Some of the worst wildfires Southern Australia has seen in decades are devastating the Adelaide Hills surrounding the state capital and reigniting debate over the country’s response to climate change.
“We’d rather [Australian Prime Minister Tony] Abbott fights climate change,” read a sign held by a group of firefighters involved in combatting the blazes. “Every year we are going to face these extreme weather events, which are going to cost lives and infrastructure, and enough is enough,” said Christine Milne, the leader of the country’s Greens party.
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As of January 5, Mother Jones reported that 22 firefighters had been injured so far. The fires had burned 46 square miles and destroyed or damaged 26 homes.