Twenty-four people have died this fire season, including three firefighters. Over 1,300 homes have been destroyed and an estimated 14.7 million hectares — an area larger than the combined countries of Belgium and Haiti — have burned.
On top of everything else, a University of Sydney professor is estimating that 480 million animals have died in the state of New South Wales on the southeastern side of Australia. Government officials are estimating that one-third of Australia's koala bear population has died.
While the massive changes required to combat the climate crisis that has created these conditions will require coordinated, political, social and economic efforts there are a number of things individuals can do right now to support Australia. Mostly, this involves donating money.
Samaritanmag has made a list of five different ways people can be supportive:
Australia's Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund: There's a reason why almost every major media organization covering major disaster events will direct potential supporters towards the Red Cross. It's because the Red Cross has extensive experience in dealing with disasters on a massive scale around the world. The Australian relief fund is being used right now to supporting thousands of people in evacuation centres and recovery hubs across Australia.
Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities: Created by Neil Morris, a member of the Yorta Yorta First Nation, this GoFundMe is "to offer a culturally sensitive , specific direct support" to Australian Indigenous people affected by the fires.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital: Started in 1973, this organization's mission is to "rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured koalas, conserve koala habitat and maintain the wild koala population." Other animal support organizations include Dimmocks Retreat Wildlife Rescue, Wires Wildlife Rescue, Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast and Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue & Hospital.
Support Australian Firefighters: A number of Australian firefighting-related organizations are currently accepting financial donations to help fund their efforts to combat the fires. One of those organizations is the Rural Fire Brigade Association which represents more than 1,400 brigades and over 33,000 volunteer brigade members in often smaller communities. Other firefighter organizations include NSW Rural Fire Service and Country Fire Service in South Australia.
Extinction Rebellion Australia: This environmental organization is working towards resolving the climate emergency through events, protests and political action.
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