Burn bush, reduce emissions: evaluating costs and benefits of prescribed burning

Bushfires are, together with cyclones and flooding, among the most important natural hazards affecting Australian communities. They also make a significant contribution to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. Australia has bushfires because of our inherently flammable vegetation types, the recurrence of severe droughts, and a high incidence of hot, dry weather conditions. Management agencies cannot control climate and weather. Consequently, fire hazard reduction focuses primarily on reducing bushland fuel.