In the last couple of years, this, usually our most pleasant
time of year – our “Cool Season” – has been completely spoiled by toxic air
pollution. The level of dangerous tiny
smog particles (PM-2.5) is off the charts. From our third story window I can see the
yellow-brown haze obscuring the view of buildings only a kilometer or two
away. I have industrial-grade dust masks
to wear when outside for long periods.
The causes are many.
Farmers burn the stalks of their recent crops, and sugar cane farmers
are burning their cane prior to cutting it (in order to more cheaply and easily
cut and harvest it). This creates smoky
haze throughout all of Southeast Asia.
Add to that the rapid industrialization and the huge increase in vehicle
traffic, and you get a toxic mix.
There is virtually no wind to blow the bad air away – and of
course there is no rain this time of year that could hose down the smog. I yearn for the Rainy Season (June through
September) when the air is fresh.
There are laws against such burning of crops and causing
pollution, but no government officials will enforce them because the farmers
lobby, with huge vote totals, makes it politically incorrect to act.
So I restrict my going outside during this, the most
comfortable time of year. I’m using my
treadmill more, although when using it I wear a dust mask because our old house
is so poorly sealed. Next year I think I
may join a gym during smog season.
In other news: I have
been trying to keep up reading and reviewing books as an Early Reader volunteer
for the Libertarian Futurist Society, screening recent candidate science
fiction (sf) novels that may qualify for the Prometheus Award. I’ve read some interesting works. I also continue reading a lot of history and
biography, as well as other readings that catch my fancy.
-Zenwind.
.
