How to solve the Haze problem. ==================== This is what I know: Haze is (1) an annual (2) man-made occurrence due to (3) burning of plantation to make way for new crops. The culprits are either large palm-oil plantation businesses or small scale subsistence farmers. Short term solutions are not sustainable, ie. cash rewards, fire-fighting assistance, economic boycott. We have a symbiotic relationship with Indonesia that should be long-term focused. Instead I argue that we should make use of our economic strength to buy up with the plantations, businesses large and small and make the changes from within the burning Sumatra. Here is how to do it: Step 1: The three largest palm oil plantations are Golden Agri-Resources, Wilmar International and Sime Darby. They are all listed in the regional stock markets. They should be acquired in the public markets and owned by Singapore. To raise cash, Singapore could issue Govt Bonds to the Public, say the Save The Haze Bond. Every stakeholder, ie. Singaporeans, PR and public should and could buy to own a share of these plantations. Of course this could also be lead by our Temasek Sovereign Wealth Fund. Step 2: After owning these plantations, go after the smaller privately owned plantations. I suspect that these smaller plantations sell their wares to the larger guys, so re-negotiate their contract, change their behavior, suggest and put into contract changes that are environmentally friendly. Goodwill may be good for the karma, but incentives drives Behavior. Step 3: Invest in R&D on cleaner air technology. Go on a massive PR drive, educate our neighbors. Resell the technology. fin felix
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:51:59 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015