Sydney's Air Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Sydney, Australia, is a city renowned for its high air quality in comparison to other major cities worldwide. However, air pollution remains a significant health issue, with a government study revealing that most people in the greater metropolitan region are exposed to unsafe air pollution levels according to World Health Organization guidelines. This introduction will discuss the various factors contributing to air pollution in Sydney, including natural events, human activities, and the implementation of strategies to mitigate this issue.

Wood heaters

Sydney's air pollution levels, including those caused by wood heaters, are monitored through the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI measures and communicates air pollution levels to the public, with a lower AQI value indicating cleaner air. While Sydney generally has good air quality compared to other major Australian cities, it has experienced more days of "moderate" and "unhealthy for sensitive groups" air quality in recent years.

To improve air quality in Sydney, a report by the University of Wollongong recommends phasing out wood heaters in urban areas. This, along with reducing vehicle emissions, encouraging low-emission vehicles, and enhancing air quality monitoring, can help mitigate air pollution in the city.

Additionally, seasonal events such as bushfires, dust storms, and heat waves can cause temporary spikes in pollution levels. Sydney's air quality is expected to continue improving over the next decade due to proactive policies and enforcement by the NSW state government.

Road vehicles

Sydney's air quality is generally considered good compared to other major Australian cities, but it is not immune to the impacts of road vehicle pollution. The city's AQI (Air Quality Index) measurement ranges from 0 to 200, with lower values indicating cleaner air. In recent years, Sydney's AQI has fluctuated, with an average of 33 in 2020, falling within the "good" range. However, it is important to note that the city experiences days with moderate to unhealthy air quality, particularly during seasonal bushfires, dust storms, and heat waves.

To address the issue of road vehicle emissions, the NSW state government has implemented various measures. These include tighter vehicle emission standards, the promotion of public transport, and the goal of transitioning to electric buses and garbage trucks by 2030. Additionally, the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy aims to improve air quality by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles. These initiatives are crucial steps towards reducing the impact of road vehicles on Sydney's air quality.

While these strategies are a step in the right direction, there is still work to be done to mitigate the pollution caused by road vehicles in Sydney. Reducing the number of vehicles on the roads, investing in renewable energy sources, and offering incentives for households to adopt more sustainable practices can further contribute to improving the city's air quality. By addressing road vehicle emissions and implementing proactive policies, Sydney can continue to make strides towards cleaner air and a healthier environment for its residents.

Coal power stations

The Vales Point and Eraring coal-fired power stations in the Lake Macquarie region of NSW have been identified as significant contributors to air pollution, ranking 79th on a list of the world's biggest hotspots for toxic air pollution. Greenpeace Australia Pacific has criticised the federal government for failing to hold big polluters accountable, allowing Australian coal-burning power stations to operate with pollution levels that would be deemed illegal in China and most other parts of the world.

The impact of these coal-fired power stations extends beyond the local community, as secondary pollution affects a far greater population. In Sydney alone, it is estimated that over 100 premature deaths annually can be attributed to pollution from coal-fired power stations. The burning of fossil fuels in power stations releases harmful gases and particles into the atmosphere, which can be transported by wind across regions.

While there has been a decline in energy generation from coal power stations in NSW, the lack of stringent pollution controls and exemptions granted by the EPA have allowed some of the most toxic pollution levels to increase. This has resulted in spikes in fine particle pollution and mercury emissions, further exacerbating the air quality issues in the region.

To address the air pollution caused by coal power stations, experts have recommended transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing stronger pollution limits, and ensuring the adoption of best-practice controls. These measures are crucial to protect the health and well-being of the people of Sydney and the surrounding communities.

Bushfires

The 2019-2020 bushfires resulted in an increase in Sydney's annual average PM2.5 concentration, which climbed to 10.1 μg/m3, surpassing both Australian and World Health Organization (WHO) target limits. This rise in PM2.5 levels may be attributed to the smoke and air quality impacts associated with the bushfires. It is worth noting that Australia's air quality standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are among the strictest globally, with an annual average target of 8 μg/m3, lower than the standards set by the WHO, the United States, and the European Union.

While the immediate aftermath of the 2019-2020 bushfires led to a significant deterioration in Sydney's air quality, experts predicted that the loss of potential fuel sources, such as trees and dead plant material, might reduce the intensity of subsequent annual bushfires. This prediction proved accurate, as the annual wildfires in the following three to five years were not as extreme. However, Australia is expected to continue experiencing seasonal wildfires, which could again impact Sydney's air quality.

Dust storms

Sydney experiences dust storms that originate in the deserts of Northern China and Mongolia. Strong winds carry the dust, which is typically red in colour, across the region. These storms have increased in frequency and now contain higher levels of industrial pollutants, including heavy metals, viruses, fungi, and bacteria, which are harmful to human health.

The health risks associated with dust storms are particularly concerning. Fine dust particles, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues. Even short-term exposure can aggravate asthma and trigger coughing, sore throat, and a runny nose in otherwise healthy individuals. Furthermore, elevated dust exposure can worsen heart conditions, with links to increased hospitalisations and deaths due to heart disease, arrhythmias, and stroke.

The 2009 dust storm in Sydney resulted in a marked increase in emergency admissions for asthma and other respiratory conditions, particularly among vulnerable age groups, including the elderly and young children.

To mitigate the impact of dust storms on air quality and public health, Sydney has implemented several strategies. These include monitoring and modelling air quality, researching the potential benefits of urban greening, and developing plans such as the Greater Sydney Regional Plan and the NSW Electricity Strategy, which aim to improve air quality through various initiatives.

Frequently asked questions