'This is not normal': Climate change and escalating bushfire risk

This briefing paper unpacks the unprecedented bushfire conditions unfolding in southern Australia, explaining why the conditions are so unusual, the influence of climate change on bushfires, and the challenges of responding to the growing bushfire threat. The catastrophic, unprecedented fire conditions currently affecting NSW and Queensland have been aggravated by climate change. Bushfire risk was exacerbated by record breaking drought, very dry fuels and soils, and record-breaking heat. Bushfire conditions are now more dangerous than in the past. The risks to people and property have increased and fire seasons have lengthened.