The Australian Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020 were among the most devastating wildfires in the nation's history, primarily affecting regions such as New South Wales and Victoria. Fueled by extreme drought and record-breaking temperatures, these fires consumed over 18 million hectares, destroyed thousands of homes, and resulted in the loss of human and wildlife lives. The catastrophic impact on biodiversity, with an estimated 3 billion animals affected, underscored the urgent need for climate action and sustainable land management. This event has since catalyzed a national and global conversation about climate change, prompting calls for more robust environmental policies and practices.

Australian poets produced works on fire, loss, and renewal, advancing Antipodean ecopoetry traditions tied to Indigenous knowledge of fire management and climate.