Hanoi’s Air Quality Crisis: A Growing Concern

IQAir reported that on October 9, at 7 am, Hanoi’s air pollution index reached a concerning 213, marking it as one of the most polluted cities globally. This level is hazardous to human health.

Recently, major cities have seen alarming pollution levels. On October 7, both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City recorded pollution indices of 174 and 147, respectively, indicating poor air quality, especially for sensitive individuals.

Hoang Duong Tung, head of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, highlighted that the severe air pollution in Hanoi and other cities is largely due to the high number of personal vehicles. He noted, “Numerous motorbikes and cars are operating on fossil fuel without emission regulations, allowing them to emit significant pollution.”

Tung pointed out that these vehicles are primary contributors to urban air pollution.

According to a report by the Southern Center for Environment Monitoring under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 70% of the emissions responsible for pollution in 2023 originated from transportation. Yearly increases in emissions correlate with the rising number of vehicles, particularly private ones.

Experts estimate that Vietnam currently has 80.6 million “mobile emission stations,” which include over 6 million cars and about 74 million motorbikes registered by late 2023.

Pattrick Haverman, deputy representative of the UNDP, stressed that in 2016, the transport sector accounted for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions. He cautioned that without immediate action, emissions could reach 64.3 million tons of carbon by 2025 and 88.1 million tons by 2030.

Consequently, it is urgent to cut down emissions and potentially close pollution sources. This action aligns with global initiatives and is essential for Vietnam to achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Recently at a workshop focused on reducing automobile emissions, Le Xuan Nghia of the Institute for Carbon Finance Development Consulting suggested that the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) could significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions in the next decade. He emphasized the need to shift public perception of EVs, noting that fostering local production can enhance consumer confidence. For instance, South Korea’s focus on domestic manufacturing has effectively prioritized local products.

Vietnam could similarly transition to purchasing EVs for public transportation. Notably, there has been a recent increase in the public’s and businesses’ awareness of EVs, which are now seen as economically advantageous and lower-emission alternatives.

The Ministry of Public Security has led the initiative by procuring 70 EVs for its traffic police and is contemplating expanded use of EVs. The ministry is also facilitating the establishment of charging stations and encouraging other units to adopt EV usage.

On October 2, Ban Uong Toi Lai Service JSC (BUTL) announced an MOU to acquire 10,000 additional VinFast EVs from GSM Green and Smart JSC. BUTL’s CEO, Tran Nhat Truong, acknowledged the positive momentum in shifting to EVs within transportation services, indicating significant progress in reducing reliance on finite fuel sources.

In December 2023, BUTL had already leased 5,000 VinFast EVs for operation across 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta. Similarly, Nguyen Ngoc Dong from DongThuy Co Ltd pledged to incorporate 1,100 EVs by the end of 2024.