The Event
Greenpeace presents an art activism exhibition exploring the recurring haze pollution in Malaysia with Studio Birthplace and Splash & Burn.
It’s a story that should sound familiar, though you’ve never seen it quite like this. It brings together artists, filmmakers, and activists to fuse three elements: Film, Art and Action.
Why talk about haze now? Contrary to what many people think, haze is a man-made phenomena that has surprisingly preventable and close-to-home causes. Even if our skies overhead are clear today, the unfortunate reality is that our deadliest haze season could be lurking just around the corner.
This urgent issue is the focus of the upcoming exhibition, Haze: Coming Soon aims to empower individuals to demand action and hold polluting corporations accountable for their profit-first practices.
The exhibition’s opening weekend featured a launch party and a contemporary dance performance by the Asia Ballet Theatre. Following this was a lively discussion from a multidisciplinary panel on the topics of haze pollution and creative activism. Participants included Dr. Helena Varkkey (Associate Professor of Environmental Politics), Kiu Jia Yaw (Sustainable Development Lawyer), Heng Kiah Chun (Campaigner, Greenpeace Malaysia), Ernest Zacharevic (Curator, Splash and Burn), Sean Lin (Producer, Studio Birthplace), and moderator Melissa Tan (Environmental Activist).
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Greenpeace Southeast Asia calls on ASEAN states to enact a domestic transboundary haze law in their respective countries where forest fires are known to persist. It is important to enact domestic transboundary haze pollution legislation to ensure that companies are not contributing to haze locally and abroad.
In particular, Greenpeace Southeast Asia demands ASEAN states to :
- Develop a regional legal framework to hold corporate entities accountable for domestic forest fires due to peatland clearance and agricultural residue burning. Not only would this regulate companies and their supply chains, but also promote tighter coordination among ASEAN members to immediately prevent the causes of forest fires. Furthermore, it must compel companies to pay reparations to victims of transboundary haze pollution, as well as accelerate preventive action in hotspot areas through health support.
- Mandate all companies known for clearing out forests to publicly disclose and publish concession maps to be shared across all ASEAN member states to improve transparency in their supply chains.
- Agree on a standardised air quality indicator to be used in all ASEAN member states to monitor and track air pollution based on a common methodology and act accordingly. Using a low-cost data sensor, e.g. IQAir, will be useful, particularly in countries where there are no government monitoring stations set up.
The Material
Asean Agrement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
Read Agreement Here
Greenpeace Petition #TakNakJerebu
Sign the Petition Here
Photos by @annicelyn for Haze: Coming Soon – an exhibition by @greenpeacemy, @splashandburn and @studiobirthplace
GREEN PEACE Haze: Coming Soon
Artivism campaign to demand action on transboundary haze pollution in Malaysia – 2023
Studio Birthplace
Every year, transboundary haze blankets Malaysia, caused by corporate giants financing the destruction of peatlands and forests in Indonesia. This hazardous haze has been a massive threat to the climate, public health, and biodiversity for decades. We partnered with Splash and Burn to build momentum for Greenpeace Malaysia’s campaign to hold polluters accountable. Through films, public murals, and an activist art exhibition, we convey the message that clean air is a fundamental right being violated.
Malaysia will engage in regional discussions to address the haze issue. Join us in demanding stronger actions and policies by signing the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act petition.
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