In the wake of near-catastrophic wildfires rushing through the Amazon rainforest Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will probably leave any firefighting to others.
For weeks, multiple wildfires have been burning in the Amazon rainforest.
Known as the “lungs of the world” for its important impact on the planet’s ecosystem and air quality, there has been a massive crescendo in calls to action from the public as pictures, videos, and reports flood in about the potential ramifications of the damage done.
Morrison told media on Tuesday that Australia’s priorities needed to focus on potential disasters at home.
Discussing an almost $30 million package pledged by G7 attendees to fight the fires, Morrison said the funding should be “well within the means of those countries for which this is their primary sphere.”
“The Boxing Day tsunami, things like this, Australia has been quick out of the blocks,” he said.
“Whether they’re in Indonesia or elsewhere in the Pacific, we are the first responders and Australia takes our responsibility in our sphere very seriously.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson told AAP the Australian embassy in Brazil was monitoring the situation with “deep concern” as the fires continue.
