During her inaugural lecture on 19 May 2026, Prince Claus Chairholder, Helena Varkkey explored the politics and socio-economics behind the elusive, haze-free blue skies of Southeast Asia.
During the dry season, the absence of water increases the risk of fire in the peatlands of Southeast Asia. These fires produce a thick smoke known as 'haze,' which can only be extinguished by massive amounts of water from above – rain.
Varkkey argues that without rain, the haze drifts across borders, chasing away blue skies and replacing them with toxic air pollution.
