I wanted my first post in 2020 to be something upbeat and positive, something fun surrounding travel and sustainability. I wanted it to set the tone for the year ahead.
Then, Australia caught fire.
Australia is one of my absolute favourite countries. It has beautiful beaches, stunning trails, lush greenery, incredible wildlife, and some truly kind, welcoming people.
The news about the bushfires has been devastating. So far, the stats are as follows:
- 8.4 million hectares of land have burned.
- 28 people have been killed.
- Thousands of homes have been destroyed.
- Half a billion animals have been effected – millions have died, and just as many have lost their habitats.
While climate change did not start the fires, it certainly has exacerbated them. This has so far been the hottest, driest summer on record in Australia, and it is only the beginning.
This is disheartening, but now is not the time to give up! The firefighters need support fighting the fires, the people will need support rebuilding their communities, and the wildlife sanctuaries will need support in rescue and relief efforts.
For many of us who live far away from Australia, helping is as simple as donating to the right organizations. A few places where your money will go to good use are:
- Australian Red Cross
- Relief Run Australia – either run on your own or find a local group putting together a group run.
- RSPCA New South Whales – wildlife relief.
It is only the beginning of the bushfire season, so our Aussie friends are going to need all the help they can get. Even after the fires are gone, they will need support while they rebuild homes, rehabilitate animals, and heal from the destruction that these fires caused.
These fires are not just an Australian problem – they are a global issue. Every little thing we do – driving less, thrifting instead of purchasing new, ditching single-use plastic – will help create an environment in which a disaster like this can never happen again.
The Ethical Traveler 