Australia. This is Climate Change.
THE NATURAL WORLD IS CHANGING
If we don’t take climate action the collapse of our civilisations & the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon
– Sir David Attenborough.
At the time of writing this post, since the bushfires began ravaging Australia in September ‘19:
24 people have died
Half a billion animals have been killed
250 million tonnes of Co2 released
14.5 million acres burned
1500+ homes destroyed
Air quality measurements are 20x above the hazardous level
+ our fire crisis has months to go.
We’re sure that you, like us, have been through waves of emotions as the tragedy unfolds across Australia
– horror, sadness, sympathy, empathetic pain, anxiety, fear, interest, confusion, disgust.
These emotions, that which breaks our hearts is ultimately what connects us and brings a clear realisation of how we, as a human race, have become disconnected from nature.
By damaging the natural world, we damage ourselves
– each breath we take, the food & water we need to sustain us, the land that provides for us all relies on a healthy planet and ecosystem.
WE'VE OPENED UP OUR SOCIAL MEDA
If you know of any individuals, communities or charitable organisations that need help to amplify their voice during these tough times
please contact us at [email protected]
IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO DONATE MONEY
We have summarised some of the charitable organisations taking donations to support bushfire victims.
By clicking on the names below it will take you straight to their donations page.
IF YOU ARE ABLE TO OFFER ACCOMMODATION
IF YOU ARE ABLE TO OFFER YOUR TIME
Head to Blaze Aid. Set up in 2009 in the wake of the Black Saturday fires, this volunteer-based charity helps people in rural areas after natural disasters.
Volunteers work alongside the locals to help rebuild local communities.
The Organic & Regenerative Investment Co-operative (ORICoop) is another group looking for volunteers to help farmers and producers in the wake of the recent fires.
Charitable organisations are always looking for new volunteers.
However most require a training program to be complete and would prefer a long-term commitment.
Small efforts add up to a big difference 🙏
HUMANITIES RECONNECTION WITH NATURE HAS TO START HERE.
We have to address the climate crisis. As our planet is changing, so must we.
We need to change – transform our media, our political system, our education, the how and why of what we do.
DON'T WASTE NATURAL RESOURCES
As Australia’s bushfire towns struggle through unprecedented loss, water, food & power shortages we need consider how our actions affect the planet we live on.
We can all take simple actions in our daily lives to reduce our impact by saving water, supporting renewable energies, consuming less & being selective from whom we buy,
supporting sustainable holistic agriculture practices, reducing waste & choosing to off-set our emissions.
REFUSE PLASTIC
In Australia homes have gone up in flames & toxic smoke from household plastics is dosing the country with poison of untraceable consequences.
Plastic contributes to greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of its lifecycle; from its production to its refining & the way it is managed as a waste product.
At current levels, greenhouse gas emissions from the plastic lifecycle threaten the ability of the global community to keep global temperature rise below 1.5C
PAY MORE ATTENTION TO POLITICS
During this time of crisis Prime Minister Scott Morrison has continued to defend the governments climate policies.
A PM who refuses to revisit the climate policy. Who refuses to make the connection between the climate crisis and increased extreme weather events and natural disasters.
Australia is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement target to cut emission by 26%.
Regardless of our political views, based on scientific evidence Climate Change is the biggest threat we currently face to our national security.
This is a key message we have to take away from this catastrophe.
A radical rethink on how a government protects its people in this time of climate crisis is imperative.
THINK ABOUT LONG-TERM EFFECTS
Provide continued support to communities affected by bushfires so that their economies and infrastructure can rebuild.
Be mindful of the long-term adverse effects on physical and mental health.
Think about damage to water catchments and potential effects on the global carbon cycle.
Whilst we may think that it’s a good idea to plant trees to sequester carbon, its critical that these decisions are led by experts.
The choice of regrowing certain species can result in far more water consumption, which in turn compromises water replenishment.
Look to people like Greenfleet to partner with if you want to off-set.
Think about the ecology of Australia and how species affected by this major disturbance will now be forced to regenerate in climatic conditions that are very different.
As our planet is changing invest time in learning and understanding what this means, allow experts in the areas to inspire you to support in whichever way that you can.
The Australian bush is remarkably resilient to fire and has evolved with it for many millions of years.
We wanted to end on a positive note with images blooming with hope from our Sustainability Officer, Jyoti’s property following the wake of the bushfire.
We are what we do. Not what we say we’ll do.
globetrottersiraconlineusa xx
