requirements in our Lasalllian Business Leadership, Ethics and CSR is to provide a summary of the news article for the class. I chose the news about the Philippines skies now clear from smaze (combination of smoke and haze). The news says that the country's skies are finally clear of the haze or smaze that drifted from Indonesia's massive forest fires.

     Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil are using the slash and burn method to clear the plantation. They use the slash and burn not only because it's the easiest but also the cheapest way to clear the land. The massive forest fires that Indonesia is facing right now are caused by firms and farmers engaging in illegal slash-and-burn. But this year has been one of the worst due to prolonged dry weather in Indonesia caused by the El Niño.

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/AFFC/production/_86325054_029793954-1.jpg

     The raging forest fires in Indonesia are the reason behind the haze that is covering the skies of Indonesia and its neighboring countries Malaysia, Singapore and some parts in the Philippines.  Haze is now causing destruction, schools in Singapore and Malaysia have been shut down and even the flights have been cancelled as people try to avoid the intense smoke. The haze is causing a significant deterioration in air quality, which the government of Indonesia blames for deaths and respiratory illnesses in around 500,000 people.

    Truly, when we abuse nature, it will surely take its toll from us. Let us hope and pray that the slash and burn will be stopped. Let us pray that healing and fast recovery will happen to Indonesia as well as its neighboring countries, Singapore and Malaysia. And most importantly, this should be an eye opener for us. This should serve as a wake-up call to us, that we are stewards of nature and not masters of nature.

Resources:

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/AFFC/production/_86325054_029793954-1.jpg

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/26/indonesias-fires-crime-against-humanity-hundreds-of-thousands-suffer

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34265922

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/735181/ph-skies-clear-of-smaze-pagasa