The 1998 haze that covered much of Southeast Asia's skies is a grim reminder to us about the international aspect of air pollution. Air pollution does not stick within international borders.

Rather, what happens in the Borneo forests can affect the way of life of a Singaporean or Thai citizen. As the population grows, there is a need for more forests to be cleared.

Also, more energy needs to be produced to power the factories that make our goods or keep us supplied with electricity. When fossil fuels-the world's major source of energy-are burned, gases are added to the atmosphere. These gases threaten people's health, by damaging lungs and heart.

In Bangkok, due to the bad air quality there, motorists often have to breath through masks. Also,the fumes from motor vehicles and factories create acid rain, and may contribute to global warming.

What can we do to lower air pollution?

We can protect the natural vegetation. When there are more trees, more carbon gases are absorbed through photosynthesis. This can offset the carbon released from burning fossil fuels.

Rather than to play the waiting game and watch our air being polluted helplessly, both businesses and government agencies in certain parts of the world are taking steps to protect the forests.

Also, we can introduce more efficient methods of energy usage. For instance, a filament lamp uses less electricity than a light bulb.

Also, we can also save electricity by turning off appliances when they are not in use. This reduces the amount of fossil fuels being burnt to produce electricity.

What other energy-saving measures can you think of?

Introduction
Problem 2: Water Pollution
Problem 3: Shortage of Food
Problem 4: Shortage of Health Resources
Problem 5: Shortage of Educational Resources