2019–20 Australian bushfire season
Template:Infobox wildfire season
The 2019–20 Australian bushfire season, colloquially known as the Black Summer, was a period of intense and widespread bushfires that affected many parts of Australia. The season was one of the most severe in the country's history, with significant impacts on the environment, wildlife, human health, and the economy.
Background[edit | edit source]
Australia is prone to bushfires due to its hot, dry climate and the presence of flammable vegetation. The 2019–20 season was exacerbated by a combination of factors, including prolonged drought, high temperatures, and strong winds. The Indian Ocean Dipole and Southern Annular Mode contributed to the extreme weather conditions.
Timeline[edit | edit source]
The bushfire season began in June 2019, earlier than usual, with fires starting in Queensland and New South Wales. By September, fires had spread to Victoria, South Australia, and other states. The fires peaked in December 2019 and January 2020, with catastrophic conditions leading to widespread evacuations and emergency declarations.
Impact[edit | edit source]
The fires burned an estimated 18.6 million hectares, destroyed over 3,000 homes, and resulted in 33 human fatalities. The environmental impact was severe, with an estimated 3 billion animals affected, including iconic species such as koalas and kangaroos. The fires also released significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Response[edit | edit source]
The Australian government and various state agencies coordinated firefighting efforts, with assistance from international partners. Thousands of firefighters, including volunteers, worked tirelessly to contain the fires. The Australian Defence Force was also deployed to assist in firefighting and recovery efforts.
Aftermath[edit | edit source]
In the aftermath of the fires, there was a national conversation about climate change, land management, and the need for improved fire preparedness. The government announced a $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund to support affected communities and wildlife recovery efforts.
Also see[edit | edit source]
- Bushfires in Australia
- Climate change in Australia
- Wildfire
- 2019–20 Australian bushfire season timeline
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