This week, we look at the widespread destruction that has been caused by the Australian bushfires and misinformation circulating to create a bizarre counter-narrative to argue against climate change as a main factor driving the crisis. 

Brian Kahn of Earther joins the show to explain how this misinformation started spreading and what impact this has had on news coverage. Then, Dr. Bin Jalaludin of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney explains how these ongoing bushfires cause air quality and health problems. Finally, Dr. Stuart Khan (also of UNSW) talks about potential water quality issues caused by the bushfires and how water systems are damaged by the disaster. 

As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitter and email us at theclimatepod@gmail.com. Our music is "Gotta Get Up" by The Passion Hifi, check out his music at thepassionhifi.com. Rate, review and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and more!

Follow Brian Kahn on Twitter

Follow Dr. Bin Jalaludin on Twitter

Follow Dr. Stuart Khan on Twitter

Further Reading:

Dr. Stuart Khan for The Guardian, Bushfires threaten drinking water - and the consequences could last decades

Brian Kahn for Earther, It's Not Arson, You Absolute Fucking Morons 

Jessie Yeung for CNN, Australia Wildfires: Here's what you need to know

Sarah Martin for The Guardian, Emergency payments for people affected by Australia's bushfires 'seriously inadequate'

Ben Butler for The Guardian, Josh Frydenberg demands insurers provide unprecedented detail about bushfire property losses

Lily Mayers for ABC, NSW bushfires leave many struggling without insurance on their homes

Amaani Siddeek for The Guardian, Australia fires: heavy rain and cooler temperatures 'unlikely' to end bushfire threat