As Australian Bushfires Rage On, Here's What You Can Do To Help Those Affected
Since September 2019 the Australian continent has been playing victim to raging wildfires. So far 1235 million acres of land has been burned destroying more than 1400 homes and taking the death toll up to 23. Even worse is the plight of Australias endangered species and protected wildlife. Half a billion animals have been reported dead. As the world sits heartbroken and watches in horror most people are wondering what they can do to help.
Since September 2019, the Australian continent has been playing victim to raging wildfires.
According to CNBC, so far, 12.35 million acres of land has been burned destroying more than 1400 homes and taking the death toll up to 23. Even worse is the plight of Australia's endangered species and protected wildlife. Shockingly, half a billion animals have been reported dead.
Image credit: Reuters.
As the world sits heartbroken and watches in horror, most people are wondering what they can do to help. For residents and those who can't fly to Australia, we've listed all the ways in which you can help and create a difference.
Image credit: Reuters.
1. Sign a petition that urges the Australian government to declare a national emergency.
A petition on Change.org is asking residents and people across the world to sign it in order to get President Scott Morrisson to declare a national emergency and unleash a real movement against climate change and put these wildfires to end. That can only happen when everyone from the privileged to those most affected come together and help.
2. Get active on social media.
It's only going to get worse. Let's hope this smoke is the catalyst for more nation-wide climate protests.
¡ª Katie Horneshaw (@KatieElatey) December 20, 2019
This government will do nothing until the people make their voices impossible to ignore. https://t.co/8ioThQEqnq
Sadly, politicians continue to deny the very existence of climate change. Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has been accused of downplaying the bushfires, and, in turn, the real impact of climate change. His policies aren't being questioned for not being environmentally-conscious either. Now is the time to speak up and get Australia's government to listen.
3. Plant more and more trees.
Image credit: Reuters.
If residents of Delhi can spend Rs 1000 crores on alcohol, we can spare a few rupees and donate to tree planting organisations. Trees are literally the only thing that can reduce carbon and that's the need of the hour. For planting a tree in Australia, you can donate through Euresca and those who want a tree planted in their name in India can find more information here.
4. Donate to protect firefighters.
Image credit: Reuters.
As firefighters have been the first response team for curbing the fire, many have lost their lives or have hurt themselves severely. Donating to the NSFW Rural Service directly via their website will help immensely.
5. Help save Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.
Image credit: Reuters.
This wildlife park suffered large scale destruction and is now in dire need of funds for renovation, funds that will also help provide proper medical treatment to animals including injured koalas. You can donate or choose to volunteer directly via their website.
6. Ship food, medicines, and other important supplies to Australia.
Image credit: Reuters.
A lot of people have been evacuated from nearby towns and they are now seeking help. If you can ship a box of emergency supplies to organisations like Make It Rain, you will truly be making a difference in a lot of people's lives.
7. Volunteer if you are nearby.
Image credit: Reuters.
Make volunteering cool for yourself, your friends and family; go out and do good.
8. Encourage people to welcome those who are displaced.
Image credit: Pexels.
If you have friends and family in Australia, please encourage them to list an available bedroom in their house for those who are displaced. A service like Find A Bed has enabled 5500 people to find shelter.
9. Help rebuild people's lives.
A large number of Australian residents have been displaced due to the raging wildfires. How you can help is by donating to St. Vincent de Paul Society that is accepting donations on behalf of evacuees. Rs 500 is enough to feed a family of four right now.
