Australia’s bushfires threaten entire species and ecosystems as more than a billion animals ki

Many have heard about the deadly fires that have plagued Australia for months. Since August 2019, the scale of the fires has escalated quickly, causing more than 10 million hectares of land to be destroyed. 28 people have been killed and more than 2,000 homes lost. 

Scientists have estimated that more than a billion animals – including birds and reptiles, but not fish, bats and invertebrates – and hundreds of billions of insects were killed. Additionally, several species of animals are likely to be extinct without being known. One of the main causes of the fires has been cited to be high temperatures, as Australia has been experiencing record high temperatures. A national heatwave was declared.

Although bushfires are a common occurrence during Australian summers (‘fire season’), the record high heatwave as well as stronger winds have caused the fires to be more deadly. The sudden increase in temperature and stronger winds are results of global warming. The impact of the fires could have been less drastic if not for the intensity of the fires. Who else do we have to blame for that but ourselves? 

With the recent surge in the amount and intensity of natural disasters around the world, it is a wake up call for many of us to help. To help in preventing climate change from worsening by aiding in protecting our environment as well to ensure that we do not ruin our planet.

Many efforts have been made in attempts to reduce the drastic effect of the fires, notably people who had volunteered to fight the fires and to aid in the rescue of animals trapped in forest fires. I feel that their bravery is to be admired as they had risked their lives and health to contribute to fighting the fires. The damage caused by the fires is unimaginable, but the effort and courage of the volunteers have saved many. 

While we go about our daily lives, lets not forget to keep Australia in our prayers and be more environmentally-friendly. After all, it is the little things people often forget, like switching off the lights and fans when they are not in use, that go a long way.

Lok Qi Ern

3 Unity