The Australian Fires are unprecedented in their size, destruction, and duration. The staggering number of lost lives, homes, and wildlife is heartbreaking. We’re all wondering: is this happening because of climate change? We’re exploring today how and why climate change exacerbates natural hazards. First, we’re clarifying the difference between weather and climate, and then getting into human-induced climate change as a risk multiplier. Beyond breaking down the impact of temperature rise and low rainfall on the Australian bushfires, we’re also briefly discussing the severity of hurricanes in the Caribbean.

Some great organizations to donate to if you’re willing and able are the Australian Red Cross, Australian Salvation Army, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Wires Wildlife Rescue.

Information, stats, and inspiration for this particular episode was drawn from this USGS collection of research + this news article + this NPR piece.