Climate Change and the Australian Bushfires: A Singular Catastrophe or The New Normal?

Australia is being ravaged by the worst bushfires seen in decades. Beginning in 2019, the fires have burnt through 25.5 million acres, the size of Denmark and Belgium combined. At least 27 people are dead, including three volunteer firefighters, and more are missing. Thousands of homes have been destroyed or damaged. Australia’s capital cities are experiencing record air pollution, and smoke has been seen as far away as South America. With the fire summer season extending for another few months, the disaster is expected to continue. The scale of these bushfires is unprecedented anywhere in the world.

On Monday, January 27th, 5:00-6:30 pm, please join us for a conversation on the impact of these bushfires on regional politics, public opinion, the health of the population, and national economic growth. We will also discuss the cataclysmic scale of the fires and the climate change drivers that have driven the spread of the fires: are they a single natural disaster – a very bad year in a country accustomed to seasonal fires – or evidence of a long-term profound shift?

This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.

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Led by the Energy Security and Climate Change Program, CSIS explores policies and regulations, commercial frameworks, and technological solutions that determine our energy future while balancing economic, environmental, and security priorities. In collaboration with leaders in industry, government, academia, and nonprofits, the Energy Security and Climate Change Program leads projects, events, and publications to help decision makers understand these challenging dynamics. Find the latest research from our scholars and CSIS events on this topic below.