I don’t want to be alarmist, but as an author of pre-apocalyptic, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction I’m finding it difficult to see the difference between reality and conjecture, especially when viewed through the recent smoke haze that has descended upon my city and the fires raging across my nation. Devastation is upon us, however, as the rain falls, I like to remind myself that with all disasters there is recovery.
My mind is often occupied by scenarios of destruction, but my fiction is a result of being an eternal optimist rather than a naysayer. I really do feel, despite the current turmoil, that we can turn things around. I’m hopeful that those that have tried so desperately to bury their heads in the sand will finally join the chorus singing for change and realise there are many things we can and must do collectively and independently to better our situation.
As a species, we are very stupid, but we are also very clever. We face our current set of obstacles due to that toxic mix of dumb smartness. We are great at creating and for centuries human history has been driven by an insatiable desire to learn, grow and change. At the same time, our developments have been crippled by ignorance, corruption, selfishness and greed. It could be argued these obstacles have also provided the touchstone for creative solutions.
People are clearly angry and expressing their anger through social media. Angry at the current devastation, the lack of leadership but also the years of political dysfunction, subjugation of scientific fact and propagation of misinformation. I urge those posting not to stop but I also offer the following idea. As satisfying as it may feel, clicking a ‘like’ button on a post is not the same as writing to your local member, going to a rally or donating money to help survivors, the environment or to fund campaigns towards real change.
Here are some links to help get you started
- Contact your local Member of Parliament
- Political change Green Peace, GetUp
- Regeneration and protecting our native forests Bush Heritage
- Taking care of injured wildlife Wires
- Emergency relief Red Cross, Salvation Army
- Mental health, Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Mental Health Support for Bushfire affected communities, How to talk to children about eco-anxiety
- On the ground fire services, Rural Fire Services
- Conservation Australian conservation Society, Taronga Conservation Society
Climate Information
Great info from the Climate Council with some very practical ways to deal with short and long term issues related to climate change.
Don’t believe in climate change? Let Dr Karl explain things.
My thoughts are with all those directly affected by the fires and I’m grateful to the many people and organisations that are raising funds, providing support and assistance.
Evan Shapiro
Author – Road to Nowhere
A near-future pre-apocalyptic novel set 30 years after a climate crisis