Australia's Air Pollution: Strategies And Solutions

Australia generally experiences good air quality, but during extreme events such as bushfires and dust storms, some parts of the country have experienced some of the worst air quality in the world. Air pollution is a pressing issue in Australia, as it is linked to approximately 3,200 deaths per year and is the leading environmental cause of preventable disease and premature death. The Australian government works with states and territories to improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollution under the National Clean Air Agreement. This involves setting national standards, regulating imports of polluting products, and implementing strategies to manage pollution from industrial facilities. The main pollutants of concern in Australia are PM and ozone, with PM2.5 being the most hazardous to human health. Australia's air pollution stems from both natural and human-made sources, with vehicle engines and road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters being significant contributors.

The Australian government's role in managing air quality

Australia's air quality management system is governed at both the national and local levels. The Australian government plays a crucial role in managing the country's air quality by working with states and territories to improve air quality and reduce air pollution. This collaboration is facilitated through the National Clean Air Agreement, which provides a framework for prioritising air quality issues and effective policy-making.

At the national level, the Australian government takes the lead on issues that require a nationwide approach. This includes setting national standards, such as the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure, and regulating the import of polluting products. The government also administers legislation related to air quality management and reporting, providing policy advice, and supporting air quality research through initiatives like the National Environment Science Program.

State and territory governments are responsible for maintaining air quality within their jurisdictions. They have laws and strategies in place to manage pollution from various sources, including industrial facilities and vehicle emissions. These governments work towards achieving national standards set by the Australian government and report against national ambient (outdoor) air quality standards to protect public health.

Local governments, on the other hand, address local air pollution issues, such as wood heater smoke, and play a vital role in raising awareness about how household activities can impact air quality. They also collaborate with higher levels of government to implement measures that improve air quality in their communities.

The impact of air pollution on the health of Australians

Australia generally enjoys good air quality, but specific events and industries can reduce the air quality and negatively impact the health of Australians. Air pollution is linked to more than 3,200 deaths in Australia each year, with an estimated cost of A$6.2 billion. The Australian government works with states and territories to improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollution under the National Clean Air Agreement.

During the 2019-2020 bushfire season, air pollution caused approximately 400 deaths and 4,500 hospitalisations and emergency department visits. Bushfires and dust storms can cause Australia to experience some of the worst air quality in the world during extreme air pollution events. Dust storms occur when strong winds lift dust and dirt from the ground and carry it high into the atmosphere over a large area. Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe bushfires, which in turn influence global climate and weather systems.

Air pollution can cause heart and lung disease, cancer, and other health problems. Some pollutants, such as PM2.5, have no safe level of exposure. PM2.5 refers to microscopic airborne particles of 2.5 microns in diameter, which can penetrate deep into the human system upon inhalation and enter the bloodstream, causing a range of adverse health effects. Older adults, pregnant people, unborn babies, children, people with pre-existing chronic conditions, socially disadvantaged populations, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are all more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution.

To improve air quality and protect the health of its citizens, Australia needs to reduce pollution sources and minimise the population's exposure to air pollution. This includes addressing emissions from vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters. Australia has a high rate of private vehicle ownership, with over 90% of homes owning at least one registered motor vehicle, and usage of public transport and active travel is low. Reducing air pollution from burning fossil fuels and improving urban design can bring significant health, environmental, and social benefits.

Natural sources of air pollution in Australia

Australia's air quality is generally good year-round. However, during extreme air pollution episodes, some parts of the country have temporarily experienced some of the worst air quality in the world. Natural sources of air pollution in Australia include dust storms, wildfires, windstorms, pollen, and bushfires.

Dust storms occur when strong winds lift dust and dirt from the ground and carry them 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 Australian dust. Dust storms can cause health issues for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. They can also lead to negative impacts such as reduced visibility, causing increased traffic accidents and disruptions to travel.

Wildfires are another significant natural source of air pollution in Australia, particularly during the summer fire season when conditions are hotter and drier. These fires can be started naturally by lightning strikes or through human intervention, either accidentally or deliberately through planned burning or arson. The summer of 2019-2020, known as the "Black Summer," saw particularly devastating wildfires that burned over 17 million hectares of land and led to the loss of lives, homes, and an extensive number of animals.

Bushfires, windstorms, and pollen also contribute to natural air pollution in Australia, particularly in Melbourne, where these factors can significantly impact air quality on days with light winds and stable conditions. Additionally, lead, a metal that can be found in paints and contaminated soil, enters the air naturally through soil erosion, volcanic eruptions, sea spray, and bushfires.

To manage air quality, the Australian government works with states and territories to improve air quality and reduce people's exposure to pollution under the National Clean Air Agreement. They set national standards and regulate the import of polluting products, while states and territories are responsible for air quality in their jurisdictions, implementing laws and strategies to manage pollution from various sources.

Reducing air pollution through transport systems

Australia's air quality is generally good, but during extreme events such as bushfires and dust storms, some areas have experienced the worst air quality globally. The country's air quality is affected by both natural and human-made sources of pollution. Natural sources include dust storms and wildfires, while human-influenced sources include vehicle engines, road traffic, industrial processes, power generation, and domestic wood heaters.

Motor vehicles and road traffic are the primary sources of air pollution in urban areas. Australia has a high rate of private vehicle ownership, with over 90% of households owning at least one registered motor vehicle. Additionally, the use of public transportation, active travel such as cycling or walking, is relatively low, even for short commutes. As a result, the Australian government has implemented various initiatives to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

Transport for NSW, for example, has developed the Tool for Roadside Air Quality (TRAQ), which assesses the potential air quality impacts and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles using new or existing roadways. They also adhere to stringent conditions set by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment regarding vehicle emissions, ensuring that tunnel ventilation systems meet air quality requirements by ejecting emissions high into the atmosphere, where they disperse.

To address air pollution from transport on a national level, the Australian government has developed the National Electric Vehicle Strategy, aiming to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and achieve net-zero emissions in the road transport sector. This strategy is part of the Powering Australia plan, which includes initiatives like the Electric Car Discount legislation and the Driving The Nation Fund, investing in EV charging infrastructure.

By 2030, Australia aims to generate 82% of its electricity from renewable energy sources, powering EVs and reducing emissions. This shift to EVs will also create new green jobs and skills, particularly in manufacturing and maintenance. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is also providing funding for projects supporting innovation in EV charging solutions. These measures demonstrate Australia's commitment to reducing air pollution through its transport systems and improving the health and environmental outcomes for its citizens.

The economic impacts of air pollution

Australia generally enjoys good air quality, but it is not without its challenges. The country has one of the world's highest rates of private vehicle ownership, with more than 90% of households owning at least one car. This, coupled with a low uptake of public transport and active travel, means that road traffic is a significant source of air pollution. Industrial emissions, power generation, and domestic wood heaters are also major contributors to air pollution in Australia.

The health effects of air pollution are well-documented. Air pollution increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, type 2 diabetes, lung diseases, and cancer. It also exacerbates communicable diseases like respiratory infections, including influenza and COVID-19. The social costs of air pollution are also high, with vulnerable groups such as older adults, pregnant people, children, and socially disadvantaged populations being disproportionately affected.

To mitigate these economic impacts, Australia has implemented various measures. The Australian Government works with states and territories to improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollution under the National Clean Air Agreement. This includes setting national standards and regulating imports of polluting products. The government is also targeting efforts to manage PM2.5 levels, as these microscopic particles are the most hazardous to human health. Additionally, there is a focus on decarbonising energy and transport systems, greening cities, and improving urban and housing design.

While Australia has made progress in reducing air pollution, existing economic analyses often fail to account for the full scope of the issue. For instance, the costs of other air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide from vehicle traffic are often overlooked, as are non-health costs such as labour, productivity, and welfare. As a result, the true economic impact of air pollution in Australia is likely much higher than currently estimated.

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