WHY IS THE AUSTRALIAN SUN SO HARSH?

Does Australia have the harshest sun in the world?

Obviously, Australia shares the same sun as everywhere else in the world. But there are several unique factors that mean Australia experience much harsher ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

What is the connection between UV radiation and temperature?

It’s a common misconception that temperature and UV radiation are related, that hotter days lead to UVR. But this isn’t actually the case, and UVR can be just as high on cold days as hot days. The reason for the misconception is that during colder seasons, the geographical location is further away from the sun, so ultraviolet radiation can be lower, but you’re still exposed to UVR when it’s cold. Another reason is that we are more inclined to stay indoors during winter, so the amount of UV exposure might be lower.

Clearer atmosphere

Thick clouds and pollution can contribute to blocking UV radiation. Australia experiences much clearer skies and lower levels of pollution than other countries in the Southern Hemisphere, contributing to harsher UV exposure.

Fewer forests and natural shade

Trees and forests provide humans with natural shade and protection against UV radiation. Australia has very few large forests, and even less natural shade in metropolitan areas.

Ozone layer

The ozone layer acts like Earth's natural sunscreen, blocking harmful UV rays from the sun. But use of human-made chemicals, like those used in old refrigerators and spray cans, has damaged this protective shield, creating a “thing patch” that allows more UV radiation to get through. While global initiatives have helped the ozone layer recover, it still contributes to higher levels of UV radiation.

Australia’s outdoor lifestyle: why is Australia’s skin cancer rate so high?

Proximity to the equator, the elliptical orbit and clearer atmospheric conditions play a major role in Australia’s higher levels of UV radiation, but all this is compounded with Australia’s notoriously outdoor lifestyle. Australia is a nation that loves sports, the beach and other outdoor activities, making us naturally more exposed to intense UV rays, especially in the summer. Combine this with many Australians neglecting sunscreen, or forgetting to reapply every two hours, there’s no wonder melanoma is considered the country’s national cancer. You can read more about Australian sun protection habits in in our 2024 study.

The importance of sun protection

Sunscreen’s importance in protecting against the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays cannot be overstated. While sunburn is temporary, prolonged, accumulated UV exposure can lead to sunspots, solar keratosis, and, in more serious cases, skin cancer. These issues don't always appear straight away, and accumulated sun exposure from as early as childhood won’t reveal for years layer (why sunspots are also called age spots). UV radiation is (infamously) also a main contributor to accelerated skin ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.