Thailand’s seasonal haze is an annual public health crisis driven by a protein system that’s driving avoidable air pollution. Intensive animal agriculture, particularly maize grown for animal feed and the burning of crop residues, contributes significantly to the dangerous levels of PM2.5 that blanket the country every dry season.

“Tackling the maize haze: How protein diversification can clean up Thailand’s air”, produced by Madre Brava in partnership with Asia Research & Engagement (ARE), examines the health impacts of this crisis and the benefits of rebalancing protein production towards plants.

The report finds that agricultural burning is linked to an estimated 34,000 premature deaths related to air pollution in Thailand each year. Replacing half of meat and seafood production with plant-based protein by 2050 could avoid more than 100,000 of those deaths. It adds to growing evidence that protein diversification could deliver major health, climate, land, and economic gains for Thailand.