No words can do justice to the pain and immense loss people and wildlife are experiencing in this terrifying national bushfire crisis.
We acknowledge the pain for all affected and that some communities may never fully recover. Habitats have been devastated, hundreds of millions of animals have been lost, and there is a very real possibility that some species may have been wiped out.
We are in awe of the strength and resilience of communities across the country. We pay our deep respects to everyone on the front lines – those working day and night to protect and support one another, those forced to flee, and especially to the families who have lost loved ones. Their bravery and selflessness humbles us all.
And we acknowledge the unique pain of Traditional Owners of affected areas, custodians of the land since time immemorial.
Many groups and organisations are working on relief efforts in affected communities. If you are able, we encourage you to give generously to their work.
Whether you’ve experienced the fire threat directly, breathed toxic air pollution, or looked on in horror from afar, this unprecedented disaster has impacted us all. From all of us at ACF, we hope you are safe and have the support you need during this difficult time.
In times of crisis we must prioritise the needs of those most affected. And we must listen to those who best understand how we got here.
Record-breaking drought and heat are making bushfire conditions ever-more catastrophic. This is climate damage.
And the biggest cause of climate damage is burning coal.
However, while our country burns on a scale and intensity never seen before, the Morrison Government refuses to address the root cause – burning polluting fuels like coal. The Prime Minister is not showing the leadership we so desperately need.
Big polluting corporations are responsible for this crisis but are evading responsibility. Coal, oil and gas companies donate big money to Australian political parties, buying access to decision-makers to block climate action and keep burning dirty fuels.
Enough is enough.
A good government would end their relationship with dirty polluting fuels, ramp up clean energy, and make the big polluters pay for the damage they cause.
Our elected representatives must demonstrate the same courage as those on the front lines of this crisis, and work together to build a thriving future for all of us – free from polluting corporations, powered by clean energy.
At times like these the politics can shift quickly. Unlikely alliances can form, new connections can be made, cracks in ideologies can appear. We have an opportunity right now to appeal to the very best in our elected representatives to turbocharge climate action.
People-powered movements are rising – from the frontlines of disasters like these fires to the millions taking to the streets for global climate strikes, all of us are working together to solve the climate crisis and demand our leaders step up.
This tragedy must strengthen our resolve to come together and demand climate action. If you’ve never written to your local MP, now is the time to start.
And if you’re ready to step up and join with people in your area to be part of a growing national movement, good – because we are going to need everyone. Everyone has valuable skills to contribute towards making positive change and together we are powerful. Join or start an ACF Community group!
We are all increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate damage – fire, flood, heatwaves, drought. We can not allow our politicians to prioritise the profits of the fossil fuel industry over our safety and wellbeing. Now’s the time to step up.
If you can, donate to the on-the-ground relief efforts. Then together let’s raise our voices and build the movement.
Stay tuned for more from us. We’ll have more information and actions for you to take in the coming days and weeks.
With love and action.
Photo: Annette Ruzicka/MAPgroup
