1. The purpose of an editorial/commentary is to explain, persuade, warn, criticize, entertain, praise or answer. What do you think is the purpose of Miranda Devine’s editorial? Explain your answer.

2. In her commentary, Miranda Devine identifies a problem, describes the cause and offers a solution.
a) What problem does she illustrate? (see para. 1, 6)
b) What does she say is the cause of the problem? (see para. 6-7, 9-10, 13-14, 18-19)
c) What solution does she say will enable firefighters to control yearly wildfires?
(para. 10, 12)

3. California has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years. The state also has strict environmental regulations prohibiting controlled burns and the clearing of brush. What do you think about each of the following points about Australia’s wildfires made by Ms. Devine in this commentary?

1. Hazard reduction [clearing underbrush and overgrowth and conducting controlled burns] won’t prevent fire but it will reduce its intensity so that it can be controlled. (para. 10
2. So whether or not you believe the most dire predictions of climate alarmists makes no difference. We can’t dial down the Earth’s temperature any more than we can lock up every arsonist. (para. 11)
3. The only practical way to prevent unmanageable fires is to reduce the one variable we control: ground fuel. (para. 12)
4. [Australia’s wildfire disaster] could have been avoided if the warnings [to allow the resumption of controlled burns and clearing brush] had been heeded. (para. 18)

4. Do you agree or disagree with the assertions Miranda Devine makes about wildfires, extreme environmental policies and climate change? Explain your answer.