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CUTransitions Talks are learning sessions organised by the Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology. In this session, Professor Paul Burke will discuss fuel prices and ambient air pollution. This talk 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.
Professor Paul Burke is Head of the Arndt-Corden Department of Economics (ACDE) and Deputy Director of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. His research is in energy and environmental economics, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific.
We look forward to seeing you at the Talk!