Cedars, February 2020

February 2020 13 OFF-CAMPUS the flames. The effects of the fires reach far and wide, also impacting “plants, fungi, insects, other invertebrates, am - phibians, and bacteria and microorganisms that are crucial to these systems,” states Manu Saunders, a researcher and insect ecologist at the University of New England in Armi - dale. USA Today reports on a myriad of organizations that are joining forces to aid the animals in crisis, one of which is the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in New South Wales. This organization raises money to care for rescued koalas and also focuses on education and research about this spe - cies. The World Wildlife Fund holds a similar mission and fosters a long-term goal of planting 1,000 trees when the fires die down to create a koala habitat. While calamities like the Australian fires are devastat - ing, Dr. Paris commented that they point to the truth that our world is marred by sin. “Catastrophes like this are the effect of living in a fall - en world,” Dr. Paris stated. “Like Paul says in Romans, the whole creation is groaning. We always think of the effect the fall has on humanity, but sin has affected all creation, and all creation is looking forward to getting out from under that one day.” Although this disaster is devastating and the victims’ suffering is difficult to imagine, living in the midst of pain, trials, and other effects of the fall serves as a constant re - minder that this world is not our home. Brianna Coffey is a freshman Professional Writing and Information Design major and off-campus writer for Ce- dars. She enjoys writing and spending time with people. Photo by Wikimedia Commons Air Pollution in North Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia. Photo by NASA Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Imagery from NASA Aqua Satellite showing MODIS & VIIRS data of Australian bushfires. Highlighted in red are fire detections.