Dec 02, 2009 Eastern Australia recently experienced a heatwave
which smashed temperature records for November. I live in a
bushfire prone area. I used to think my house was pretty safe
from bushfires, but no longer. Without strong and immediate
action on climate change the Blue Mountains will experience
frequent days of Extreme and Catastrophic bushfire danger (these
are the official fire danger ratings - not alarmist rhetoric).
Not only would catastrophic bushfires destroy many homes
(including those previously considered safe from bushfires), but
they would devastate the unique and diverse ecosystems which
resulted in World Heritage listing for the Greater Blue
Mountains. When you are deciding on climate change action at
Copenhagen, I want you to think of my four children who pack
their "fire bags" every time the fire danger rating reaches
Extreme. Will they need to leave their bags permanently packed
in 2020, 2030, 2050.... or will they feel secure in the
knowledge that global leaders have done everything