My Thoughts on Australia's Devastating Wildfires

The New Year of 2020 continues a horrifc wildfire situation which dominated the last quarter of 2019

Design with Ease

Given the hot temperatures and weather conditions, the end of this disaster doesn't appear to be in sight.

Beginning in the month of September 2019, bushfires have ignited all across the country of Australia leaving 1 billion deceased animals, 24 citizens lives lost, 1 thousand destroyed homes and 12.35 million acres of burnt land. Given the hot temperatures and weather conditions, the end of this disaster doesn't appear to be in sight. A large concern is the long term effects that these flames will leave. Australia has experienced an extensive fall in biodiversity due to ever increasing population, consumption of capital and results of waste. With this in mind, the current situation is only digging the environment into a deeper hole. Among the most at risk are koalas, kangaroos, wombats, long-footed potoroo and Island glossy black cockatoo. Some animals are killed from being scorched by flames or suffocating from smoke. Creatures that are able to survive the blaze are still at risk due to loss of habitat. Photos have been swarming the internet featuring animals, especially koalas, struggling to fight the rampant heat and fire. Many are covered with burnt fur, tender patches and sensitive paws. Despite efforts to assist these creatures many captured are in critical condition and cannot be revived. 

Is Climate Change The Orgin?

I assume you are all aware of the current climate change circumstance. It cannot be denied that increasing emissions of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere is resulting in a warmer planet. This inevitably opens the possibility of an increase in severe weather patterns, melting icebergs and sea level growth. Now what does this have to do with Australia’s climate crisis? Rising temperatures due to global warming affects wildfires. The ongoing deforestation leads to parched vegetation increasing the risk of fire starting. The average wildfire season is three and a half MONTHS longer than it was three decades ago. This is a direct result of climate change. Although climate change is a main driver, the issue Australia is facing is also partially due to dry lightning. This occurs during lightning storms when rain is not composed. The environment is extremely arid, gusty and conductive resulting in fire spreading rapidly. All in all, climate change is the main culprit, however, not the sole reason.

If you have the means to do so please and would like to donate, I have created a Go Fund Me (100% proceeds to non-profit)

https://www.gofundme.com/f/deke4f-australia039s-devastating-wildfires?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1