Special message from ACF executive director, Don Henry.(Australian Conservation Foundation)(Column)

Dear Friends

Like the rest of Australia, I was deeply shocked by the recent devastating extreme weather across our country and the Victorian bushfires. Everyone at ACF sends our most sincere condolences to those who have lost family members, friends and homes to the fires.

Like many others, the ACF family has lost friends and colleagues in the fires. Hundreds of your fellow members and supporters who live in the bushfire-ravaged areas have also been badly affected.

It's natural in times of tragedy for people to demand answers. In relation to the Victorian bushfires, the best place for questions to be answered is at the Royal Commission, established by the Victorian Government.

But what we know is this: these fires started on a day of 46 degrees with strong winds, following years of prolonged drought and a fortnight of record high temperatures. We are pleased that the Royal Commission will examine issues such as fuel reduction burning, building design, planning and evacuation procedures, and the impacts of climate change now.

Unfortunately the best available climate science indicates that if we and the world don't act immediately to cut greenhouse pollution these devastating conditions will become more common. On page seven of this issue of Habitat, ACF President Ian Lowe, examines the links between climate change and bushfires.

Along with grief and shock, I know that when we hear the stories of the lives devastated by these fires, many of ...