burning sugar gliderArtist: Sabine Carter
Artist statement:
"While a lot of people are affected by fires, I can't stop thinking of the animals. I love Australia's iconic wildlife. One of the cutest creatures is the sugar glider. What if this little possum gets caught in a fire...? This little fellow stands for all the other wild animals that can't escape the flames. Scientists are saying that we are just seeing the beginning of what will come." Context: Australia has always had bushfires but a warming climate makes them more intense and leads to a longer fire season. This is what the Climate Council says: "Bushfire conditions are now more dangerous than in the past, and the risk to people and property has increased. For well over 20 years, scientists have warned that climate change would increase the risk of extreme bushfires in Australia. This warning was accurate. Scientists expect extreme fire weather will continue to become more frequent and severe without substantial and rapid action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." It states "that climate change is increasing the risk of bushfires in Queensland, which is likely to place increased pressure on emergency services and the health sector. While damaging bushfires are less common in Queensland than other states in Australia, climate change is driving an increase in extreme heat in Queensland, leading to higher bushfire risk." For more information see: climate council ">> home |