Federer Donates Money to Support Australia's Fire Control

Tennis player Roger Federer announced that he will donate money to support the fire control efforts that have caused a crisis in Australia, after receiving criticism from environmental leaders like Greta Thunberg.

The young climate activist organized a social media campaign to pressure the tennis player to sever his ties with Credit Suisse bank, accused of investing in the oil industry. "I take the impact and threats of climate change very seriously, especially now that my family and I have arrived in a fire-ravaged Australia," responded the athlete diplomatically during his visit to the country to compete in the Australian Open starting January 20.

Following the example of other tennis stars, Federer announced that he will make a donation on Wednesday in Melbourne during a charity match to raise funds, alongside Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and other stars. "It's okay to show solidarity in the face of an incredible situation in the country," said the tennis player. It is estimated that the total amount raised would reach half a million dollars.

Federer and Credit Suisse

Federer is an ambassador for Credit Suisse, a financial services company that has been accused of investing money in oil exploitation that damages the environment. Pressure against the athlete has increased since this week a trial against 12 activists who stormed the bank's branches in Lausanne dressed as tennis players in 2018, demanding that the world number three end his business relationship with them.

Australia is experiencing unprecedented and widespread wildfires that have devastated entire parts of the country. So far, 25 people have died, and an estimated 480 million animals. The impact is visible from space.