LETTER By Mark Langabeer, Newton Abbot Labour member
Panorama’s seasoned reporter, Clive Myrie, interviewed survivors and firefighters from last year’s bush fires in Australia. Myrie, who was at the scene, stated that the fires were unprecedented and at least in part, was a consequence of climate change. Last year, Australia saw temperatures rise to record levels which resulted in the worst ever forest fires. It laid waste an area of land the size of England. Three thousand buildings were destroyed. It was estimated that 3billion animals had died or dispersed.
Thirty-three people died, with hundreds more who are likely to die prematurely as a result of their injuries. Of the thirty-three deaths, nine were firefighters. Camera footage from the survivors showed flames reaching 70 metres high and land that has become so scorched, it is likely that it will never recover. Then there’s the economic cost. It had been estimated that the loss in agriculture, forestry and tourism is around the $3 trillion mark.
Myrie said that fires are unlikely to be so extensive this year due to heavier rainfall. However, in years to come, climate change will result in even more devastating fires. The aim of carbon neutrality by 2050 simply doesn’t go far enough. The Pandemic of 2020 (and probably beyond) shows the need for worldwide solutions. In the longer term, climate change will prove more damaging than Covid. Only socialism in Britain and internationally, can prevent the catastrophic consequences of climate change.
