Canberra's air quality index (AQI) measures the levels of major air pollutants and their potential health impacts.
The AQI in Canberra tracks levels of ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Values below 100 are considered satisfactory while higher values may negatively impact health.
Typical AQI values in Canberra range from 20 to 90, indicating good overall air quality. Peak values occasionally reach up to 130 during bushfires or dust storms when particle levels rise. The lowest AQI levels occur in winter and after rainfall cleans the air.
Canberra enjoys better average air quality than Australia's largest cities like Sydney and Melbourne which sometimes exceed 150 on the AQI. As a smaller inland city, Canberra sees lower emissions and fewer large pollution sources than coastal metropolises.
Climate change is forecast to increase Canberra's air pollution through more frequent bushfires and drought conditions stirring dust. The Australian government has enhanced environmental regulations to curb industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust under the National Clean Air Agreement. Meeting ambitious air quality standards under this new national environmental law will promote Canberra's long-term health and sustainability.
What is the Air Quality Index of Canberra?
As of February 12, 2023, the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for Canberra is 32 according to data from IQAir. This indicates good overall air quality.
Does Canberra Have Good Air Quality Compared to Other Cities?
Yes, Canberra enjoys better air quality than almost all major Australian cities. According to 2021 IQAir statistics, Canberra ranked 3rd for average annual PM2.5 levels behind Adelaide and Hobart. Peak pollution events are also less frequent and severe than leading cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Is Canberra More Polluted than Melbourne?
No, Melbourne suffers from worse air pollution than Canberra. In 2021, Melbourne's average yearly PM2.5 concentration was double that of Canberra's at 8.6 μg/m3 versus 4.3 μg/m3. Furthermore, Melbourne had 39 days above the WHO exposure guideline of 15 μg/m3 while Canberra had zero. Bushfire impacts intermittently worsen Canberra's pollution but Melbourne still maintains higher baseline pollution from industry and transportation.
What are the Main Sources of Air Pollution in Canberra?
The most concerning air pollutants in Canberra are particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) as well as ozone. Key sources include motor vehicle emissions, wood heaters, bushfire smoke, and some industrial activities.
Motor vehicles are Canberra's leading source of nitrogen oxides which react to form ozone smog. The ACT government has implemented a vehicle emissions testing program and incentives for electric vehicles adoption to mitigate this impact.
Wood heaters also significantly contribute to wintertime particulate pollution. New heater standards and changeout programs for older models aim to lower this source.
What Strategies Are in Place To Improve Air Quality in Canberra?
To directly target Canberra's most significant pollution sources, the ACT Clean Air Strategy provides actions like expanding low emission zones to cut transportation emissions. Transitioning remaining industrial producers to cleaner technologies and energy sources will further diminish industrial smog and soot levels.
Since bushfire smoke is an unavoidable periodic contributor, increasing vegetation buffers around the city aims to filter fine particulates during fire events. Indoor air filtration systems and community refuges are additional adaptive measures to protect public health during severe smoke pollution.
What is Australia Doing to Prevent Air Pollution in Canberra?
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government works with researchers from Australian National University and the CSIRO through the ACT Environment and Planning Directorate to monitor and model local air quality using advanced sensor networks. Data informs clean air policies and health guidance. The ACT also coordinates with the NSW government under the Memorandum of Understanding for the NSW and ACT Regional Air Quality and Health program.
Laws like the Air Environment Protection Policy set targets for pollutants and guide technology upgrades. The ACT Sustainable Energy Policy also promotes transitions from wood heaters to cleaner heat pumps to directly improve winter air quality.
How do Local Government Policies in Canberra Address Air Pollution?
The ACT's Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act ensures continual updates to the Territory's emissions reductions strategies. The Act's 2025 and 2050 net zero emissions goals spur policies to phase out fossil fuels in power generation and transportation that drive cleaner air co-benefits. The Act also mandates sustainability considerations in all government decision making.
How Can We Reduce Air Pollution in Canberra?
Individuals can improve Canberra's air by walking, cycling or taking public transport instead of driving which lowers transport emissions. At home, switching wood heaters for efficient electric heat pumps cuts winter particle pollution. At workplaces, implementing active ventilation, indoor plants and air purification systems promotes healthier indoor air quality amid rising urban air pollution.
How Did Air Pollution in Canberra Change Over Time?
Over the past decade, Canberra's average air quality has remained relatively stable and within national standards according to ACT Health data. Targeted policy efforts resulted in a measurable dip in peak pollution events between 2008 to 2013. For example, the phase out of leaded petrol and introduction of stricter wood heater emissions standards both yielded tangible air quality improvements. However more progress is needed to buffer against climate change impacts.
What are the Future Predictions for Air Pollution in Canberra?
Climate projections unanimously agree Canberra will experience hotter, drier conditions and increased frequency of extreme heat, drought and bushfires. Researchers predict such events will directly increase Canberra's risk of dangerous particle pollution as regional dust levels intensify and fire seasons lengthen. Sophisticated forecasting leverages real-time monitoring, weather projections and CSIRO models.
Aggressive decarbonization efforts under the ACT’s climate change laws can temper emissions-driven air quality declines from expanded urbanisation. Widespread electric vehicle adoption and renewable energy installations will be critical to counteract climate change and maintain clean air if policies keep pace with population growth.
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