More than 150 of Australia's native and unique bird species have been assessed as being at “very high risk” of extinction or major decline if they contract the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain, according to a recent evaluation. Species particularly at risk include Perth's black swans, the red goshawk, the shy albatross, and the fairy tern.
Bird flu risk assessment
The assessment highlights the vulnerability of Australia's unique avian fauna to a potential outbreak. The H5N1 strain has already caused significant mortality in bird populations globally, and experts warn that an outbreak in Australia could have devastating consequences for species that are already under pressure from habitat loss and climate change.
“The risk is very high for many of our endemic birds,” said a spokesperson from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. “We need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.”
Europe heatwave and other global events
Meanwhile, Europe is grappling with an intense heatwave. France recorded its highest ever daily average temperature, and 40 people have drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas over the past few days. The UK also experienced high temperatures, straining public systems. In Greenland, two wildfires broke out earlier this month.
Political developments in Australia
In Australian politics, Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie is set to receive extra security following what he believes is a response to a One Nation-fuelled campaign against him, including over his stance on the Ben Roberts-Smith war crimes allegations. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for a moratorium on the building and approval of new data centres in Australia, warning that the nation is “sleepwalking” into an AI crisis.
The government secured a crucial win by gaining support for its tax changes through the Senate, but analysis suggests this victory may have hindered Labor's chances of passing its NDIS reforms.
World Cup and sports news
In football, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to become the first player ever to score at six World Cups as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0. Australian defender Jason Geria has called for schools to allow students to watch the team's final group match on Friday.
Donald Trump will present the trophy to the World Cup winners, according to Fifa. Iran's players will be allowed to travel early to the US for their match against Egypt on Friday.
Other notable events
The UN has found that Israel continues to commit genocide by deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza. In the US, a group of anti-Ice protesters have been handed sentences ranging from 50 to 100 years in prison after being convicted of terrorism charges in Texas. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no country, including Iran, would be allowed to charge tolls for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Madonna revealed that a movie about her life was cancelled due to a budget dispute with the studio, saying, “I've had a huge life, so I needed a big budget.”
