Forest Fires in Australia: Are We Inevitably “In the Oven” Also in Argentina?

This chapter describes Australian forest fires, occurred last south-hemisphere summer (2019/2020) that had catastrophic effects on vegetation, wildlife, environment, and economy and how these fires could be an useful experience to Argentina. Although forest fires in Australia are common and generally have natural causes—although it cannot be ruled out that some events could be intentional—this time these events have some unique characteristics: (a) they started much earlier than usual; (b) occur in a very particular local, regional, and global climate context that combines extreme heat, prolonged drought, and strong winds with factors linked to the dynamics of the climate in the Indian Ocean and a greater probability of occurrence and magnitude of forest fires globally; (c) economic issues (agribusiness); and (d) political factors, that prioritize specific sectoral interests. Major worse evils can always be avoided when society is prepared. The challenge for Argentina is to be prepared so that the forest fires that occur in different regions of the country at different times of the year do not generate catastrophic effects. For this, it is essential to have adequate strategies and policies. Climate change does not help, but even less inaction, unlearning, and neglecting to think that everything is magically solved by the market.