Australia is being devastated by wildfires, these fires are a direct result of climate change. Sustainability is no longer something we can casually think about, we need action now. The CO2 emissions coming off the fire in Australia will impact us all in the long term, we have one earth, one ozone layer, one atmosphere.
Nearly 12.35 million acres have been burned, 25 people are dead and many others are missing, 500 million, that’s half a billion, animals have perished. Threatening populations with extinction the Australian summer has just started and the Australia. Government does not have and is unwilling to help. Being on the other side of the world may make you feel like there is nothing you can do, but there is! 
Places to give
Australian Red Cross: providing humanitarian aid to the thousands who have been displaced by the fires. The Red Cross is providing temporary shelter, water, and food.
NSW Rural Fire Service: North South Wales has been hit the hardest by these fires. Many of those out there fighting the fires are volunteers. Donate to the NSW Rural Fire Service to help provide resources directly to those on the frontlines fighting these fires.
WIRES: A half billion animals have perished, forever changing the Australian eco system. WIRES is Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organization. Donations will help rescue wildlife from the fires in NSW, the hardest hit state.
World Wildlife Fund: It is estimated that 1/3 of the Koala population has died in the wild fires. Many of the Koalas rescued from the fires have been badly burned. Donations to the World Wildlife Fund will go directly to medical care for the Koalas and planting trees to rehabilitate their habitat after the fires.
Can’t donate? Don’t worry there are other things you can do.
Educate yourself on climate change: There has been an aggressive disinformation campaign led by fossil fuel interest groups that have left many people misinformed on climate change. I have a list of documentaries you can watch here, pick a couple and then do your own research. When looking for sources, look for peer-reviewed scientific articles, published in reputable scientific journals. The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Economist, are all great sources that do a good job of reporting the facts.
Speak out on Climate Change: We live in a beautiful world where anyone can be an influencer. If you have an online following, no matter how small, you have an audience you can speak to. Speak out on your concerns, talk about ways people can live more sustainably. Post on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, where ever you spend time online you can spread the message that Climate change is real, it is man made, and it will be catastrophic for us all is we do not make change now.
Contact your elected officials: If we want to see large scale, long term change, we need government initiatives. Reach out to your local city councilors, your state’s governor, congressmen, and senators. You as a citizen have the right to contact and meet with your elected officials. Call there office, write them via snail mail or email, tweet at them, of tag them in social media posts. Even if they are already taking action on climate change reach out, tell them you see them and you want large scale change. Keep them accountable and keep them motivated. Find your elected officials here, and if you don’t like where they stand vote for some who is willing to fight for what you believe in. Register to vote here.
Share this post: I always appreciate when you guys share my posts. But this one is near and dear to me. Climate change is going to wipe out entire ecosystems, the earth we grew up on will be unrecognizable to our children and grandchildren. So please share, spread the word, and most important take action. Save the below images to easily share on your Instagram Story. 
