Australian Bushfires

In times of international crisis, it’s always difficult to know how best to help. Many of us have become aware of the bushfires raging in Australia thanks to social media and the news, but simply retweeting a post can feel insufficient in the face of so much devastation.

As appalling as the situation in Australia is, it’s important to remember that there are steps we can take to help, and they start with getting educated about what’s actually happening. Below, find a guide to the situation on the ground in Australia, as well as a list of actions you can take to reduce the suffering of the people and animals affected.

What’s happening?

The 2019–20 Australian bushfire season began in September and has already consumed an estimated 8.4 million hectares of land in Australia, with a record-breaking 4.9 million hectares burned in New South Wales alone. (For context, that’s an area larger than Denmark.) A state of emergency was declared in that region of Australia in December.

Bushfires are a regular part of the Australian climate, but experts have called this the worst season on record and “a firefighter’s nightmare.”

The fires have killed an estimated 25 people as of this week and will burn for months, NPR reports. The total number of animals affected nationwide could be as high as a billion, and scientists agree the scale and wreckage of the fires was hastened by climate change.

Who’s speaking out about it?

The disaster in Australia was top of mind at the Golden Globes on Sunday, with Australian actor Russell Crowe delivering a powerful message in absentia, as he had returned home to protect his family from the fires: “Make no mistake. The tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change based.”

Other actors, including Cate Blanchett, Patricia Arquette, and Ellen DeGeneres, joined Crowe in sending messages of support to Australia; Phoebe Waller-Bridge even auctioned off her Golden Globes suit, with proceeds going to help those suffering from the fires. Chris Hemsworth has donated $1 million to fire relief.

Celebrities from Nicole Kidman to Margot Robbie and Lizzo have encouraged fans to donate, and some are going even further; Orange Is the New Black actress Yael Stone gave up her U.S. green card on the grounds that it was “environmentally unjust to pursue a life across two continents,” announcing she would live in Australia full-time. Other activists are helping via even more unorthodox methods: Australian model Kaylen Ward raised $700,000 for Australia by sending nude photos to those who sent her proof of their charitable donation.

How can I help?

There are myriad charities organizing to support the people and animals affected by the Australian bushfires, but the Australian Red Cross is a good place to start. You can also donate directly to support firefighters, many of whom are volunteers.

To directly help those who have lost their homes and possessions in the fires, donate to Givit, which matches donated goods with items specifically requested by fire victims. Animal lovers might consider donating to WIRES; Australia’s largest wildlife-rescue organization, the World Wildlife Fund Australia; or Koalas in Care.