These two volunteer firefighters died today in the Blue Mountains in one of the largest mega-fires. They were driving their firetruck to a fire when a burning tree fell on their tr... moreThese two volunteer firefighters died today in the Blue Mountains in one of the largest mega-fires. They were driving their firetruck to a fire when a burning tree fell on their truck, toppled it and crushed them. The three other members of the crew were badly injured. These volunteers are the equals of professionals in their training, experience and equipment. Australia does not yet have a paid firefighting force.Today in Adelaide - Slarti's area - the heat hit 48.8 degrees and catastrophic conditions. Fires started up all around Adelaide and one person died.There is another week of ultra-high catastrophic heat conditions predicted.Due to the drought, there is almost no likelihood of rain this summer.Electricity power lines are at risk of being downed - which will mean the failure of electricity supply for airconditioning.Smoke affects the air quality, causing sore eyes and throats and severe increases in breathing difficulties for those with asthma and lung deseases. Vulnerable people like babies, the elderly ... less
America has sent some of its firefighters over here to help ours.It's still only the start of summer and already we've lost 2 million hectares to fire across fire fronts of 11,000 ... moreAmerica has sent some of its firefighters over here to help ours.It's still only the start of summer and already we've lost 2 million hectares to fire across fire fronts of 11,000 kilometres - half of it in precious old-growth native forests, the other half on private farmlands.Our firefighters have been fighting non-stop for over three months. Many are so exhausted they are making mistakes and getting injured.Without your help, we would have lost and would still be losing far more.THANK YOU, America from the deepest places in my heart.I can confidently say every other Australian feels the same. less
Study: Trump's Border Wall Threatens 93 Endangered Species
If Trump's border wall is built, it's going to put 93 endangered species in harm's way, from jaguars to ocelots to Mexican gray wolves. That's the key finding of a new study released this week by the Center for Biological Diversity.Our study also found that 25 of those species have protected "critical habitat" on the border, including more than 2 million acres within just 50 miles of it. Construction of the proposed 1,200-mile-long wall -- plus its infrastructure and related law enforcement -- would cut off wildlife's migration corridors; reduce their genetic diversity; destroy habitat; and add vehicles, noise and lights to vast stretches of formerly wild and beautiful borderlands."Trump's border wall is a disaster for people and wildlife alike," said Noah Greenwald, the Center's endan... less
