Scientists have confirmed that the more frequent patterns of extreme weather experienced in recent years are connected with global warming. While there is some difficulty assessing specific links there is little doubt the events are connected.
This has led to some of the hottest bush fires on record and they have burned for longer than usual. The result is the devastation of property and land, effectively destroying the habitats of a wide variety of animals.
Bush fires leave just brush and grass behind, which are perfect for starting more fires. Alongside this, a lack of forestation increases the risk of mudslides and a reduction in water quality. It is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Assessment
The key to recovering and reducing further issues is to assess the damage caused by a fire as quickly as possible. This will allow you to save wildlife where possible, replant habitats, and locate the source of the fire.
In many cases, bush fires are started by humans, accidentally or not. By identifying the origins of a fire it will be possible to take steps to reduce the risk of it happening again.
For example, educating children about the risks can help prevent them from accidentally or intentionally starting a fire.
Assessing the fire makes it easier to decide on a plan of action to repair the damage and prevent it from happening again.
Tree Maintenance
The brush and grass are usually the trigger points for a fire but it is trees that burn hottest and help the fire to spread rapidly. On the one hand, the trees need to be replaced as quickly as possible. This will help to increase oxygen production and reduce the risk of fires while restoring habitats for wildlife.
However, the trees also need to be maintained, firms like North Shore tree loppers, can ensure that trees are regularly trimmed and don’t interact with each other, making it harder for the fire to spread between them. They can also help with ensuring the trees chosen are the best option for the landscape and the wildlife.
Resources
Recovery and future prevention can only be an option if the resources are available to back any assessment and associated plan. This means having local government and businesses ready and willing to donate resources, including their time and expertise.
These are the people that know best how to restore the local habitat and how the risk of future incidents can be reduced.
It may not be possible to eliminate the risk to wildlife but by understanding the issues and driving change forward, it is possible to reduce the risk and potentially prevent a disaster from happening.
But, the fundamental issue is education. Everyone needs to be aware of the issues surrounding natural disasters, the damage they do to wildlife, livelihoods, and the economy. This will help to ensure everyone is working together to prevent these incidents from happening again. It is a team effort.