Australian wildfires

January 31, 2020

Many places across the Earth are experiencing the effects of climate change. Bushfires are burning out of control in Australia following their hottest and driest year ever recorded. More than 17.9 million acres have burned, 28 people have died and as many as 500 million animals have been killed. The loss of life and property is heartbreaking.

Scientists believe that ocean currents are changing due to the effects of climate change. Changes in ocean currents can make some areas on Earth drier and hotter while other areas will receive more rainfall and even historic flooding. One study predicts that as global temperatures rise and warm the oceans that extreme weather could become more frequent.

Australia is already vulnerable to climate change because of its vast arid lands and variable rainfall. But scientists predict it could get worse in Australia if winds in the Indian Ocean continue to push warm surface water away from Australia and towards Africa. The result is cooler water near Australia and less rainfall, and warmer water near Africa and more rainfall and record flooding.

To slow the temperature increase on our planet and oceans we need to reduce our use of fossil fuels. And we need to invest in renewable energy to reduce levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. We can reforest areas to help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. And we can change our diets to eat foods whose production contributes less to climate change.

Many companies recognize the need to reduce their production of greenhouse gases and are making needed changes. Smart consumers and investors are rewarding these companies and avoiding those that are not adapting.

Solving our current climate crises means that we will be protecting our quality of life and the quality of life for future generations. I hope you will join me on this important journey.

Protect The Ocean And You Protect Yourself.

Warm Regards,

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Jean-Michel Cousteau
President, Ocean Futures Society

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