Viw Magazine

Business Coach

  • Written by Janet Stanley, Associate professor/Principal Research Fellow, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, University of Melbourne
Prime Minister Scott Morrison inspecting a burnt-out property in the Gold Coast hinterland in September 2019. Mr Morrison has offered "thoughts and prayers" to those affected by the fires. Dave Hunt/AAP

Fires of unprecedented number and ferocity are today raging in New South Wales and Queensland. Residents in some regions woke to news that the fire danger was “catastrophic”. Rural fire chief Shane Fitzsimmons was blunt when he explained what that means: “It’s where people die.”

I lost my home in Victoria’s 1983 Macedon bushfires. I know sympathy and financial assistance for those in the midst of the crisis is important. However, when political leaders such as Prime Minister Scott Morrison offer their “thoughts and prayers”, it’s hard to read this as anything but disingenuous.

Scientists and meteorologists have for years warned of more frequent and extreme bushfires as climate change worsens. Their messages have been met by policy inertia. Nationals leader Michael McCormack on Monday went so far as to dismiss those who link bushfires to global warming as “raving inner-city lunatics”.

If the Morrison government seriously wanted fewer Australians to experience a bushfire crisis, it would use the current situation to galvanise public sentiment, shift the political agenda, and make meaningful inroads into emissions reduction.

A growing danger

Catastrophic fire danger has been forecast for Greater Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra-Shoalhaven residents. These are the worst possible conditions, under which officials have warned fires are almost impossible to control and homes will burn.

The World Meteorological Organisation said in February that the four years to 2018 were the hottest on record, in a clear sign of climate change “associated with record atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases”.


Read more: Drought and climate change were the kindling, and now the east coast is ablaze


Bushfires are not directly attributable to climate change. However, the fast-warming climate is making bushfires more frequent and intense.

In Australia, weekly bushfire frequencies increased by 40% in the five years to 2016, particularly during summer months, suggesting a serious climatic shift.

The Northern Hemisphere is also suffering. Research released earlier this year found that California’s annual wildfire extent had increased fivefold since the 1970s. This was very likely driven by drying forest fuels under human‐induced warming.

Letter boxes burn north of Los Angeles, California, on October 30. ETIENNE LAURENT/EPA

The mountain of irrefutable evidence linking global warming to bushfires makes the federal government’s failure to act - or even talk about the problem - extremely hard to explain. Of course, worsening bushfires are not the only signal that climate change has arrived.

The Murray-Darling Basin, like much of Australia, is in the midst of drought. It reportedly averaged 887 millimetres of rain over the 34 months to the end of October - the lowest on record. Climate change cannot be directly blamed for causing a specific drought, but makes a drought more severe.

Meanwhile, Australia’s national emissions are rising year-on-year. In particular, emissions from fossil fuels and industry are now 7% above 2005 levels.


Read more: The science of drought is complex but the message on climate change is clear


But it’s not too late to turn the ship around. The current bushfire emergency is an opportune moment to join the dots and prepare to implement significant climate change policies.

Experts say such a plan would include setting a credible pathway to net zero emissions and defining clear policy routes to renewable energy, such as replacing existing coal generators with clean energy by 2035.

Climate costs and the benefits of avoiding climate change should be integrated into mainstream decision-making across government and business.

Bayswatercoal-fired power station, near Muswellbrook in the Hunter region of NSW. DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAP

Prevention is better than cure

Even if the Morrison government tackled climate change with gusto tomorrow, the reality is that the problem has already taken hold. And as former NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins this week warned, “we are not adequately prepared” for the monster fires that will result.

The Productivity Commission has warned that bushfire prevention is largely overlooked and severely under-resourced. It said government natural disaster funding arrangements are “prone to cost shifting, ad hoc responses and short-term political opportunism”.

Crucially, the commission said governments “overinvest in post-disaster reconstruction and underinvest in mitigation that would limit the impact of natural disasters in the first place”.


Read more: It's only October, so what's with all these bushfires? New research explains it


It called for a major overhaul and whole-of-system approach to fire prevention and suppression. This would involve representation from multiple community, government and community sectors, and needs to be well-resourced.

Untapped opportunities for bushfire prevention abound. For example, there is little recognition that at least 90% of bushfires are accidentally or deliberately started by people. More research into this area is needed.

Residents look on as a fire threatens homes at Belmont, NSW, in August 2019. Darren Pateman/AAP

More than sympathy

My first-hand experience of bushfire was traumatic. I was a young mother and the trauma was particularly felt by my children. It challenges your personal identity and security, which is significantly defined by your “home” and living location.

My direct experience leaves me unable to comprehend why politicians would not take every opportunity through climate change policy to reduce ongoing and increasing risks to the Australian population.

When a bushfire emergency is current, it affords the opportunity to better understand the many personal, community and environmental costs of climate change - and galvanise politicians to act.

Janet Stanley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Authors: Janet Stanley, Associate professor/Principal Research Fellow, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, University of Melbourne

Read more http://theconversation.com/mr-morrison-i-lost-my-home-to-bushfire-your-thoughts-and-prayers-are-not-enough-126754

Important Instructions for Australians Living in Camper Trailers

Living in a camper trailer offers Australians a unique way to embrace adventure and freedom while exploring the vast and beautiful landsca...

Maintaining Your Mini Digger: Tips for Longevity and Performance

If you're a proud owner or operator of a mini digger in Australia, you understand the importance of keeping your equipment in top-notch co...

Transform Your Business To Success: The Role Of Branding Agencies In Melbourne

In the bustling city of Melbourne, where every corner tells a story of innovation and creativity, the importance of branding cannot be o...

Revealing The Timeless Appeal Of Ladies' Bodysuits

Fashion has always been a canvas for self-expression, a realm where innovation and tradition intertwine to create garments that not only a...

What Is Crude Oil, and Why Is It Important to Investors?

Crude oil is the lifeblood of the global economy. As an investor, understanding the ins and outs of this vital commodity can be crucial to...

A Sweet Tooth's Guide to the Best Cakes in Melbourne

Indulge your sweet tooth in Melbourne's finest cakes! Brunetti offers decadent chocolate delights like Ciambella Chocolate Teacakes. Mel...

Alan Williams' Impact on Chicago's Defense: Analyzing Key Changes and Improvements

When Alan Williams stepped onto the field as the defensive coordinator for Chicago, expectations were high. His reputation for crafting di...

Understanding the Different Types of Pickup Truck Car Covers

Picking the right truck cover starts with understanding the various types available on the market. Each type is designed to address specif...

Understanding Commercial Plumbing in Adelaide

Introduction In the bustling city of Adelaide, where businesses thrive across diverse sectors, the seamless operation of commercial facil...

Driving into the Future: The Evolution of the Automotive Market in Australia - Trends and Predictions

Examining “the evolution of the automotive market in Australia: trends and predictions” reveals a swift embrace of electric vehicles a...

Crocs: Defying Fashion Norms and Redefining Individuality

In the realm of contemporary footwear, a singular item has emerged as a polarizing yet undeniably iconic choice: the versatile rubber shoe...

Benefits of Network Monitoring Devices in Businesses

In an era where seamless connectivity underpins business operations, ensuring a robust and secure network is paramount for any enterprise...

Tips for Staying Socially Active as a Senior

Staying socially active as a senior can be a challenging task. It becomes particularly difficult as mobility decreases, and friends and fa...

The Benefits of Living in Nature

Have you ever dreamed of buying a mountain property for sale, living immersed in nature, and being surrounded by the beauty of trees and w...

Affordable and Chic: A Guide to Stylish Splashback Tiling on a Budget

When it comes to kitchen renovations, splashback tiling stands out as a game-changer. Not only does it serve a practical purpose by protec...

How to Choose the Perfect Trailer for Your Needs

Whether you're hauling equipment for work or embarking on a weekend adventure, selecting the right trailer is essential. With a myriad of ...

Is There a downside to Taking collagen peptides? Understanding the Side Effects for a Healthier You

Introduction  Lately, everyone seems to be talking about collagen peptides. They're a type of protein that comes from collagen, a key pa...

The Best Materials for Living Room Plantation Shutters: A Comparison

Plantation shutters are a timeless and elegant window treatment that adds both style and functionality to any living space. When it comes ...

Top 5 Home Renovations That Increase Property Value

Enhancing the value of your property is a common goal for homeowners, whether they plan to sell soon or simply want to boost their investm...

Discover the Elegance of Sheer Curtains in Melbourne: A Guide to Custom-Made Sheer Elegance

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your living spaces, the right choice of window treatments can make all the ...

Tomorrow Business Growth