Australia's escalating bushfire crisis calls for an urgent, comprehensive national reset, according to a new report, Pathways for Sustainable Coexistence with Wildfires.
Worldwide, bushfires are burning with unprecedented intensity, speed, and frequency. The report, led by Professor David Bowman , Director of the University of Tasmania's Fire Centre, warns that Australia must shift from reactive to preventative strategies to avoid a future dominated by bushfire disasters.
Professor Bowman, an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow, and globally recognised bushfire scientist, argues that Australia's firefighting policies leave communities and ecosystems increasingly exposed to bushfire risks.
"We are at a crossroads," Professor Bowman said.
"Continuing with piecemeal efforts only reinforces our vulnerability to bushfire disasters."
"A unified, structured response is essential to counter the impacts of fires that are intensifying with climate change."
Published in Nature Sustainability , the report proposes a solution known as the Wildfire Adaptation Triad—a three-part model consisting of Research and Development, Education and Demonstration, and Incentives and Enforcement.
This structured approach aims to build long-term resilience through proactive fire management, engaging all communities and sectors and moving beyond policies that rely heavily on firefighting alone.
"Each element of the triad is essential," Professor Bowman explained.
"Research and Development equips us with new tools and methods, Education fosters community-led solutions, and Incentives and Enforcement ensure that these practices are widely adopted."
"Together, they shift the focus from merely coping with fires to reducing our exposure and vulnerability."
A key component of the report emphasises the need to reintegrate Indigenous fire management practices, which have sustainably shaped Australia's landscapes for thousands of years.
Professor Bowman highlights that these methods, which use controlled burns to manage vegetation and reduce fire hazards, could play an invaluable role in bushfire risk management.
"Indigenous fire knowledge offers a proven, ecologically sound approach to fire management that has been undervalued in mainstream policy," Professor Bowman said.
"Incorporating these techniques is essential to restoring ecological balance and improving resilience in fire-prone regions."
Historically, Australia's bushfire response has centred heavily on firefighting capabilities.
Professor Bowman argues that while firefighting is critical, it is an unsustainable response that fails to address the underlying risk factors contributing to Australia's bushfire crisis.
"Our response has to evolve beyond firefighting," he said.
"Prioritising proactive, preventative solutions by empowering communities to become firewise is imperative."
