Mar 29

Mar 29 The Disaster After The Disaster

Climate crisis, Human rights, global warming, journalism, australia

For those in Lismore, flood insurance isn’t a thing. They aren’t even eligible for it because they live in a flood zone. And they live in a flood zone because it is more affordable than non-flood zones in this region, a region that was in a crippling housing crisis before the floods even came. Without any other viable options provided to them, many have no choice but to rebuild their lives where they lost them. And yet here we are less than a month later, with the rains pounded down yet again, and Lismore being evacuated.

Jul 2

Jul 2 Wake Up and Smell The Fire, Australia

Olivia Katz

Climate crisis, conservation, Human rights, global warming, journalism, koalas

We scanned the desolate landscape for signs of life. But all we could see was black, and then more black—blackened rolling hills and charred trees surrounded us from every direction. Once a lush and thriving forest, this place was now unrecognizable.

Dec 22

Dec 22 Meeting Lucy

Olivia Katz

animals, australia, Climate crisis, conservation, journalism

I realized, the koalas are beloved and important, perhaps not because they are essential to the forest, but because they are essential to the heart.

Mar 7

Mar 7 Margot and Richard Bruinsma of the Nerrigundah Fires

Olivia Katz

australia, conservation, journalism, Plants, , sustainability, theheartatlas, Australia Farming, Climate crisis

Margot and Richard Bruinsma have been living on this land for over 40 years. Margot farms, landscapes, jars fruits, makes herbal remedies from wild-crafted flowers for herself and her neighbors, she even makes her own whiskey. She told me with a smile on her face that she gave birth to her second child, Danny, just up the hill with no one around but her husband Richard, and their 2 year old daughter at the time. It took three days, a couple broken ribs, and every ounce of strength she had, but she pushed Danny right on out on her own. If the animals do it without doctors there – why couldn’t she?

Feb 16

Feb 16 Wombat Bill

Olivia Katz

conservation, animals, australia, Interviews, journalism, wombat

Bill, fondly called Wombat Bill, by those who know and love him, has been running a wombat refuge with his partner Lesley for almost two decades. In addition to rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned wombats he volunteers for a variety of the major wildlife rescue groups and helps rescue any animal that may need his aid. A spirit of kindness and generosity quietly permeate all that he and Lesley do at their refuge in Major’s Creek.