16 Jan 2020 12:14:26
I know this isn't football or man United related but can all of us just spare a thought for Australia at this time. The devastation caused to humans and wildlife is heartbreaking and I just hope that they get some relief ASAP. So many homes destroyed, animals killed, habitats devastated its horrific to see and I pray for everyone who's been affected. ðŸ™â™¥ï¸.
{Ed047's Note - I’ll 2nd that Red84 it’s an horrendous situation.
16 Jan 2020 12:57:06
The sad thing is this wildfire will probably force several species to extinction. With Australia's distinct and unique species that do not exist anywhere else, the huge number of animals killed in these fires coupled with the destruction of their habitat will see several species named as functionally extinct.
Let's not forget we have also had the biggest wildfires in the history of Brazil and California in the past 6 months.
The whole world is burning and yet there are still those who either deny or are sceltical of climate change.
16 Jan 2020 13:25:30
Natural disasters are on the rise worldwide, your right shappy. I wonder what could be causing it 🤔. Seeing videos of those koalas, kangaroos etc honestly it would break your heart. Puts everything into perspective when you see things like that.
16 Jan 2020 14:05:45
Completely right Shappy. We can add that some of the Brazilian fires are the result of intentional arson designed to clear land for commercial agricultural, and approved by the government.
The Australian gov has a lot to answer for, as these fires have been intensifying over the last few years and they ignored it.
16 Jan 2020 14:19:00
It's utterly devastating. My brother and his famuky about an hour away from Sydney, days its like armageddin at times, sky just goes red even though thank god they are in an area unaffected by fires thus far.
Over a billion animals wiped out makes me cry, the loss of people obviously devastating also but just so many wonderful animals.
I or my brother are by no means climate deniers however what he has told me is that bushfire have always been a threat in Australia, historically the aboriginees used to back burn a lot of the land prior to high season in an effort to control these fires which has worked for hundreds and thousands of years. I gather the green party in Australia put a stop to this as they linked it with climate change.
I respect and listen to the science but there is also as much of a case in my opinion to listen to those before us and do not think that just because we are in the 21st century that we have better answers than our ancestors.
16 Jan 2020 14:23:26
Disgraceful how they spent 20 million dollars on the fireworks at sydney. The worlds a very selfish place nowadays.
16 Jan 2020 14:54:49
Norn, the increase in natural disasters are being driven by climate change.
Temperature increase has several impacts, one being increase in storm events, loss of ice cover, longer periods of drought, with shorter but more severe rainfall events.
This means that with longer drier periods the bush in Australia and the forests of California and Brazil are drier so when naturally occurring or intentional fires happen that the threat of them burning quicker, covering the ground faster and them spreading over a greater area massively increases.
We cover a lot of work on the effects on climate change, the drivers of it and the complex feedback systems that exaggerate its effects in my degree.
16 Jan 2020 15:08:23
As a professional ecologist, I hate seeing the impacts of climate change and that very little is being done to mitigate or improve the situation. It really needs a top-down (i. e. government level) collaborative approach where every country and individual is pulling their weight to provide a more sustainable future.
In the UK, one of our biggest problems (and the result of being overpopulated) is loss and fragmentation of habitats through development, and the governments failure to abide by its own policies on conservation. I do fear it will be a case of too little, too late by the time governments start implementing sufficient practices to prevent catastrophic global changes.
16 Jan 2020 15:57:09
yeah I know its climate change. I was mocking a few well known world leaders who have denied it exists. Its clear that we have to change how we do things but when superpowers like the USA don't buy in then it makes it a lot harder.
16 Jan 2020 16:41:58
Puts everything into perspective really. Such sadness.
16 Jan 2020 17:18:34
What's happening in Australia is sad, but no one is talking about Zambia in the media, they face famine due to extended droughts, this will lead to an exodus of population, which will be scornfully rejected as it makes its way across the Mediterranean. Sad thing with Zambia is they lack the financial resources of a nation like Australia, and they also seem to lack the fundraising credentials afforded to places like Notre Dame, the Amazon or the Australian coastline.
16 Jan 2020 17:36:14
Bottom line is that we have little to complain about and should be grateful for what we have. ðŸ™.
16 Jan 2020 18:23:27
Unfortunately the self interestnof countries will prevail. China for example produces huge amount of CO2 and other noxious gasses. Many of their biggest cities suffer from smog which smothers everything for days and days. Their industrial output will not be allowed to be disrupted by their government as mass the production of export goods is necessary to excuse the pin fuel their economy. We as consumers are equally culpable because we buy so often with our primary concern being the cheapest price not the environment.
As mentioned above we need governments to take the lead on this and it may be that we have to pay more as consumers but it will be a price worth paying if it means we actual value this planet and the future for our children and their children.