Brian Jeffrey
Recently, Hanoi has been shrouded in a persistent haze, leading to alarming air quality levels that place the city among the most polluted areas worldwide. It is crucial to tackle this issue, allowing locals to breathe easier and fostering a healthier living environment.
In the latest reports, Hanoi has frequently ranked as the top city for air pollution according to IQAir.
The main offenders contributing to this pollution are tiny particulate matter known as PM2.5 and emissions from vehicles that run on fossil fuels.
Dr. Hoang Duong Tung, head of Vietnam’s Clean Air Network, has voiced serious concerns about these invisible threats that jeopardize public health each day.
PM2.5 particles, which are much smaller than a human hair, can significantly impact health.
An average person breathes around 22,000 times daily, consuming approximately 10,000 liters of air.
Toxic PM2.5 particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and affect the heart and blood vessels.
This type of air pollution raises the likelihood of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and has been associated with developmental issues in children, like autism, and lower sperm quality in men.
“This is genuinely concerning,” Dr. Tung commented.
Hanoi’s pollution issue varies across its 12 urban districts and 18 suburbs.
In less populated areas, the pollution is primarily due to industrial activities, waste recycling processes, and burning of rubbish and rice straw.
In contrast, urban areas are dealing with emissions from over six million motorcycles and nearly 800,000 cars, along with construction debris and waste burning.
Dr. Tung stressed that Hanoi should set an example as a city committed to becoming a greener and more livable place.
Any delay in addressing these challenges will add to the environmental burden left for future generations.
As part of the solution, Vingroup has introduced a campaign named “For a Green Capital” to help restore Hanoi’s clean and safe environment.
Dr. Tung praised Vingroup for its proactive stance in combating air pollution.
In June 2024, the company launched another initiative dubbed “Fierce Vietnamese Spirit – For a Green Future” to promote the switch from gasoline cars to electric vehicles.
To further address the increasing pollution in Hanoi by 2025, Vingroup has stepped up its “For a Green Capital” campaign with additional targeted measures.
Economist Pham Chi Lan also commended Vingroup for its efforts amidst rising public dissatisfaction regarding air pollution in the city.
The recognition of Hanoi as the most polluted city globally has spurred a greater awareness and urgency for action.
Lan highlighted the importance of strong public health recommendations and firm actions from authorities to enhance air quality.
“Vingroup’s actions are admirable,” she remarked.
She noted Vingroup’s investment in green vehicle technology and financial aid for those transitioning to electric vehicles signifies a commitment to the community instead of mere profits.
Given that transportation contributes largely to urban air pollution, improving public transit systems is essential, as they serve millions of daily commuters.
“Enhancements to public transportation should have been faster and more efficient,” she added.
Describing the air quality situation as a “crisis,” Dr. Tung insists that urgent and effective measures are necessary to prevent lasting harm to public health and minimize impact on future generations.
Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman of Vingroup, emphasized that maintaining clean air is a shared responsibility involving the government, businesses, civil organizations, and individual citizens.
Simple actions, such as opting for sustainable transportation, cutting down on plastic usage, or planting trees, can make a significant difference.
Dr. Tung encouraged everyone to adopt daily habits that support green transportation alternatives, such as using buses or electric vehicles.
On the policy side, he suggested looking into strategies that have worked in other countries, like financial incentives for electric vehicle adoption, waiving registration costs for EVs, and easing land use requirements for building charging stations.
Achieving a cleaner Hanoi calls for immediate and cooperative efforts to clear the skies and create a sustainable future for everyone.
