Australia is known for its clean environment and vast open spaces, but it also faces some of the world’s most extreme air pollution events due to seasonal wildfires (bushfires) and dust storms. On most days, air quality in cities like Canberra, Hobart, and Sydney is “Good,” but during fire season AQI levels can spike to hazardous levels.
The country’s air is typically far cleaner than the global average, yet climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of fire-driven pollution episodes.
Canberra, the nation’s capital, was ranked among the most polluted cities in the world during the 2019–2020 bushfire season, while Hobart generally enjoys some of the cleanest air in the country. Larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne also experience periodic smoke events despite otherwise good average air quality.
Australia’s pollution is strongly seasonal and event-driven, with natural sources dominating:
Australia monitors air quality through the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM), which sets standards for key pollutants. Most urban areas meet these standards outside of extreme fire or dust events.
Government strategies include early warning systems for smoke and dust, investment in renewable energy, and policies promoting electric vehicle adoption to reduce traffic emissions over time.
The devastating 2019–2020 “Black Summer” bushfires highlighted how vulnerable Australia is to extreme smoke pollution, with Canberra recording AQI levels over 20 times the WHO guideline.
Looking ahead, climate change is expected to make bushfires and droughts more frequent, posing ongoing challenges to Australia’s otherwise strong air quality record. Expanding clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels will be critical steps.
Despite periodic smoke events, Australia’s vast coastlines, low population density, and renewable energy transition make it one of the cleanest places to live for much of the year. Tourists often remark on the clarity of the air in regions like Tasmania and the Great Ocean Road.