Friends and family from Europe and North America have written and rung to find out if we are safe from the New South Wales fires. We are! The nearest are about 1000 k away from us burning across the Blue Mountains near Sydney. Because of today’s 45 mm of rain (evidence: drops on the Iris blossom above), Aireys Inlet probably won’t be under bush fire threat until after Christmas. We do appreciate good friends who are concerned about us.

Deep cuts to staff and funding by the NSW government have largely dismantled that state’s ability to investigate and prepare for the effects of climate change such as more frequent extreme fire weather. Peter Smith, who led the state’s climate change science group until last March, said his team of 10 had been slashed to just three whose work remained climate-focused. Such are the affects of the world wide attempts to politicize the findings of climate scientists.

For latest reports and fire pictures: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/ofarrell-cut-climate-change-watchers-20131020-2vuyr.html#ixzz2iVWRrXPA