In a recent survey, 64% of youths said they’ve experienced bushfires, heatwaves and drought in the past three years. But 88% believe they’re not taught to protect themselves and their communities.
Damage to septic tanks is one of the major health hazards people face when they return to their bushfire-affected homes. It was simply dumb luck a disease outbreak didn’t happen last summer.
We should stop developing into high-risk areas, as the associated land clearing is too significant to our ecosystems and may still result in houses being lost.
Wes Mountain, The Conversation and Anthea Batsakis, The Conversation
Six months ago fires ravaged Australia, exacerbating our already dire biodiversity crisis. These are the animals and plants still suffering 6 months on.
The Kangaroo Island dunnart was listed as critically endangered before fires ripped through 95% of its habitat. Those that survived the fires now face the threat of feral cats.
Scientists and bureaucrats moved logistical mountains to rescue the eastern bristlebird from bushfires this year. As climate change worsens, wildlife evacuations will become more common.