Emergency chiefs: Climate change is here now and Australians are paying the price.
As climate change aggravates catastrophic fires in NSW and QLD, and sets TAS up for a dangerous fire season ahead, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action have called on the Federal Government to respond to this unprecedented threat.
The coalition of 23 fire and emergency services leaders from every state and territory has demanded more support for emergency services and firefighters, and an urgent plan to phase out fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, which are driving climate change.
Mike Brown, former Chief Fire Officer, Tasmania Fire Service, said: "Hobart is still reeling from springtime fires, which were fanned by unseasonably hot weather and strong winds. Many Tasmanians are now anxious about the summer because of the unprecedented fire danger it brings."
"The science is clear that climate change is worsening fire conditions that are putting more stress on people and firefighters. Things aren't going to get better if our elected leaders don't face this issue head on, and deliver the emissions reductions we need."
