Bushfires continue to bring destruction to Australia
FILE - This Nov. 8, 2019 satellite photo taken by NASA shows hot, dry and windy weather conditions as bushfires burn in the eastern part of the New South Wales state of Australia. Some scientists and forestry experts doubt re-seeding and other intervention efforts can match the scope of the destruction. (NASA via AP)
The Australian bushfires, which have reportedly been ongoing since September, have begun to subside over the past few months. However, a foreseeable end does not seem to be in sight.
The growing blaze has had severe consequences thus far, including the deaths of an estimated 1 billion animals and 28 people. Along with the rising death toll, around 3,000 homes have been demolished in the wake of the flames.
This past weekend, Australia was hit with a multitude of storms — many of which extinguished portions of the bushfires. While the rain did not extinguish all the flames, it played a critical role in helping firefighters better control the spread.
The environmental impact that will come from the flames is considered irreversible by many scientists. Dr. Thaddeus McRae, associate professor of biology and environmental science, said this disaster is just the beginning.
“I would argue that the fires — however long they last — are just the beginning of the crisis,” McRae said. “What you have happening now are populations of trees and plants and animals that rely upon those that have been pushed down to small population levels that we have never observed before.”
According to ABC News, these fires are unleashing millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Stanford University professor Rob Jackson told the news organization the number of tons could even hit a billion by the end of the season.
McRae said his goal is to educate his students about the repercussions environmental issues have.
“One of the things I talk to my students about in environmental science is don’t let this short-term perspective keep you from seeing the actual length of consequences,” McRae said.
Donations to various relief organizations are continuing to pour in from around the world.
Professor of Biology Dr. Michael Freake says Lee students can help by getting involved in environmental service and reaching out to congressional members.
“Put pressure on our politicians to find low carbon solutions,” Freake said. “It’s all about political action and grassroots, I think. That’s where students can probably be most effective.”
Sierra Club, a national organization that focuses mainly on grassroots, has a local group in Chattanooga open to student involvement. Kate Anthony, the chair for the Cherokee group, says college students are invited to participate with the association.
“Young people are always invited to all our activities and full participation in our leadership group,” Anthony said. “We continue to work on finding ways to improve our outreach to students,” Anthony said.
For more information on Sierra Club’s Tennessee Chapter, click here. To learn about various ways to donate to Australia bushfire relief efforts, visit australia.com.
