Air Pollution's Impact On Australia's Environment And Health

Australia has relatively good air quality compared to the rest of the world, but air pollution still affects the country and has various impacts on health, the environment, and the economy. This is due to a combination of natural and human-made sources, including vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters. While the country has a very high standard of air quality, approximately 5000 people die each year from diseases associated with exposure to air pollution. This article will explore the effects of air pollution on Australia and its population in detail, examining the causes and consequences of this issue.

Health impacts

Air pollution has a range of health impacts, both short and long-term. It is estimated that around 5,000 people die each year in Australia due to diseases associated with exposure to air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described air pollution as a global public health emergency, contributing to 36% of lung cancer deaths, 34% of stroke deaths, and 27% of heart disease deaths.

In Australia, the main sources of air pollution include combustion in vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters. The quality of the air we breathe can have a range of health impacts, including allergies and asthma, lung and respiratory diseases, and some types of cancer. Bushfire smoke and particulates, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, can cause lung and respiratory effects, cardiovascular effects, effects on maternal health and pregnancy, and carcinogenic effects.

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is of particular concern. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the human system and enter the bloodstream, causing a range of health effects. Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to decreased lung function, increased respiratory symptoms, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, shortened life expectancy, and premature death.

Children, older people, pregnant women, and those with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. Poor air quality, combined with excessive heat, poses a particular risk to these vulnerable groups. Additionally, dust storms, which are predicted to increase in frequency due to climate change, can cause health issues for vulnerable groups and can carry bacteria and viruses, potentially spreading diseases.

To mitigate the health impacts of air pollution, Australia has implemented various measures, including the National Clean Air Agreement, which aims to reduce air pollution and improve air quality through cooperation between industry and government.

Climate change

Bushfire season in Australia is getting worse and is directly affecting Australians in many ways. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gas emissions released from the burning of fossil fuels: coal, oil, and gas. Burning fossil fuels not only drives dangerous warming but also has a significant impact on air quality and human health. In Australia, air pollution—primarily from burning fossil fuels—already causes about 3,000 premature deaths per year. Climate change affects air quality through its influence on pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter (fine particles in the air) and aeroallergens, such as pollens and moulds.

The Australian Medical Association has warned that even previously healthy people may develop serious illnesses due to ongoing and dense bushfire smoke blanketing parts of Australia. Heat, fatigue, stress, and mental health impacts, driven by the ongoing bushfire crisis, further increase health risks.

Population growth

Australia's population has been steadily increasing, with a growth of 1.6 million people between 2016 and 2020. This population growth has a direct impact on air quality, as it leads to an increased need for housing, amenities, and employment. The expansion of cities results in the encroachment on green spaces, construction of new infrastructure, and a growing road network, all of which contribute to air pollution.

With more people living in urban areas, the demand for motor vehicles and housing increases, leading to higher emissions. This is particularly true for cities located on the coast, where over 90% of Australians reside. The increase in motor vehicles leads to higher emissions from petrol and diesel engines, contributing to poor air quality, especially in cities. Additionally, the average age of Australian vehicles is 10.4 years, which means that newer technologies aimed at reducing vehicle emissions will take longer to have a significant impact on improving air quality.

Furthermore, population growth, along with ageing, urbanisation, and increasing transport and energy demands, add to the risks for air quality, climate change, and population health. Timely interventions are needed to mitigate these risks and improve air quality.

In summary, population growth in Australia has a direct impact on air quality due to increased emissions from various sources, including motor vehicles, housing, and energy consumption. Addressing these issues through cleaner technologies and timely interventions is crucial for improving air quality and mitigating the health risks associated with air pollution.

Industry and energy

One of the major contributors to air pollution in Australia is the energy sector, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are still the primary source of energy for the country, accounting for 94% of the energy mix in 2018-19. The electricity sector is the largest single contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, responsible for 33.6% of total emissions. However, there has been a growing trend towards renewable energy sources, with renewable electricity generation more than doubling in the past decade and accounting for 20.9% of electricity generation in 2019.

Mining activities also have a significant impact on air quality. Land-based mining is one of the heavy industries with the largest emissions levels, including carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), coarse particulate matter (PM10), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, mining can lead to habitat loss and degradation, threatening the viability of certain species and changing ecosystem conditions.

Agricultural operations, such as feedlots, also contribute to air pollution by emitting large volumes of ammonia, which can form inorganic particulate compounds and contribute to fine particle pollution (PM2.5). Pesticides and chemical pollutants from agriculture are suspected of causing fish deaths and impacting the viability of sperm, eggs, and larvae.

Transportation is another significant factor in air pollution. The growing demand for transport, particularly air transport, increases pollution levels, especially if fossil fuels continue to be relied upon. Sea transport, which accounts for 99% of Australia's international trade by volume, also has environmental impacts, such as dredging, which disturbs seabed habitats and releases contaminants.

To address these issues, Australia has implemented the National Clean Air Agreement, which aims to coordinate cooperation between industry and government to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. The agreement includes monitoring ozone layer depletion and regulating the use of greenhouse gases. Additionally, there is a growing focus on renewable energy sources and energy-efficient power generation to reduce the burning of fossil fuels.

Natural sources

Dust storms occur when strong winds lift dust and dirt from the ground and carry it high into the atmosphere over a large area. The main sources of dust in Australia are dry lakes and deserts, with the Lake Eyre basin being the main source of dust. Four main factors are needed for dust storms to occur: strong enough winds to lift and carry the dust (higher than around 30 km/h); dry soil, so that it is loose and vulnerable to being picked up; an unstable atmosphere to enable the dust to be carried long distances, which is often present during thunderstorms or a strong cold front; and low moisture in the atmosphere, which increases the chances of the dust staying aloft and travelling further.

Bushfires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Bushfire smoke and the particulates it contains can cause lung and respiratory effects, cardiovascular effects, effects on maternal health and pregnancy, and carcinogenic effects. Bushfires expose large areas of Australia to dangerous levels of smoke, which can have a significant short-term impact on the air.

Pollen is another natural source of air pollution.

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