Global Sports Stars, Entertainers, And Citizens Rally In Support Of Wildfire Relief And Demand Action On Climate Change

Wildfires are causing historic levels of destruction in southeast Australia. The fires have burned millions of acres of land, destroyed homes, claimed the lives of at least 25 people, and killed an estimated half a billion animals. While wildfires are a common summer occurrence in Australia, this season's fires are more significant, worsened by drought and high temperatures.

As the wildfires rage, Australia prepares to take center court on the world tennis scene. In late January, the Australian Open begins in Melbourne. A series of tournaments held annually before the start of the Australian Open, starts sooner in Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, areas that have been directly impacted by wildfires. Fires near Canberra have already forced the Canberra International tennis tournament to relocate to a city about 370 miles away. Canberra's air quality has been rated among the worst of major cities in the world and deemed even too poor for the tournament to be held indoors.

With winds blowing smoke over Melbourne, air quality raised concerns over whether the Australian Open should take place. Athletes have complained about difficulty breathing while training in Melbourne for upcoming matches. Tennis officials in Australia do not plan on moving additional tournaments but have committed extra resources to monitor air quality, noting that the health of players, fans, and staff is a priority.

While the status of the Australian Open faces uncertainty, what is certain is the unprecedented fundraising efforts by athletes competing in the tournament. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, is donating $140 for every ace he hits during matches in Australia. Australian Ashleigh Barty, the top-ranked female player in the world, pledged her entire Brisbane International winnings to wildfire relief. Maria Sharapova donated $17,400 to wildfire relief. Samantha Stosur, Alex de Minaur, and John Millman are among the many other tennis players making pledges. The Australian Open Rally for Relief, a charity tennis event scheduled for January 15th, will also raise funds for wildfire relief. Superstars Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal are all scheduled to participate.

Celebrities and entertainers, Australian and otherwise, have also pledged funds to support relief efforts. Elton John, Chris Hemsworth, Kylie Jenner, Rebel Wilson, and Leonardo DiCaprio are among the individuals donating or raising money for wildfire relief. Ordinary citizens around the...

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