Covid NSW lockdown: Sydney has clean air, green parks, empty waterways

An unparalleled slowdown in human activity has seen a significant improvement in Sydney’s air quality, made the grass greener and reduced water activity.

It’s the world’s most beautiful city that only a few get to enjoy.

While Sydney remains in lockdown, the city’s most glittering assets have remained largely untouched.

The unparalleled slowdown in human activity has seen a significant improvement in the city’s air quality, made the grass greener and led to less boats out on the water.

Between July 6 and August 5, the Air Quality Index (daily average) value dropped from about 60 to about 20.

Sydney Harbour bridge at Blues Point. Picture: Damian Shaw

Corner of Market and George streets in the CBD. Picture: Damian Shaw

The harbour and city skyline from Kirribilli. Picture: Toby Zerna

University of Sydney Professor Vincent Gomes said since June 26 until now there has been 25-50 per cent improvement in the city’s air quality.

The reduction in carbon monoxide and other pollutants has drawn us about level with Perth but behind Adelaide.

“This improvement would present a major change for people with asthma,” the chemical engineering academic said.

“There would also be improvements in visibility and people exercising outside can enjoy the benefits.”

Barangaroo and Crown Towers. Picture: Damian Shaw

The Rocks. Picture: Damian Shaw

First Fleet Park in The Rocks. Picture: Toby Zerna

Since July 2021, we have seen a reduction in CO air pollution from motor vehicles by about 24 per cent compared to July 2020, according to the NSW Department of Environment.

Google mobility data reveals the City of Sydney has seen a 36 per cent drop in those using public parks in the month to July 31.

There has also been an 82 per cent drop in public transport and a 55 per cent drop in workplaces compared to normal.

These drops are almost double the NSW average across each category.

John Siemon, director of horticulture at the Botanic Gardens, said “the reduction in wear and tear that occurs on a garden that has over four million visitors per annum means that those green spaces have had a chance to recover”.

“And, leading into spring in just a few weeks time, the gardens should be looking sensational and almost at their peak,” he said of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Royal Botanic Gardens. Picture: Scott Jones/Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Royal Botanic Gardens. Picture: Scott Jones/Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Royal Botanic Gardens. Picture: Scott Jones/Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Royal Botanic Gardens. Picture: Scott Jones/Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

“The reduction in events in the Domain is a sad thing but has led to a super high quality of grass right across all of our Botanic Gardens, which will be nice to see when people come back and enjoy it.”

While there has been a reduction in boat activity overall, fishers are reporting there are still a significant number of fishing boats out on the water.