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Indonesia to trial dry ice to disperse toxic wildfire haze
Overview
Indonesia is conducting an experimental trial using dry ice pellets dropped from aircraft to break down toxic haze from severe wildfires in South Sumatra. The country is experiencing its worst wildfire season in a decade, worsened by an unusually strong El Niño. Authorities are using various weather modification techniques, including cloud seeding, while police have investigated numerous individuals and companies linked to illegal burning.
Key points
- Authorities are trialling the scattering of 1.5 tons of dry ice pellets over South Sumatra to break down toxic haze in the lower atmosphere.
- Indonesia is facing its most severe wildfire season in a decade, driven by an unusually strong El Niño exacerbating drought conditions.
- Unlike traditional cloud seeding which triggers rain, the dry ice aims to help the haze rise upward and dissipate.
- Pollutants from the fires have affected neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, prompting regional weather modification efforts.
- Indonesian police have named over 200 individuals and nine companies as suspects in connection with the fires.