How much do we know about the fires happening in Australia and just how dangerous and threatening are they? It’s scary to think that not that many teenagers know what’s going on in the world and how it’s impacting everyone. I found out one of my friends had no idea that the fires in Australia were happening, which scared me because it’s all over the news and social media! But even if my Instagram feed is packed with news articles about the fires does not mean that everyone else’s is.
About two dozen people were accused for deliberately starting the Australian fires, including a teenage firefighter volunteer. The fires first started in September of 2019, months before the usual fire season which starts in December and goes through March. This is scary. Why? Australia and the animals in Australia are used to wildfires and have been combatting them for millennia, but when humans get involved things become dangerous for wildlife. Because of human-interference habitats are being torn down and packed into one spot due to the building of cities and residential areas, we’re taking their land and forcing them to move elsewhere. This causes problems with the balance of nature. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, human-caused climate change lengthens the fire season, decreases precipitation, and increases the temperature. Due to climate change, the fires have been growing more intense and deadly.
Nearly half a billion animals have been impacted in New South Wales by the fire alone, and it’s estimated that millions of them are dead, according to ecologists at the University of Sydney. An article from CNN informed that “Australia has the highest rate of species loss of any area in the world, and researchers fear that rate could increase as the fire disaster continues.” This country has about 300 native species and about 81% of them are only found in it, meaning if they’re wiped out then they are gone for good. Animals all over the nation are suffering and trying their best to survive the dangerous flames. In December of 2019, federal environment minister Sussan Ley said nearly a third of all koalas in New South Wales have died and about a third of their habitat has been destroyed. Footage has been released of koalas suffering on the grounds of Australia -- singed, charred, and life-threatening burns. Even though they are rescued and treated, most koalas will die because of the amount of damage that has already been done.
Koalas and kangaroos alike are spread out among the globe, so extinction is not exactly possible for these two if the fires become more elaborate than before. But because of the raging disaster, there’s a chance smaller populations have already been wiped entirely. This includes the eastern bristlebird, the mountain pygmy possum, and the corroboree frog. These species don’t necessarily die from the fires because they can burrow underground and hide in rocks, but once the damage is done and they come back to the aftermath of the bushfires there is no hope that they’ll maintain a life in their used-to-be habitat. They can’t obtain a home, scavenge and hunt, and shelter themselves with little to nothing. And because of how long the country has been burning, vegetation will take a significant amount of time to grow back so animals can come back home. Janine Greene, a WIRES Wildlife Rescue volunteer told CNN, “This is huge because we had a drought before we had this bushfire, so the animals are already undernourished.” Thankfully and finally, rainfall brought some relief to the fires and people fighting them. Still, there’s much more to do in order to save the environment.
A group of brave people died in an attempt to escape the fires and fight the fires. Twenty-eight people to be exact, as of January 8th, 2020. More than 2,000 homes have been burnt down. Luckily, a new $1.4 billion bushfire recovery fund has been created to help residents, businesses, and farmers rebound from their devastating losses, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced. Firefighters, volunteers, and multiple aids have jumped on the case right away. A cargo plane helped evacuate 170 people from Mallacoota, a town on the southeast coast. And, thankfully, the U.S is getting involved by sending 150 firefighters and wildlife specialists to help Australians combat these fires.
Now, if you’re feeling anything close to what I was feeling when reading about this, you’re thinking What can I do? If you’re feeling guilt, sadness, empathy, and (maybe) just a little-itty-bitty-eensy-weensy angry, then good. These are the feelings that we need to utilize in order to make things happen. Nobody sent firefighters to Australia without feeling at least one of those emotions. Nobody volunteered to help rescue wildlife and residents without feeling at least something. They’re valid and they are the motivation that Australia needs. Besides educating yourself on this topic and signing up to be trained for future rescue missions, there are many places you can donate to help, especially from afar. Even though money is suggested, whatever you can give please give. It can be water, mittens, salve, firefighting equipment, etc. Here is a list of places to consider donating towards in support of Australia.
Fire Departments in Victoria and New South Wales
Victorian Government
Bindi Irwin
Australian Koala Foundation
If you’re wondering who exactly donated, many celebrities from all over are doing their share in order to help make a difference! Kylie Minogue, an Australian singer and songwriter, and her family donated $500,000, so did P!nk, and a social media influencer Kaylen Ward, also known as The Naked Philanthropist, who sold nudes for $10 a picture and put that money towards the cause. Chris Hemsworth donated $1 million and said in a video, “Hey there guys, as you’re well aware the bushfires in Australia have caused massive devastation. They continue to burn, there’s warmer weather on its way, we’re still in the thick of it here, and there are plenty of challenging times ahead still to come. So what we need is your support and your donations.” Like Hemsworth, Elton John pledged $1 million, announcing it at his concert in Sydney. Kylie Jenner gave $1.5 million. Selena Gomez announced on Twitter, “I’m making a donation and would love if you would consider doing the same if you can.” She gave $3 million. And (your mind is gonna blow when you hear this) an Australian comedian Celeste Barber set up a Facebook fundraiser and has raised $45 million and counting! Of course, other celebrities are doing their part by donating money and using their platforms to bring awareness to what is happening. For instance, David Dobrik gave 24 hours for his fans to buy his calendars and 100% of the profit made during that day would go to helping out Australia.
Sorry for the long word vomit and all the facts, I hope it didn’t feel like you were reading an essay for school! But, it’s always best to stay educated and know what to do during hard times such as these. Remember what’s happening, tell people, spread the word, and bring awareness! And most especially don’t stop feeling the feelings you feel because they are valid and they are normal!
Dear Australia, we love you and we are sending our hopes and prayers your way. God bless.
xoxo
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