The Australian Bite

Victoria’s Bushfire Disaster

14 February 2009

Listen and download: MP3

Rural Victoria, in Australia’s south east, has just endured the worst bushfire tragedy in the country’s history.  On this week’s Australian Bite we hear from Victorian State Premier John Brumby who has been visiting fire-ravaged communities.  And two prominent Australian climate scientists ponder the link between climate change and natural disasters.

Voices of bushfire survivors

Bushfire survivors share their stories. 

More shared bushfire stories, photos and videos can be found at the ABC Bushfire Community page.  Also links to the Red Cross etc. if you’d like to offer help.

Victorian Premier on fire devastation

The Premier of the State of Victoria, John Brumby, has been travelling to many of the bushfire affected areas, and has linked the firestorms to climate change, saying there is clear evidence now that the climate is becoming more extreme. Mr Brumby has announced a Royal Commission to examine changes to planning laws and fire preparation, saying that everything is on the table for discussion. He speaks to Fran Kelly about the impact of the fires and the Government’s response.

Scientists ponder bushfires and climate change

As much of rural Victoria was being consumed by fire, a group of climate scientists from around the world were in Melbourne for conference on the connection between global warming and extreme weather.

And as the politicians promised to do whatever it takes to rebuild fire ravaged communities, at least one climate scientist – Dr Andy Pittman from the University of New South Wales – raised the the question as to whether or not burned out settlements should really be rebuilt at all.

Dr Greg Holland of the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research, and Professor David Karoly, the Victorian Government’s chief climate change advisor were also at the Climate Conference, and they joined Tony Jones on ABC television’s Lateline program.

For a full transcript of the interview go to the Lateline site http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2008/s2486757.htm

An interesting article on Professor David Karoly can be found at the Age newspaper http://www.theage.com.au/environment/coming-down-to-earth-20080815-3wdz.html
 

Music (not in podcast)

Artist: Pete Murray
Track: Saving Grace
Album: Summer at Eureka