Australia’s Bushfires: The Whole World Offers Donations and Help, but is it Enough?

by Johanna Mae Maggay, Associate Editor-in-Chief
News
Originally written on January 12, 2020

Residents look on as flames burn through bush in Lake Tabourie, Australia, on January 4, 2020. Credits to Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

Australia’s status right now is an inferno, with blazing fires that cost the tragic loss of at least 33 lives, 7.7m hectares burnt, more than 1 billion animals lost, over 2,000 homes destroyed, and so much more. But amidst the devastating situation, the Aussies and people from around the globe did not hesitate to do their best to help put out these fires and aid the victims and the rescue of wildlife as well.

Many organizations and notable people, like celebrities, have donated money and goods to Australia. Yes, it’s heartwarming to see nations help each other in the midst of a crisis, but will this help the recovery of Australia in the long run? Well, I’m doubtful.

Encountering the news of Australia’s bushfires definitely urged me to donate some form of money to them, but although it can be gratifying and helpful; I still wonder where do these donations really go? Is it directly given to the victims, or is it just stocked up somewhere in the government’s funds? The thought can really make you anxious, but according to the data gathered by ABC News, Australia’s firefighters have come to a low and that the twenty-three emergency services experts calling on the Australian government to consider the threat of climate change in fire planning have not received a response, which makes future bushfires a scarier sight due to the apparent “unpreparedness” of the government.

A comprehensive, coordinated, and strategic national plan- that is what Australia needs at the moment because even though the Australian government has received millions of dollars for donations, it’s technically useless if they don’t plan on how to allocate these funds to ensure the fair and rightful distribution of it. According to Ian Chubb, Australia’s former scientist, the climate in the country is changing, making these “unprecedented” bushfires to potentially happen often. Hence the critical need for a trusted collaboration structure to facilitate the recovery and rebuilding effort of the continent. With that said, perhaps prime minister Scott Harrison or the Federal government could lend more funds and attention to agencies like the National Bushfire Recovery Agency due to the urgency of the country’s dire situation.

Nevertheless, the bushfires happening in Australia is just one of the evident signs of climate change, striking uneasiness to people, but also igniting the “human” inside of us- to give help in times of need.