Over the past few years, global warming and climate change have become apparent in today’s world, especially with the devastating fires taking over most of Australia. A frenzy of donations and awareness has re-risen and some celebrities and influencers have taken to their platforms to help with the cause.
The Australian bushfires, which started in August 2019, have quickly grown, becoming one of the deadliest forest fires this century has seen – both for humans and wildlife. Wind currents have merged several separate forest fires, making this series of fires has exceed any California fire by three times the size. It has taken over some of Australia’s most populated states including Victoria, Wales and New South, and has claimed the lives of 26 people and over 3,000 homes (and counting). However, Australia’s nature and wildlife has suffered the most. Over 1.25 billion animals have died to this day, according to the conservation group WWF-Australia.
Several celebrities have posted on social media platforms trying to increase awareness and donations. Actress Nicole Kidman and singer Keith Urban, both Australian natives, donated $500,000 and singer P!nk said she would also donate $500,000.
“I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the
horrific bushfires,” P!nk wrote on Twitter. “My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz.”
A fundraiser for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund started last week by Australian actress Celeste Barber became the largest global charitable giving event ever on the site. Over 1.2 million people have donated to this effort, raising over $33,000,000.
Many people all over the globe have also chipped in to help. One woman who stood out to news and median outlets sold photos of herself in exchange for donations. Instagram model Kaylen Ward’s (also known as “The Naked Philanthropist”) social media instantly blew up and she was able to raise over $500,000. “My [Instagram] got deactivated, my family disowned me, and the guy I like won’t talk to me all because of that tweet. But f–k it, save the koalas,” Ward tweeted Jan. 5.
Even though there have been so many efforts and donations to this cause, the effect of the fires will continue to devastate Australian wildlife, living situations and the tourist economy. You can help by donating to:
Firefighters in Victoria
Australian Red Cross
Koala Hospital in New South Wales
Australian Wildlife Zoo Hospital
And countless other organizations, hospitals, and nonprofits.
