Listen as we dive into Australia as a stark example of what is to come for our world if don’t better our fire management systems, hold big businesses accountable, and take actionable steps to reduce climate change and drought.
Experts Justin Kenardy, Philip Stewart and Christine Hosking from Queensland University in Brisbane all share their unique knowledge about the impact on flora and fauna, fire prevention and the aftercare of trauma inducing events such as wildfire on children, adults and communities as a whole.
Dr. Hosking highlights the massive loss of habitat for Australian wildlife as a result of development and agriculture, now further amplified by the fires in New South Whales has led to mass extinction. Additionally she speaks to the decrease of biodiversity - a biodiversity that human health relies upon, as it balances our planet (fresh air, crops, fresh water).
Professor Stewart speaks about the build up of fuel in our environment and eco-systems, made more severe by climate change, which has led to these massive and uncontrolled burns. His goal is to control fires through management, & acknowledge that we will only see greater intensity fires if we don’t have a paradigm shift.
Professor Kenardy speaks about the short term and long term impact of the trauma of wildfires and natural disasters. He considers the immediate impact of disaster on people who experience PTSD and amplified anxiety, and the later long term effects on those who do not fully recover, of depressions, poor self-care, and even changes in cardiovascular health. He also considers the separate issue of eco-anxiety. Finally, we look into a strong sense of community and resilience that can emerge when communities come together to heal.