BUSHFIRE SURVIVORS FOR CLIMATE ACTION (BSCA) has welcomed the NSW Bushfire Inquiry findings that climate change played a significant role in the 2019-2020 bushfire season, and called on the NSW and Federal Governments to step up emissions reduction measures.
“The inquiry has echoed what scientists and fire experts have been saying for decades: climate change is increasing bushfire risk and severity, and making usual fire management methods such as hazard reduction burning less effective,” said Jo Dodds, President, BSCA.
“To keep communities safe, elected leaders must address the root cause of Australia’s worsening bushfire crisis. For starters, the NSW government must accelerate its net zero plan, and reject new coal and gas projects like the Narrabri coal seam gas project.
“The Federal Government is also miles behind the states and territories, which all have net zero emissions targets in place. It must catch up and deliver a credible climate plan for the Australian people,” said Ms Dodds.
Fiona Lee, who lost her Bobin home in the Black Summer bushfires, added: “I have seen first-hand the destruction that climate-fuelled bushfires can cause, and don’t want to see more Australians become bushfire victims.
“No-one should lose their home, property or loved-ones in a fire. In addition to implementing the recommendations of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, all levels of government must take decisive action on climate change,” said Ms Lee
About Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action:
BSCA was founded shortly after the Tathra and District fire in March 2018 to raise the voices of people impacted by bushfires. Members are people who lost their homes, communities, loved ones and peace of mind in bushfires; people who’ve fought fires as RFS or other volunteers, community leaders concerned about the impact and growing risks of bushfires and primary producers who’ve watched stock and wildlife impacted by bushfires and their after-effects. They are old, young, teachers, community workers, artists, councillors, writers, parents and children.
