Global leaders and figures react to Australian bushfire crisis

Politicians, activists and other prominent public figures around the world have expressed their sentiments on the ongoing bushfire crisis in Australia. Most share the belief that the incident — which followed the wildfires of the Amazon and Indonesia — is an urgent indication of the climate emergency.

2016 United States presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton: “With Australia on fire and the Arctic in meltdown, it’s clear we’re in a climate emergency.” Clinton is a supporter of the Earth shot prize, which the late Sir David Attenborough describes as “the most prestigious environment prize in history”.

United States Democrat Bernie Sanders:“What is happening in Australia today will become increasingly common around the world if we do not aggressively combat climate change and transform our energy system away from fossil fuels. The future of the planet is at stake. We must act.”

American liberal and feminist figure Naomi Wolf shared an Australian father’s Tweet to the country’s PM, Scott Morrison: “Hey @ScottMorrisonMP, my family and I got out of Mallacoota just before the road closed and spent four days stranded in NSW by the #climatefires. I can assure you the cricket being on provided zero solace. I hope you’re good at other things because you’re a useless Prime Minister.”

On the other hand, Greta Thunberg has been actively sharing updates about the horrendous fires on social media. The young climate activist is known as the most prolific figure in the fight against climate change. She was hailed People Magazine’s Person of the Year for 2019 for her activism.