It’s a timely day for writing a blog post about climate change… a good day to be indoors out of the heat, dust, wind and bushfire smoke. Earlier this week we’d had some reprieve but the conditions have returned with a vengeance. These days and our summer to come -I believe- are stark reminder that we are the world we create.
Throughout our southern hemisphere spring, bushfires have burnt out hundreds of thousands of hectares of NSW’s wild areas. The Bees Nest fire burning since early September accounts for 113,698 hectares alone -so far- and loss of homes and rural properties, irreplaceable wildlife habitat, conservation and world heritage areas.
Bushfires closer to home have been burning for weeks, so far destroying 2,490 hectares of conservation and state forest areas just within the 20 km watch-zone from my house. Only a couple of days ago finally under control but still alight, today flared up again due to worsened conditions.
Four fire-fighting helicopters flying in and out all day every day… audibly, it’s been living how I imagine it would be like adjacent to a war zone. For the firefighters and property owners it is a war of sorts.
Carbon emission reduction is important. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions and resultant carbon footprint is the primary factor of climate change that has led to global warming. Scientists project even a slight average temperature rise is enough to cause a dramatic transformation of planet Earth with effects such as worsening pollution of air, land, waterways and oceans, more frequent severe weather and natural disasters, changes to microclimates, and higher sea levels threatening the wellbeing of all forms of life.
“a surge in carbon dioxide levels due to human activity since the Industrial Revolution is now causing an overall warming of the planet that is having impacts around the globe” livescience.com
Your thoughts? Comments welcome.
Between now and July 2020 I’m studying Certificate IV Permaculture via Tafe NSW and the National Environment Centre flexible online learning. Studying online, I discovered, involves a lot of writing. This year of study, I think, might lend itself to some blog posts… follow along if you are interested in learning what I learn during my permaculture journey.
daleleelife101.blog 
I’m checking the RFS Fires near Me page every day to make sure you and family near you are safe too. Every day I breathe a sigh of relief that TA and Dorrigo are currently clear and have an escape route open to you. That doesn’t factor in the stress, noise pollution or appalling air quality. Stay safe.
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Another smoky fire weather day today, new fires -one of which was extinguished the other not- in the watch-zone since the screenshot yesterday, and -disconcertingly- an alert via text last night. This, and the flying fox colony is apparently our new normal… tangible effects of climate change.
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We have another new one in Eungella National Park – we lost almost the entire rainforest on the slopes of the range last year, and the fire is back to eat up the regrowth. It’s hot, dry and very windy up here… And snow above 500m in Tasmania. I can’t make sense of it any more.
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Yup… yesterday at the same time we had fire weather warnings there were sheep graziers alerts down south…
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It’s a terrible time for our country with drought, hail storms and fires. We had two days of a dust storm that has probably reached your area and worsened your conditions. I note that our temps and even humidity levels are nearly identical to yours today. Thinking of you and hoping the intensity of everything calms soon. xx
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We have quite a bit of that dust that came across through central Australia mixed with smoke in the air… and a layer settled on everything. We’ve had the reprieve of cooler nights and few days ahead of us, but your upcoming weather week looks to be challenging. The October to January forecast isn’t promising for rain, and I wonder for how long this will be our new normal. Take care.
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That fire map is very disturbing. It is so early in the season and already we have had many disasters, including fires burning in areas that don’t usually burn. Add in drought and it is a tough time for so many people. I hope there is relief for you very soon.
(I like the new, clear look of your blog ~ or I think it is a new look! I have lost track of things lately.)
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The fire map for the wider state is worse, also in Queensland and California, and today locally there are more fires, and more advice and watch & act levels. We are more fortunate I think in that local affected ares are less populated, but that consoles me only so much as wildlife habitat is under threat regardless.
Thank you, yes a new theme, that I’m happy with as I wanted to display a list of posts and intro’s rather than entire posts. It also adjusts its display for desktop, tablet and phone.
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Dale – Friday evening news time. Seventeen out of control; fires all up and down your beautiful area. All my prayers rise to the Greater Powers . . . am thinking of you and yours hoping that when it’s over for this time all will be well with you . . . big hugs . . .
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Thank you. We’re fine here, watching and waiting, and have various plans depending on what eventuates.
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And it’s only the first week of summer… 😦
I don’t know quite what the lay of your land is, but would it be possible for you and the GO, or perhaps a small group of neighbours to put in a bunker? To share? Just knowing there’s a shelter of last resort could make this coming summer a little less stressful. I have one, and knowing it’s there keeps me calm.
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Thank you Meeks. We’re set up with generators, hoses, etc and various plan of action depending on what happens… and we will evacuate if necessary.
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I just heard on the ABC news that Taylors Arms is in danger?!? Please tell me I’ve got the name wrong. Don’t hesitate. Get out if you have to. So many people perished on Black Saturday because no one knew what the hell was going on. I know things are supposed to be better now but…please don’t take any chances. 😦
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Fires around us but so far so good. We have a plan A, B, C, etc. We’ll wait, watch and act accordingly. Lots of communication and community, RFS meeting tomorrow.
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We’re hearing that Tuesday is going to be bad, very bad for you guys. Houses can be rebuilt. People can’t. -massive hugs-
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We made it through Tuesday, the weather was in our favour… so still hanging in, prepared, watching, waiting and hopeful.
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I imagine the waiting is awful. Not much into prayer but I’m hoping really hard that you get some rain very soon.
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I hope conditions ease soon, though getting through tomorrow will be hard. So many days on high alert, I remember what that’s like, and it does take its toll. Yes, there us no doubt at all that the rise in temperature across the globe has this impact on climate, rain, drought, and desiccation of the bush, causing this on going disaster. I know ten years ago I used to get upset with those around me constantly talking about climate change: in my heightened state of adrenalin , after the loss of our home, I wanted consolation, not science. But then, scientists have known about this since the 1970s. Nothing was done, and even less is done today by those in power. It’s a sad world, and I am feeling quite hostile. No empty thoughts and prayers from me- these words have lost their meaning. Stay alert, keep all batteries charged. Have your drinking water handy, fill the bath and the laundry tubs, keep torches charged and ready, mobiles charged and a battery r as do on hand, old woollen blankets in the car…. the kit we live with every summer now.
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Thank you for your thoughtfulness and advice. We are watching, we are prepared both to stay if it is safe, and to go if it is not. The weather has been kind to us in the village so far but we are nowhere near complacent.
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Will have all body parts crossed. Xx
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