Emergency chiefs: Climate change is here now and Australians are paying the price.
As climate change aggravates catastrophic fires in NSW and QLD, and sets VIC up for a dangerous fire season ahead, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action have called on the Federal Government needs to respond to this unprecedented threat.
The coalition of 23 fire and emergency services leaders from every state and territory has demanded more support for emergency services and firefighters, and an urgent plan to phase out fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, which are driving climate change.
Neil Bibby, Former Chief Executive Officer, Country Fire Authority Victoria, and former Deputy Chief Officer, Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade, said: “Victorians are nervously watching what is happening in NSW and QLD, and bracing for an angry summer of deadly bushfires and heatwaves.”
“The unprecedented conditions today are exhausting and traumatising for firefighters and communities. The government must give emergency services the resource boost they need so they can continue to respond to worsening fires effectively, and keep Australians safe.”
