In November 2019, Australia declared a state of emergency as wild bushfires started to ravage New South Wales. The fires quickly spread to Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, and Australian Territory. News of the Australian bushfires began to fill the headlines of mainstream media in January 2020. Devastating information as well as facts and figures filled reports, whilst heart-breaking pictures were shared by thousands on social media sites. Climate change was at the forefront of everyone’s minds as bushfires in Australia had not been witnessed before on that level or at that time of year.
Everyone, even celebrities, spoke up about the devastating events in Australia and the importance in the fight against climate change. Donations poured into various Australian charity organisations from around the world to help with the control of the flames, the rescue of animals and homes.
According to ABC News report, from the beginning of September 2019 to February 23rd 2020, the Australian bushfires emitted 434 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 33 people died and over 1 billion animals were killed in the fires, including 8,000 koalas which tragically perished. This catastrophic event means that Koalas are now on the brink of ‘local’ extinction, and there are 293 more animal species and populations threatened.
Across Australia, more than 12.6 million hectares burnt down which had a devastating impact upon the wildlife, habitat, and ecosystems. The impact of the bushfires on the planet were huge and Australia is still recovering from the damaging extreme weather event.
The smoke from the fires had an overwhelming impact on not only the planet but also on Australians themselves. More than 400 people died due to smoke inhalation, with fumes reaching New Zealand, 1,000 miles away.
The extremeness of the Australian bushfires last year and the impact it had on wildlife, habitats, and people, urged everyone to take climate change more seriously. Australia saw record-breaking temperatures and drought which fuelled the intensity of the bushfires. It was reported by Climate Analytics that Australia is one of the highest per capita emitters of carbon dioxide in the world and one of the world’s leading exporters of coal. Despite Australia’s participation in the Paris Agreement, this highlights how there is work still to be done to fulfil their pledge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
A year later and there are reports once again of huge wild fires ravaging the north of Perth in Australia. Warnings have been issued as temperatures are set to rise to over 40 degrees Celsius this week. It is likely we could see a re-run of the events that shook the globe last year.
On Tuesday evening it was reported that there is a ‘fast-moving bushfire raging about 100 kilometres north of Perth’ which has ‘already destroyed more than 7,200 hectares’. An emergency warning is in place for local residential developments, with around 270 people from one such development – Ocean Farms – having already left with many planning to follow suit.
Warnings have also been issued for blazes at Beechina, east of Perth, and Wonthella, in Geraldton.
Firefighters are currently battling and trying to contain the fires and as of yet no homes have been destroyed. However, with temperatures set to rise and strong winds blowing in, there is a high risk of increasing fires.
The year 2020 has brought more life-changing events than seemingly possible, with the likes of Covid-19 and the Australian bushfires ravaging the globe. As new reports are surfacing detailing a rise in Australian fires, it reminds us all of the importance of battling climate change.
Nobody wants to see the repeat of the ferocious Australian bushfires. Policies such as increasing renewable energy and decreasing intensive agriculture must be implemented now or it will be too late. We need to carry on putting pressure on governments, keep supporting activists like Greta Thunberg, and using your own social media platforms to spread awareness. If not, extreme and destructive weather could become regular occurrences with climate change taking a complete hold of the planet.
Isabella Boneham
Featured image courtesy of Sergio Torres via Unsplash. This image has in no way been altered. Image license is available here.
Isabella Boneham
Graduated from University of Warwick with a history degree in 2020, aspiring journalist and have a strong interest in current affairs, politics and the environment.