Fires and worst drought in 100 years wake Australia up to the reality of climate change
By Kathy Marks in Sydney
Published: 14 October 2006
Australia is confronting its worst drought in a century with rampant fires devastating agricultural areas, rivers drying up, crops failing, and farmers forced to sell off their livestock.
The bushfire season has begun months early and the government has pledged financial aid for despairing farmers, already laden with debt after five straight years of drought. Some may earn no income at all this year, and there are fears that the suicide rate in the countryside, which is already high, will soar further.
Article Length: 774 words (approx.)
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