Indonesia’s wildfire emissions have surged to the highest level in the world as fires burn across dry forests and peatlands on Borneo and Sumatra, according to Copernicus data released Wednesday.
Indonesia emitted an estimated 19.7 million metric tons of carbon from fires between September 1 and 7, accounting for more than a third of global fire emissions and surpassing Russia.
Scientists said unusually hot and dry conditions linked to El Niño are intensifying the fires. Fire emission intensity exceeded 1,500 kg per square kilometre, with the worst concentrations recorded in Kalimantan and eastern Sumatra.
The emissions were 273% above the seasonal average, although below the 21.7 million tons recorded during the same period in 2015, when Indonesia experienced severe El Niño conditions.
Air pollution has also reached dangerous levels. In Pontianak, West Kalimantan, the air quality index reached 394 on Wednesday, well above the hazardous threshold of 300.
Indonesia recorded 13,443 fire hotspots between August 1 and September 8, compared with 9,454 during the same period in 2015. Environmental experts warned the figures could rise as the dry season continues.
Copernicus scientist Mark Parrington said some peat fires may not be detected because they can burn underground or at low temperatures. He warned that emissions could continue increasing through October if dry conditions persist.
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