Killer Summer Smog Alert

Thursday, 08 January 2009 00:54

 “As  Sydney-siders  sweat it out on the city’s  streets and beaches the heatwave is creating a substantial health risk,  particularly for children, asthma sufferers, and those with respiratory problems and/or heart conditions. This situation will only deteriorate in the future as climate change takes hold and we see the impacts of cancelled public transport projects,” said Jeff Angel, Director of TEC.

“It’s affecting literally millions of people.”
 
“With temperatures hitting 39 degrees in Penrith, it’s clear that despite NSW government posturing, nothing much has changed since 2006 when Sydney’s air pollution levels were listed as  almost 10 times higher than other Australian cities, by the  National Environment Protection Council (NEPC).

“Without transformative forward planning” Mr Angel warned, “Sydney-siders can only expect more traffic jams, less efficient public transport, and more frequent air pollution alerts as the city heats up”.

“Factor in the effects of climate change, and adverse meteorological conditions, such as Sydney’s typically bright sunshine and high humidity, and we’ll see increased  photochemical smog formation and particulate loads resulting in the dangerous, “brown haze” now hanging over the city,” he said.