Australian Police Have Charged Several People For Intentionally Setting Bushfires. Activists Blamed Climate Change

New South Wales police have charged more than 20 people for deliberately starting fires across Australia as the country beats back wildfires. Activists and celebrities say climate change played a part in the blaze.

The NSW Police Force has taken legal action against 180 people since the end of 2019, according to local reports. Australian fires have killed 18 people and claimed the lives of hundreds of millions of animals.

Roughly 24 people have been charged for allegedly starting bushfires, while another 53 people allegedly failed to comply with a total fire ban. Dozens of people allegedly discarded cigarettes on dry land.

Many people blamed climate change for super-stoking Australia’s wildfires.

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, for instance, said Sunday through a message delivered by actress Jennifer Anniston that global warming is partially to blame. She delivered the message at the Golden Globe Awards ceremony.

“Make no mistake,” wrote Crowe, who has a home in Australia. “The tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change-based. We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is.”

Crowe won the best actor award for his role in “The Loudest Voice.” The Washington Post’s Editorial Board also weighed in on the topic, telling its readers Monday that Australia’s wildfires should be a warning to the rest of the world and to those who are skeptical of climate change.

“This is the future humanity is writing for itself, right now, every day world governments waste failing to respond to climate change,” the Editorial Board noted before hedging to remind readers that there are probably other factors involved.