Climate change to blame for Australian wildfires

Mar. 16 - The severity of bushfires that killed more than 200 people in Australia in February is being blamed largely on climate change.

Scientists say that the extreme weather conditions that fuel forest fires are symptomatic of climate change.

Evidence shows that Australia is warming up, and firefighters are calling for a new plan to tackle this increasingly dangerous phenomenon.

While arson and lightning strikes remain as the main causes for Australia's bushfires, climate scientists say no matter what sparks them, there will always be a higher chance of "perfect" fire conditions forming as long as the globe continues to warm.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) CLIMATE SCIENTIST KEVIN HENNESSY

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED FIREFIGHTERS UNION INDUSTRIAL OFFICER GREG PARGETER

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News & Politics

Tags:

• global warming
• wild fires
• australia