Australian Bush Fires
The Australian Bush Fires have been impacting the country ever since September of last year. Thousands of people have lost their homes, and 500 million animals have died as a result of this catastrophe. These fires have killed 25 people and 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Every state in Australia has been affected in some way by the fires. Major cities such as Sydney and Adelaide have also been affected. Some of the bigger fires are seen along the eastern and southern coasts, where the majority of the population lives. 15.6 million acres have been burned as a result of the fires. These fires caused the Australian government to declare a state of emergency in November.
Australia always has a fire season during their summers. This summer was one of the hottest summers on record for the country. In December, Australia was struck with a heat wave that led to temperatures up to 107.4 degrees fahrenheit. In addition, last spring was recorded as the driest spring on record. Each of these factors resulted in an increased risk of fires starting, causing the existing fires to grow. Many scientists have predicted that the fires would come at a frequent rate because of climate change.
These fires have caused many unpredictable weather phenomenons, producing lightning, strong winds, and fire tornadoes to name a few. Also, Animals have been greatly affected in these fires, as nearly a half a billion animals have been killed. Many species have either become critically endangered or extinct because of the fires.
The Kangaroo Island dunnart is one of them. Their habitats have been completely burned, leaving only one alive. Rainforest habitats located between Queensland and New South Wales have burned, even though they were previously thought of as fireproof. Loss of animal lives have affected aboriginal communities. Creatures that they have told stories about and are significant to their culture are becoming endangered or extinct.
People from all over the world have volunteered to help stop the blaze. Volunteers work 12 hour shifts each day to stop the fires from spreading. Others have donated money to help put the fires out. $46 million dollars was raised in one fundraiser alone.
There are ways we can help Australia through donating to charitable organizations such as the Australian Red Cross. An organization known as GIVIT is helping fire victims get much-needed supplies. Spreading awareness about the fires can also help get the word out. You can visit the links below to donate.
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