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Fuel prices and ambient air pollution: A study of Sydney

Crawford School of Public Policy | Arndt-Corden Department of Economics

Event details

ACDE Seminar

Date & time

Tuesday 24 September 2024
2.00pm–3.30pm

Venue

Acton Theatre JG Crawford Building and Online Zoom

Speaker

Professor Paul Burke

Contacts

Firman Witoelar Kartaadipoetra

This paper explores the short-run influence of road transport fuel prices on ambient air pollution over the period 2004–2023 for the case of Sydney, Australia. Using daily and monthly data from nine air quality monitoring stations, we find generally negative effects of fuel prices on ambient levels of several key pollutants, with inelastic effect sizes. Higher gasoline prices are also linked to improved daily visibility levels and a reduction in Google search interest in air pollution. Wind speeds, bushfire incidence, and public holidays are among other key factors affecting Sydney air quality. The findings are useful for air pollution prediction and add to the body of understanding of the environmental benefits of fuel taxes.

To join in-person:

Venue: Acton Theatre, JG Crawford Building, 132 Lennox Crossing, Acton 2601 ACT (ANU Crawford School of Public Policy)

To join online:

Please register to receive a Zoom link.

Updated:  14 October 2024/Responsible Officer:  Crawford Engagement/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team