The Facts -The Australian Wildfires
Social
Many images have been shared on social media and everyone is saddened by the horrific fires in Australia. And as we look at the facts, where does the opportunity lie for all of us to step up and help?
Fires
Since Sept 2019, over 17 million acres of Australia has burned. And it is now considered the worst fire season to date.
Location
Although the fires are spread throughout the Australia State, they are mainly concentrated around the southeast coast of Australia in New South Wales and Victoria.
Death Toll
Over 27 people were killed in the tragedy. And it is estimated that over 1 billion animals were lost.
The loss of wildlife does not begin to scratch the surface as to the long term affects of a fragile and extremely important ecosystem. The amount of plant life and the biodiversity in Australia is huge and the loss will have a tragic consequences.
Air Quality
The air quality in Sydney alone is extremely poor and it is expected to worsen. The amount of smoke and small, fine, pollutant particles is massive and the smokey air is circumnavigating the planet.
Structural Damage
Over 2000 homes were destroyed. And thousands have had to evacuate their homes. With power and fuel supplies compromised. Thus, the Australia life as they know has come to a grinding halt.
Concerns of physical isolation, depression, and severe anxiety has plagued many towns. And although there was some rain last week, the dry hot winds and extreme heat continue through this week. So the fire damage at this point seems far from over.
How did this happen?
The fires broke out during a record breaking heat wave. With some of the fires due to lightening and arson. However, it is the Climate Crisis that created the underlying conditions. And environment for this type of destruction. The past year was the hottest season for Australia on record. And the hot, dry winds and rising temperatures continue to heat up the Southern Hemisphere.
The combination of drier weather and rising heat has made the vegetation, kindling. And unfortunately a longer more brutal fire season now lies ahead.
So while you cannot blame climate change only for the current events, climate change is what makes the current conditions so severe.
How You Can Help?
The government response has been minor. And due to road closures, emergency services have had a difficult time doing their jobs. But there are ways that you can help!
Celebrities such as Chirs Helmsworth, Elton John, Lizzo, Pink, Phoebe Walter-Bridge, Serena Williams, Cate Blanchett, Shawn Mendes, Nicole Kidman, Kyle Jenner, The Irwins and many, many others have volunteered and donated to help Australia manage this devastation.
Here are some ways that you can help.
Australia Government created National Firefighter Recovery Agency which helps fund firefighters.
If you are in Australia – GIVIT has a list of specific items needed by the people and organizations affected.
If you are in Queensland and have emergency response training you can sign up to volunteer here
The World Wildlife Fund is collecting donations to restore habitats for koalas impacted by the fires
You can donated to the Australian Red Cross fire recovery and relief fund.
And share and repost these links.
Let us all show our love and support for Australia our Mother Earth and all beings.