Australia bushfire risk rises as study links Black Summer fires to climate skepticism

bushfire risk climate change perception Black Summer fires AFAC NSW south-east

The Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) has issued a warning regarding heightened bushfire risks for the spring season, particularly in the New South Wales south-east. AFAC CEO Rob Webb noted that dry conditions in eastern Australia are a primary driver of this increased risk. In the Far South Coast region, including the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla shires, officials report that conditions are unusually dry for late winter due to limited rainfall and above-average temperatures.

Separately, new research published by the Royal Society examines the long-term impact of the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires on public perception of climate change. The study found that rather than increasing climate change acceptance, the fires were followed by a decline in the percentage of Australians who accepted climate science, dropping from 64.6 per cent to 54.46 per cent. The research suggests that misinformation and media narratives attributing the fires to arson may have contributed to this shift and an increase in 'fence-sitter' attitudes.

Entities

Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services · Bega Valley · Eurobodalla · New South Wales Rural Fire Service · Royal Society

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Far South Coast region, including Bega Valley and Eurobodalla shires, is experiencing unusually dry conditions for late winter. aboutregional.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Following the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, the percentage of Australians accepting climate science fell from 64.6 per cent to 54.46 per cent. www.smh.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] AFAC warned of an increased bushfire risk across parts of Australia this spring, specifically in the New South Wales south-east. aboutregional.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dry conditions in eastern Australia are driving the heightened bushfire risk. aboutregional.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] Misinformation and media narratives attributing the 2019/20 fires to arson may have influenced public beliefs about the causes of the fires. www.smh.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] The proportion of 'fence-sitters' regarding climate change increased from 27.13 per cent to 37.09 per cent after the Black Summer fires. www.smh.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au

Sources

Public perception of climate change: Why the Black Summer fires led more Australians to question the science, according to new study [www.watoday.com.au]

17 days ago

Report reveals heightened spring bushfire risk for Far South Coast [aboutregional.com.au]

19 days ago

Public perception of climate change: Why the Black Summer fires led more Australians to question the science, according to new study [www.smh.com.au]

17 days ago

Public perception of climate change: Why the Black Summer fires led more Australians to question the science, according to new study [www.brisbanetimes.com.au]

17 days ago

Public perception of climate change: Why the Black Summer fires led more Australians to question the science, according to new study [www.theage.com.au]

17 days ago