2019 was the hottest and driest year on record in Australia. See the Bureau of Meteorology’s sobering report HERE.

Our climate is changing and we must take decisive and far reaching action to prepare, and to prevent even further worsening conditions. While the bushfires have left many people feeling powerless about our future, more people are worried and talking about climate change than ever before and it is important that we come together to demand reforms to ensure Australia remains a livable place for future generations.

I encourage you to join one of the climate advocacy organisations and campaigns to build momentum for reform. There’s a range of groups working on climate concerns from the arts, the health sector, faith and protest: HERE.

Contact your federal MP and ask them to support strong federal laws to dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions and transition to a green economy. Independent federal MP Zali Steggall is introducing a Climate Change Bill to set a statutory target of net zero emissions by 2050, with five-yearly economy-wide carbon budgets, Climate Change Risk Assessment for all sectors and a National Adaptation Program: HERE.

If we all get active, our leaders will not be able to keep their heads in the sand over climate change.

The community response to this disaster is inspiring, with fundraising and practical help coming from so many places and people. The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal supports local community-led projects to aid recovery after the immediate crisis: HERE and Voiceless has a list of groups helping animals affected by the fires that you can donate to: HERE.