Starting in October Australia has been burning. The combination of the hottest days ever recorded, dry bushes and strong wind has made it easy for these fires to grow and spread. Crystal A. Kolden, a wildfire researcher at the University of Idaho said “When the vegetation is dry, it will burn, but when you add this extreme heat, it magnifies the effect, allowing it to burn that much more intensely.” These fires alone have burned over 14.7 million acres of land across Australia. The wildfires have killed 25 people including three volunteer firefighters. The fires have scorched over 2,000 homes. New South Wales was the worst hit. There are 136 fires and 69 of these fires are uncontained. 

These fires alone have killed over 1 billion animals and counting. Local vets and sanctuaries have been taking injured and burned animals to try and help save them and treat the injuries. Animals are running to firefighters for help and anyone nearby they are burned and severely dehydrated. We need to make a change in our way of life to put an end to global warming. Many species are close to extinction or could go extinct if the fires continue to burn uncontrollably. The good news in many firefighters from america and other places are traveling to help the firefighters in Australia. Also in some places where the fires have already burned there in new growth in the trees. 

Here are some ways you can help. Keep updated on what is happening in the world and especially in Australia. Spread the word with friends and family members. You can donate to a charity of your choice who is collecting donations. You can donate to The New South Wales-based Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc. (WIRES), Koala Hospital Port Macquarie, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Wildlife Victoria, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Australia(RSPCA Australia), Bindi Irwin and many more. All are good nonprofit organizations who are accepting donations to help animals in Australia. You also can “adopt” a koala from Australian Koala Foundationand and pay to plant a tree to rebuild the koalas habitat. A big way to help is doing small things to help stop global warming by cutting down on plastic, go vegan, create a compost, use reusable cups and containers, bring your own bag, don’t litter, participate in beach cleanups and so many more. If everyone gives a little we can clean up our world and make it a place we want to live.