You're listening to a podcast from the BBC World Service.

This is Hard Talk with me, Sean Lay.

Thanks for downloading this edition of the programme, and I hope you enjoy it.

Welcome to Hard Talk on the BBC World Service with me, Sean Lay.

So much smoke has been generated by Australia's bushfires.

It's created a plume the size of the continental United States.

NASA attracted it as it circumnavigated the globe.

Drought and record temperatures have created a giant tinderbox.

Yet Australia's government insists it's too simplistic to blame climate change.

Patrick Sutling spent three years as Australia's ambassador for the environment

and believes the threat is all too real.

But with politicians and voters still committed to exporting massive quantities of coal, was he just wasting his time?

Patrick Suckling, welcome to Hart Talk.

Just as some countries have a rainy season, some have a hurricane season, Australia has a bushfire season.

But how different would you say this one has been?

This one's been the worst we've had in New South Wales, certainly.

So it's been unprecedented.

It's been horrific.

It's been tragic.

It's been a summer of hell.

I would say, though, up front, taking the opportunity to say how heartened we've all been

by the extraordinary response and support we've had around the world for this tragic time.

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