Plantation owners burn large tracts of land in southeast Asia?

Plantation owners in Southeast Asia often engage in land burning as a method to clear forests for agricultural purposes, particularly for palm oil and rubber plantations. This practice, known as slash-and-burn agriculture, allows for quick land preparation but results in significant environmental issues, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and air pollution from smoke. The widespread fires can also pose health risks to nearby communities and contribute to climate change. Efforts to regulate or ban this practice face challenges due to economic pressures and the demand for agricultural products.