Australian Black Summer Bushfires (2019-2020)

The Australian Black Summer Bushfires of 2019-2020 represent the largest recorded fire complex on the continent, incinerating an estimated 18.6 million hectares across Australia. This area is larger than England and Wales combined. The fires had a devastating impact on wildlife, with an estimated three billion animals perishing, including 143 million mammals. The environmental consequences extended to the atmosphere, as the fires released 830 million tonnes of CO₂, which is more than twice Australia’s annual carbon emissions. The intensity and scale of the fires were unprecedented, causing widespread destruction to ecosystems and communities.