.The Victorian Police Minister was asked about the cause of the devastating bush fires that claimed over 170 human lives (and still rising) and destroyed many homes this week. She replied that "it was too soon to say if it was a natural disaster or as a result of arson". But what about climate change as the cause? Hotter, drier and more extreme weather for longer means more severe bush fires more often. So, if humans are driving climate change, then it is us humans that are to blame for increasing the intensity and duration of 'natural' disasters. Kevin Rudd says that those responsible are "mass murderers". Hmmm. It is not just the death and destruction caused from bush fires - consider the decreasing levels of biodiversity due to human influence (e.g. habitat loss due to human development).
.Australia has always been the land of 'extremes' but when are Australian's going to realise that these extreme events are going to become more common and more intense because of climate change? The scientists have been warning us (for example, see Climate Extremes Conference) but have we been listening or do we want to change?
.While, it is very pleasing to see Australian's have already donated over $17 million in 48 hours (more than was collected for the tsunami). Will people start to realise the very real dangers of climate change are starting to be increasingly experienced here and now (rather than somewhere else in the far future). If we do not start to make real changes towards sustainability, I believe climate change will continue to cause increasing pain and heartache for many many more.
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Climate Extremes Conference
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