'Australia is sleepwalking': a bushfire scientist explains what the Hawaii tragedy means for our flammable continent

As I hear reports of the fire tearing through the Hawaiian island of Maui, I feel utterly depressed.

Maui's deadly wildfires burn through Lahaina – it's a reminder of the growing risk to communities that once seemed safe. The Maui fires have been fuelled by strong winds, dry vegetation and low humidity.

Australians must heed the warnings Australia, too, is fast becoming a continent of more uncontrolled fire.

It’s vital that we slash greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible, to stabilise Earth’s climate.