Smoke from wood heaters is among the largest contributors to air pollution-related illness and premature death in Australia. In 2015, wood heater pollution was linked to an estimated 720 premature deaths in Australia at a cost equivalent to more than $3B. That is more smoke-related harm than Australia experienced during the unprecedented 2019-20 bushfire season.
In this submission, we summarise available evidence and make evidence-supported recommendations regarding several of the inquiry’s terms of reference. Our recommendations highlight the need for State and Commonwealth regulation to mitigate the health harms associated with diesel emissions from data centres.
The Centre for Safe Air’s submission to the ACCU Savanna Fire Management Methods consultation argues that carbon crediting schemes must account for the significant health impacts of landscape fire smoke on Northern Territory communities. The submission emphasises that air pollution is “the single greatest environmental threat to human health” and that Darwin experiences Australia’s most severe PM2.5 pollution, with “95% of the air pollution problem… due to landscape fires.” Evidence indicates that early dry‑season pollution has worsened since ACCU savanna‑burning projects began.
The Centre for Safe Air has made a submission to the NSW Public Accountability and Works Committee inquiry into data centres, outlining growing concerns about the air quality and health impacts associated with the sector’s rapid expansion. The submission highlights ongoing reliance on backup diesel generators as a largely unregulated source of harmful air pollution. The expansion of the data centres in outer urban areas, especially Western Sydney, places vulnerable populations at greater risk. The Centre calls for stronger planning and regulatory frameworks, including mandatory assessment of generator emissions, alignment with international emissions standards, and a shift toward cleaner and more efficient backup power solutions.
Photo by İsmail Enes Ayhan on Unsplash
This joint submission brings together expertise in air quality, respiratory disease, and environmental exposures affecting children to contribute evidence on the potential implications of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) for health. Image credit: Karina Tess
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