Burn bush, reduce emissions: evaluating costs and benefits of prescribed burning
By Matthias Boer, University of Western Sydney and Ross Bradstock, University of Wollongong Bushfires are, together with cyclones and flooding, among the most important natural hazards affecting Australian communities. They also make a significant contribution to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Australia has bushfires because of our inherently flammable vegetation types, the recurrence of severe droughts, and a high incidence of hot, dry weather conditions. Management agencies cannot control climate and weather. Consequently, fire hazard reduction focuses primarily on reducing bushland fuel. Starting fires to stop fires In most of Australia’s fire-prone environments, “burning off” – more formally known as prescribed, …
