Australia's Black Summer Bushfires Cause Devastating AU$2.8 billion Loss [Study]

The deadly 2019 to 2020 Black Summer bushfires brought significant economic loss in Australia that reached about AU$2.8 billion, according to recent reports. Massive job losses also unfolded due to the fire.

Australia has experienced widespread and deadly wildfires. The dry conditions, drought and heatwaves have contributed to the fires in the country. Climate change has also brought intensifying effects of heat, with less rainfall.

Devastating wildfires can lead to massive damage to properties and lives, especially in vulnerable areas with frequent droughts. In addition, wildlife is also at risk from forest fires that could likely destroy biodiversity and key habitats for rare species.

Australia's Black Summer Bushfire Economic Loss

As a result, international researchers are finding ways to deal with the wildfire concerns in the country.

Economics of Disasters and Climate Change published the research findings. The study analyzed the bushfire impacts on the pristine tourist areas and the long-term losses for the economy.

According to the report, the dry conditions and hot temperatures helped to unleash the Black Summer fires in the country that displaced animals and caused the loss of 7300 jobs.

When the bushfires emerged, devasting economic impact occurred as many Australians looked forward to Christmas and New Year. In total, the country suffered from an AU$2.8 billion loss. Tourism loss reached about $1.7 billion.

 Lead author, Vivienne Reiner, highlighted that the results showed the potential impact in the future amidst the threat of climate change. Reiner is also a Ph.D. student with the Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis in the Faculty of Science.

The findings revealed the alarming economic loss if wildfires become more frequent and exacerbated by rising temperatures. Serious economic impacts could damage the tourism sectors and livelihood of many Australians.

As a result, improved climate prediction and mitigation efforts are crucial to prevent wildfires and other extreme weather events. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions could worsen climate change, making it more challenging for communities and wildlife to survive.

Also Read: Global Impact of Extreme Weather Events: Climate Change Can Intensify Frequent Hurricanes, Drought, Wildfires

Impacts of Climate Change in Australia

In the recent NWN report, research discovered that 49% of people in regional areas felt the severe climate conditions impacts in Australia. The Ipsos global study monitors the climate change effects in different countries.

Climate change can unleash deadly extreme weather conditions, including storms, heatwaves, wildfires, flooding and drought. For instance, communities can suffer from prolonged heat and extreme drought due to a lack of rainfall and intensifying temperatures.

In addition, fire frequency can lead to a devastating ecosystem collapse and the deaths of rare animals.

Related Article: Fire Frequency Can Cause Ecosystem Collapse, Research Shows

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