STATEMENT FROM WWF-AUSTRALIA CEO DERMOT O’GORMAN ON AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE EMERGENCY

WWF is saddened by the loss of life, and injuries, in the bushfire tragedy gripping New South Wales and Queensland.

Our sincere sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones and the communities who have lost their homes and possessions.

Nature is also suffering as our native bushland has been destroyed and wildlife killed or injured.

This is a national tragedy and a threat to our Australian way of life, in both urban and especially regional communities.

With the danger far from over, our thoughts are with all impacted by this catastrophe and the brave men and women fighting the fires.

It is WWF’s deepest hope that the fire crisis this week will end without further tragedy.

This summer’s fire season will see more catastrophic fire danger conditions intensified by human-caused climate change.

Communities around Australia are facing the reality of unprecedented mega fires.

Australians need to be talking about doing “whatever it takes” to protect communities and our country.