By Lydia Giroux
Newsprint
Mercy HS
1st Place Division 4, News Writing
News Analysis
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Sharp, attention-getting lead that underscore the why/how elements of the news
- Clarifies the news elements, i.e. timeliness, nearness, impact and prominence
- Clarifies through research the background necessary to understand current news
- Develops an understanding of the issues/problems through interviews with varied and balanced sources
- Avoids personal opinion unless properly attributed
- Sentences, paragraphs of varied length, written clearly, concisely and vividly
- Effective use of facts/quotes from both primary and secondary sources
- Proper diction/grammar; use of third person
Deadly wildfires beginning in late July have been tearing through most of Australia, some of the worst the continent has ever seen. Blazes have occurred in every single Australian state, with New South Wales enduring the most devastating results. According to CNN, 28 people are known to be dead nationwide from the effects of the fires and more than 3,000 homes were destroyed in the New South Wales area alone. An estimated one billion animals have died, pushing many species to the brink of extinction. Smoke inhalation is not only becoming a serious nationwide crisis, but is beginning to affect other areas of the world. According to The BBC, clouds of “black carbon” are destroying the air quality in New Zealand and are even lingering in South America. NASA has reported that these smoke plumes will eventually make a “full circuit” around the entire world, leading to more severe air quality issues and causing the snow to darken and melt at an increased rate in New Zealand. While authorities within Australia and even firefighters from around the world are attempting to combat and delay the spread of the blaze, it seems that these wildfires are becoming increasingly worse due to intense heat and drought brought on by climate change. Mercy alumni Katie Coe (‘17) is currently studying abroad in Sydney, Australia through the University of Tennessee and a company called International Studies Abroad (ISA) for the spring semester. Although she is a few hundred miles from any dangerous blazes, she does say the situation made her nervous about going. “I saw updates all over the news about the bushfires, which was really intimidating,” Coe said. “Luckily, ISA and the Australian government sent me constant updates regarding the situation, the severity of the fires, and how this was affecting Sydney.” After a few days in Australia without any signs of the fires nearby, Coe said one morning began with completely clear skies and by the end of the day, it looked overcast from the amount of smoke. “Since there’s been so much wind, it’s blown the smoke into the city,” Coe said. “It looks like it’s going to rain but there’s no chance of rain in the forecast.” Despite being a safe distance from any immediate danger, Coe said she was advised to bring protective smoke masks and most people walking around the city are wearing them too. People across the world are beginning to take action against this epidemic ravaging an entire continent, with celebrities setting an example by donating to the Australian Red Cross and other relief organizations. Figures such as Kylie Jenner, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Serena Williams have all pledged several million dollars in donations to the cause. Still, many argue that the wealthy are not giving enough. Jeff Bezos, one of the richest men in the world, only donated $690,000 (the estimated income he makes every five minutes). Still, the outpouring of funds to various relief groups dedicated to stopping these wildfires is making a major impact in the distribution of necessary resources. The situation in Australia has definitely brought more awareness to the serious effects of climate change in modern times. While it has been a hot button issue in recent years, many speculate the detrimental way climate change makes natural disasters worse will lead to permanent damage. According to The BBC, UK scientists predict that these wildfires will become normal as temperatures rise from climate change. Senior Kate Dawson is currently working on an international climate change project in the contemporary issues class offered at Mercy, focusing on the environmental and political issues facing Australia. Through her research of this topic, Dawson said Australia typically has harsh fire seasons due to drought and high winds, but the severity of these most recent fires has been directly linked to climate change, an issue she says needs immediate action. “Climate change is an extremely urgent issue worldwide and the consequences are already visible,” Dawson said. “I think a lot of people get caught up in the mindset that this issue is hopeless and irreversible while in reality, actions need to be taken now more than ever.” The Australian bushfires are now being compared to the fires that occurred during the long dry periods in California in 2017. Yet, the Australian fires have greatly exceeded those of California in size and magnitude. Studies of climate change show that natural wildfires around the world, like those that occur semi-frequently in California, will most likely become more intense and more frequent as climate change worsens “We have the full ability and knowledge to create a positive future and address climate change,” Dawson said. “Every individual contribution is significant and a step in the right direction.” To donate to the relief efforts in Australia, visit fundraise. redcross.org.au.