Stories of me and myself

Air pollution is a transboundary issue. The haze is a perfect example of the externalities caused by inconsiderate beings... or corporations. What are externalities? Imagine 2 people quarrelling hysterically... Person A picks up a pie in anger and flings it at Person B. However, the pie flies all th way and ends up flat on the face of Person C, who was uninvolved in the whole commotion. Therefore, innocent and suay Person C suffered the externality (pie).

Same goes for Singapore, who's uninvolved in the whole forest fire issue in Indonesia, but has to suffer from the resultant haze. Tolerant as we are, I think the Indonesians are taking our tolerance for granted and not taking enough responsibility in shouldering the blame. In the sense that, they confess (cos the choice ain't theirs, and they were caught red-handed), but they do not repent.

Instead, they blame the indigenous farmers who clear the land through uncontrolled blazing. How about the large plantations which require multiple times the land of an indigenous farmer's? Isn't this an illustration of how power relations play out in politics?

Corporations with the power of the dollar sign can cover up for their sins, when their actions have caused a definite impact, larger than those of the individual farmers. But poor individual farmers have to bear the brunt of it all because their power index is nought. And let's not forget the government who will naturally side the huge corporations who bring in the investments and the profits. How many governments have the strength, the ability and the integrity to stand up to these economic stakeholders?

Nations call for Indonesia to impose strict regulations on these culprits. But is it ever done? Even if they are finally imposed, how closely are they implemented and monitored? Myopic in my view as I am, I can just imagine the civil servant smiling and giving in when a stack of dollar notes is shoved to him with a pat on his back. At the background, the corporation is sniggering at how simple (and cheap) it is to get around the rules. This is assuming that it is a private limited. How about the government-owned corporations? Why would the government want to shoot themselves in the foot or dig their own graves?

Air pollution is a long-term issue with effects that can only be seen in the far (now nearer) future. It doesn't help when these effects are minimal and mostly intangible over a short period of time, but excacerbate with no return as years past. Concepts such as sustainability are crushed, dumped and buried at the back of the minds of those who are only concerned with the present, and short-term effects.

"If we can earn now, we might as well earn as much as possible! Nothing is ever enough! Who cares about the future? We won't be around anymore! If there will be consequences, let the future generations suffer them. They are just unfortunate to be born then! Let's continue our profiteering avenue! Nothing can stop us! Wahahaha!"

Remedial action will only take place when tangible effects on the environment are felt. But when the situation improves slightly, enthusiasm and efforts fade away. "Out of sight, out of mind?" More cooperation between ASEAN countries should take place. Maybe with more vigour, clear goals in mind, suitable strategies, a set timeline and a commitment to close implementation from all parties. Maybe ASEAN's culture and soft approach may need to take a backseat this time to solve the issue at hand.

The end of my blabber.