Buschbrände in Australien: Ein Rückblick auf die extreme Feuersaison 2019/2020

Bushfires are regular events in Australia, but the last bushfire season from September 2019 to February 2020 was one of the most devastating that the continent has ever experienced. An estimated area of 170,000 km²(about half the area of Germany) burned. The southeast coast was particularly affected. The images of fires raging for months went around the world. It became clear how vulnerable both people and Australia's ecosystems are to more frequent natural hazards. The article summarises the reasons forthis situation, the socio-ecological consequences and the lessons learned.