A dampening yet awakening start to the infamous decade : 2020.

There isn’t a tornado in Kansas this time.

Every single morning (for the past 12 days) news feeds, instagram posts and conversations have been focused on the wildfires happening in Australia. So I decided it should be my first comment on current affairs.

These fires are far more devastating than the flames in California. They are far more prolonged than the fires in the Amazon last year. However, like the Amazon, Australia holds a saturated unique wildlife that we should be protecting. These animals are the scared lions. The helpless scare crow. The loving tin man.

The primary cause of this, is us. Climate Change, we cause it and then deny it…

Too many politicians continue to deny climate change for the economic benefits of coal (which is cheap) and other businesses. What many fail to see is that renewable energy like wind, solar or hydroelectric energy is an investment for the future. SOME people of the older generations have different views on what the future means which leads to the controversy and longitivity of Brexit. But we can’t dwell on that for ANOTHER second (*snore*).

Though today, I looked at the adults in my life and saw how oblivious they were to the fires. They have not even mentioned them once. Of course, they are busy with their work and the stress of raising me (lol). To be completely honest, I probably would not have known the impact of the bushfires if I had not seen it broadcasted all over social media. Social media can lead to misconceptions and half truths; however, the severity of a situation is all that is needed to start a global frenzy.

Politicians lie like the Wizard and connive like the Wicked Witch of the West. Our ignorance makes us the monkeys. The helpers. Just as bad and equally to blame.

Recently, I saw a post on Instagram about a woman who raised millions of pounds to help Australia. She did so by saying she would send nude pictures to anyone who donated $10. Some find this wrong. I think it is a representation of our society today: driven by compassion,intelligence and bravery. She knew she would receive a substantial amount of backlash but she used an asset of hers to create awareness and funding. Others just choose to do so with other platforms like fame and influence. I respect her.

I do not have the capacity of intelligence, bravery or influence to achieve anything that could be seminal to helping the fires in Australia. I can only educate myself and help my current generation build a sustainable future for every organism to thrive in. We can become the Dorothy of the world.

Sunday 12th January 2020