Use lessons learnt from Covid-19 to manage haze

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 15, 2026

Experts call for a coordinated, society-wide approach to manage Southeast Asia's persistent haze, using strategies learned from the Covid-19 pandemic such as improved communication and government collaboration. This approach is crucial because the ongoing super El Niño event is expected to prolong and intensify haze conditions, posing serious health and economic risks, especially for vulnerable groups and outdoor workers.

The prolonged haze affecting parts of Southeast Asia calls for a coordinated response that leverages insights gained from managing the Covid-19 pandemic, experts suggest. While the haze hampers outdoor activities such as exercising and socializing, daily operations for many, including outdoor workers, continue with minimal disruption—unlike the extensive restrictions imposed during the pandemic.

One key difference is the ability to anticipate the severity of the haze, largely due to advanced meteorological forecasting. Earlier this year, the World Meteorological Organization highlighted the development of a super El Niño event, sometimes referred to as a "Godzilla" El Niño, which is expected to influence weather patterns in the region. Unlike typical El Niño events that peak sharply and briefly, this one is predicted to persist over an extended period, potentially leading to cumulative and more severe environmental consequences.

Given this forecast, experts emphasize the importance of adopting a comprehensive, society-wide approach to haze management, drawing from effective strategies implemented during the Covid-19 crisis. Such strategies include improved communication, enhanced coordination among government agencies, and widespread public engagement. These measures could help mitigate the health and economic impacts of persistent haze, particularly for vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.

The experience from the pandemic also underscores the value of timely, transparent information dissemination to guide public behavior and government policy. While the unpredictability of haze episodes remains a challenge, using a whole-of-government framework combined with community cooperation may strengthen resilience against long-term air quality issues.

As the region contends with the unique dynamics of the current El Niño and its repercussions for air pollution, the lessons from recent public health crises offer a blueprint for more effective haze management moving forward.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.