🔥 Bushfire Survivors Urge Action on Climate Risk for Blue Mountains

A recent National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) has sparked significant concern, particularly for communities in high-risk areas like the Blue Mountains National Park, with bushfire survivors calling for urgent government action.

The comprehensive report projects a worrying increase in dangerous fire weather days and extended fire seasons across southern and eastern Australia, hinting at the potential for more megafires. These findings have profound implications for the Blue Mountains, a region intimately familiar with the devastating impact of bushfires.

Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action (BSCA), an organisation with members impacted by past fires including those in the Blue Mountains in 2013, responded to the NCRA with a mix of dread, relief, and optimism. Their CEO, Serena Joyner, highlighted that the report confirms the lived experiences of their members – that catastrophic climate change is unfolding now.

However, the group also expressed relief that Australia can now engage in an honest dialogue about the true costs and consequences of climate change, fostering optimism for swift action. BSCA is urging the Albanese Government to establish stronger 2035 climate targets aimed at protecting lives and to fund the extensive costs of climate adaptation. They propose a climate pollution levy on coal and gas corporations, suggesting it could raise up to $46 billion annually for community-led adaptation efforts.

The sentiment from affected communities echoes the call for polluters to contribute to the recovery and adaptation efforts, rather than leaving ordinary families to bear the brunt of climate disaster impacts, both emotionally and financially.