Bronte Wells
Australia's air quality is generally good, but it is susceptible to extreme air pollution episodes, such as bushfires, dust storms, and industrial emissions, which can cause severe health issues for vulnerable groups. The country's historical reliance on coal and gas for electricity has resulted in high carbon emissions, with coal-fired power stations contributing 30% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. While renewable energy sources have expanded, they still only account for 25% of electricity emissions. To address these issues, Australia has implemented various measures, including carbon pricing and renewable energy targets, but the effectiveness of these policies has been debated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide output | Ranked highest among OECD members |
| Carbon dioxide emissions per capita | 15.22-15.37 tonnes in 2020 |
| Total fossil fuels and cement production emissions | 18.18 billion tons |
| Percentage of world emissions | 1.5% in 2005, 1.1% by 2030, 1% by 2100 |
| Carbon dioxide emissions from electricity | About a third of Australia's emissions |
| Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels for transport, industry and buildings | Another third |
| Carbon dioxide emissions from agriculture and livestock | About 10% |
| Annual mortality costs of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution | A$6.2 billion |
| Air quality | Generally good, but reduced by specific events or industries |
| Bushfires causing air pollution | Summer of 2019-2020 |
| Number of deaths caused by air pollution | 3,200 per year |
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What You'll Learn
Carbon dioxide emissions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most dominant greenhouse gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels, industrial production, and land use change. In Australia, electricity generation is responsible for about a third of its carbon dioxide emissions. The use of fossil fuels for transport, industry, and buildings accounts for another third. The country's high levels of energy use for heating and cooling buildings, as well as its large distances, contribute to high emissions from the transport sector.
Emissions from agriculture and livestock make up about 10% of Australia's carbon dioxide emissions. Cows, pigs, and sheep produce methane, a greenhouse gas that warms the atmosphere. Australia's carbon dioxide emissions are also influenced by its historical dependence on coal and gas for electricity, with coal currently supplying over one-third of the country's energy. Brown coal, the most polluting form of coal, is used in Victoria.
To address these emissions, the Australian government introduced a carbon tax in 2012, requiring large businesses emitting over 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually to purchase emissions permits. This tax was repealed in 2014 by the Abbott government, a move that was heavily criticised. Despite this setback, renewable forms of energy have expanded in recent years, with solar and wind now contributing 25% of electricity emissions.
Australia's net emissions for the 12-month period to September 2020 were 510.10 million tons of CO2-equivalent. The sectoral contributions were: electricity (33.4%), stationary energy (20%), transport (17.6%), agriculture (14.1%), fugitive emissions (10%), industrial processes (5.9%), waste (2.6%), and LULUCF (-3.7%). These figures highlight the significant contributions of the electricity and transport sectors to Australia's carbon dioxide emissions.
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Greenhouse gas emissions
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions are driven by a range of factors, including energy production and consumption, industrial processes, transportation, agriculture, and land use.
Energy Production and Consumption:
- Australia has historically relied on coal and gas for electricity production, resulting in high carbon emissions.
- In 2019, coal was responsible for about 30% (164 million tonnes) of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, excluding methane and export coal.
- Renewable energy sources like solar and wind have expanded but still only account for 25% of electricity emissions.
- Electricity generation and the use of fossil fuels in transport, industry, and buildings contribute to about two-thirds of Australia's emissions.
Industrial Processes:
- Industrial emissions from combustion, power generation, and certain industries contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- While industrial emissions of hazardous substances like lead and mercury have improved, emissions from specific regions, such as Port Pirie and Mount Isa, remain a concern for residents.
Transportation:
- Australia's large distances contribute to high transport emissions, particularly from combustion in vehicle engines and road traffic.
- The government has implemented measures like reduced fuel tax credits and vehicle emissions performance standards to address transport sector emissions.
Agriculture and Livestock:
Agriculture and livestock contribute about 10% of Australia's emissions, including methane emissions from cows, pigs, and sheep.
Land Use:
- Land use change and forestry can significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions, and Australia has taken steps to address this through initiatives like the Clean Energy Future Package and the Carbon Farming Futures program.
- Bushfires, influenced by climate change, have severe impacts on air quality and human health, causing short-term air pollution spikes.
To mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, Australia has proposed carbon capture and storage, introduced renewable energy targets, and implemented a carbon price for large businesses in 2012 (scrapped in 2014). The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, a cap-and-trade emissions trading system, has been delayed multiple times.
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Air pollution from bushfires
Australia has been ravaged by wildfires for months, with fires starting in September and continuing to spread. These fires are the worst since records began, and climate change is a contributing factor. The smoke from these fires has travelled thousands of miles to New Zealand, turning the sky dark orange. Carbon monoxide is present in the smoke, but it does not travel far and does not pose a significant hazard. However, wildfire smoke also contains hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), which can have adverse health effects on children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with existing lung, heart, or liver problems.
The health impacts of the 2019-2020 Australian Megafires were substantial, with an estimated 417 deaths occurring across eastern Australia due to short-term exposure to bushfire smoke. The health impact was highest in New South Wales and Victoria, with 219 and 120 deaths, respectively. The Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, one of the largest bushfires in Australian history, emitted approximately four million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. Individuals exposed to pollutants during this incident had significantly poorer health outcomes, with robust deficits appearing across various objective and subjective health indicators.
The increase in bushfire frequency and intensity due to climate change is likely to increase population exposure to pollutants from bushfires, leading to a higher health burden. Mild, wet winters encourage the growth of fuel, and hot, dry summers lead to an increase in the forest fire danger index (FFDI). The largest changes in FFDI are predicted in New South Wales due to its Mediterranean climate.
To reduce the impact of bushfires, the Australian government has implemented several measures, including deploying reservists from the army, navy, and air force, committing funds to lease firefighting aircraft, and distributing air pollution masks to high-risk individuals.
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Energy and transport systems
Australia's energy and transport systems are major contributors to the country's pollution levels. The burning of fossil fuels for energy production, including coal, oil, and natural gas, is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In 2006, the Australian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGGI) reported that the energy sector accounted for 69% of Australia's emissions, with agriculture at 16% and LULUCF at 6%. Since 1990, emissions from the energy sector have increased by 35%, with a 43% increase in stationary energy and a 23% increase in transport emissions.
Coal is a major contributor to Australia's energy-related CO2 emissions, responsible for 30% of emissions in 2019. Australia's reliance on coal power for electricity generation, particularly in the state of Victoria, has led to high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Brown coal, the most polluting type, is commonly used in the country. The mining, use, and export of coal have been targeted by environmental groups as key areas for reduction to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Transportation is another significant source of pollution in Australia. The vast majority of emissions in the transport sector come from cars, despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). Australia's relatively lower fuel prices compared to Europe have contributed to the use of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which cause air pollution and residual oil pollution of land and water sources. However, zero and low emission vehicles are gaining traction due to increased availability, greater range, and competitive pricing. The Australian government's Green Vehicle Guide assists consumers in choosing more environmentally friendly options, and all new conventional petrol and diesel light vehicles are required to display a Fuel Consumption Label, indicating fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
To reduce pollution from the energy and transport sectors, Australia has implemented various measures. The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), a cap-and-trade emissions trading system, was proposed with an initial target implementation date of 2010, but it faced delays due to a lack of bipartisan support and slow international progress on climate action. The government has also considered a carbon tax on the use of fossil fuels for energy generation. Additionally, the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program addresses emissions from the industrial sector, while the building sector emissions are managed through building codes and energy performance standards. In the transportation sector, reduced fuel tax credits and vehicle emissions performance standards aim to curb emissions.
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Industrial emissions
Australia's industrial emissions are a significant contributor to the country's overall pollution levels. The nation's industrial facilities, numbering over 4,000, report their emissions to the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI). The types and amounts of pollutants discharged depend on the specific industrial activities.
The industries with the largest emissions include mining, steel production, metal processing, power generation, and petroleum refining. These heavy industries emit a range of pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), coarse particulate matter (PM10), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, agricultural operations, such as feedlots, emit large volumes of ammonia gas, which contributes to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
The burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil, and natural gas, is a major source of industrial emissions in Australia. In 2020, 73.5% of electricity was generated from fossil fuels, with coal alone accounting for 66%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels has made Australia's energy sector a significant contributor to the country's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. According to the Garnaut Climate Change Review, Australia's share of world emissions was 1.5% in 2005, projected to decline to 1% by 2100.
To address these emissions, the Australian government introduced a carbon tax in 2012, requiring large businesses with significant carbon dioxide emissions to purchase permits. However, this tax was repealed in 2014, and opponents argue that Australian pollution has increased since then. Despite efforts to reduce emissions, the trajectory remains concerning, and there are ongoing calls for an energy revolution to mitigate the impact on the environment.
In addition to the burning of fossil fuels, industrial production processes, such as cement making and steel manufacturing, also contribute to CO2 emissions. These processes often require heat, which is generated by burning fossil fuels. While not always included in emissions calculations, these indirect emissions from industrial production are substantial and impact the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's carbon dioxide output ranks as the highest emitter among OECD members. Australia's total carbon emissions stand out when looking at them per capita. Australia's share of world emissions, at 1.5% in 2005, is predicted to decline to 1% by 2100.
Electricity is responsible for about a third of Australia's emissions. The use of fossil fuels for transport, industry and buildings accounts for another third. Agriculture and livestock make up about 10% of emissions.
Air pollution in Australia causes around 3,200 deaths per year. It disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including older adults, pregnant people, unborn babies, children, people with pre-existing chronic conditions, socially disadvantaged populations, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Measures to reduce pollution in Australia include decarbonising energy and transport systems, greening cities, improving urban and housing design, and implementing bushfire prevention strategies. The government has also introduced renewable energy targets and carbon pricing to incentivise the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
