Last year we experienced the devastating burning of the Amazon Rainforest and only a week into the new year, many received news that Australia is overwhelmed with bushfires. It is not unusual for Australia to have fires-they do have a ‘fire season’ after all-but this year the fires have increased immensely due to a global crisis: climate change.

Where Are the Fires?

This fire season, the bushfires have been all ever the country, reaching every state in Australia. New South Wales has been affected the most, but big cities like Sydney and Melbourne are also impacted by this tragedy. With all of these fires, the air quality in Sydney has suffered greatly due to the recent wind change heading towards Sydney.

Why and How Are the Fires Starting?

Australia has brutal summers that consist of relentless heat and drought, which causes bushfires all over the country. This summer, Australia has reached suffocating temperatures of 113-120 degrees Fahrenheit due to a record-breaking heatwave in December. These extreme temperatures are more likely to start causing fires, especially during this time of year when where the weather is usually dry. 

Although most of the fires have started naturally there are 24 individuals that have been caught intentionally causing bushfires in New South Wales where the fires have been the worst. Additionally, 183 people have unintentionally helped cause bushfires by throwing things such as cigarette butts in NSW.

Who and What is Affected By These Fires?

Almost everyone in Australia is affected by these fires, whether it’s from the air quality from the smoke of the fire or the fire itself. An estimated one billion animals have been killed from these fires and at least 24 people have died according to Vox.com. Because of the loss of one billion animals, the continent’s biodiversity has been greatly affected. The biodiversity of Australia was already affected by climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species, but the bushfires are adding on to those factors which will possibly lead to the extinction of many animals. Not only have koalas and kangaroos been affected, but plants and insects that are harder to track have been killed. Unfortunately, the loss of every plant and animal in Australia will affect the biodiversity and the future of animals in Australia because every plant and animal has a significant role in the ecosystem.

How Can You Help?

The main thing we can do to help Australia through this crisis is by donating. You can donate clothes, money, and even just spread awareness about these fires. Any effort will help. 

Donation links:

• Salvation Army Australia– The Salvation Army Australia provides shelter, food, and water for first-responders and evacuees.
• St Vincent de Paul Society Australia– St Vincent de Paul Society Australia is gathering money to help families rebuild homes and cover the family’s expenses. 
• Nonprofit Australian Wildlife Rescue– A donation here will help animals across Australia be saved from the bushfires. 

If you would like to learn where else to donate, click here!

All over Australia life is affected by these fires whether it be animals, plants, or people. Every fire that happens in the world affects the world’s climate, biodiversity, and environment for people and animals. We, the most advanced inhabitants of Earth, need to band together to help our planet. It is the one we can call home. 

Sources:

• https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/03/us/how-to-help-australia-bushfire-victims-iyw-trnd/index.html
• https://www.vox.com/2019/12/30/21039298/40-celsius-australia-fires-2019-heatwave-climate-change
• https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/01/australia/australia-fires-explainer-intl-hnk-scli/index.html
• https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/07/australia/australia-fires-police-action-trnd/index.html
• https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/03/us/how-to-help-australia-bushfire-victims-iyw-trnd/index.html