Hanoi's Air Pollution: A Hazardous Concern?

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is one of the world's most polluted cities, with air pollution levels exceeding safe limits by 11 times. The city's air quality is impacted by various factors, including industrial activities, heavy traffic, and trash burning. The high levels of pollution have led to significant respiratory issues among residents and even caused flight diversions and delays due to low visibility. While the Vietnamese government has recognized the problem and laid out plans to decarbonize, the situation remains a pressing concern for Hanoi's inhabitants and visitors alike.

Hanoi's air pollution is so bad that flights have been diverted due to low visibility

Hanoi's air pollution is so bad that, in February 2024, flights were diverted due to low visibility. The Vietnamese capital's Noi Bai Airport had to temporarily halt all arrivals and departures due to thick smog, with planes unable to take off or land.

Hanoi's air quality index (AQI) was at an alarming level, with fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) over 11 times the safe threshold defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The levels of hazardous small particles, or PM2.5, were at an extreme high of 257 micrograms per cubic metre. In such conditions, health authorities advise people to wear masks, limit outdoor activities, and keep windows closed.

Air pollution in Hanoi is a frequent problem, with the WHO estimating that it contributed to over 60,000 premature deaths per year in Vietnam in 2016. The pollution stems from various sources, including industrial emissions, heavy traffic, and agricultural practices. Nearly a third of the PM 2.5 pollution in Hanoi comes from industry, with transportation and agricultural activities also contributing significantly. Other sources include construction, steel and cement production, and coal-fired power plants.

The Vietnamese government has recognized the severity of the issue and has committed to transitioning to a more sustainable energy landscape. In May 2023, the government announced that it would not develop new coal power plants after 2030 and aims to reduce coal's share in the power mix to 20% by 2030, down from 50% currently. This transition is supported by $15.5 billion in funding from the intergovernmental Just Energy Transition Partnership, co-led by the UK and the EU. Additionally, Hanoi is receiving support from the World Bank to adapt to climate change and reduce air pollution by implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The air quality index in Hanoi is persistently in the 'unhealthy' range

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, has persistently ranked in the top 10 most polluted cities globally, with air quality indexes ranging from 62 to 209. The city's air pollution is mainly caused by heavy traffic, trash burning, and industrial activities. With approximately 8 million vehicles registered in Hanoi, traffic congestion significantly contributes to the poor air quality. Additionally, the city's narrow streets and abundance of scooters with petrol engines further exacerbate the problem.

The high levels of air pollution in Hanoi have severe health implications for its residents. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the city have been recorded at over 11 times the safe levels defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). On certain days, the PM2.5 levels were measured at 266 micrograms per cubic meter, causing respiratory problems and breathing difficulties, especially among the elderly.

The Vietnamese government has recognized the urgency of the situation and is taking steps to address the air pollution crisis. Hanoi is receiving support from the World Bank to adapt to climate change and reduce air pollution. The World Bank has recommended measures such as transitioning from coal power, reducing traffic congestion, improving farming practices, and promoting electric vehicles (EVs).

Additionally, the city's Department of Natural Resources and Environment is working on policies to educate rice farmers about reducing and repurposing waste instead of burning it. These initiatives aim to improve the air quality in Hanoi and mitigate the health risks associated with high levels of air pollution.

While these efforts are encouraging, the air quality index in Hanoi remains persistently in the unhealthy range. The city continues to struggle with implementing effective policies to combat pollution sources, including construction, heavy industry, and power generation. As a result, residents are advised to take precautions, such as wearing masks outdoors, avoiding outdoor exercise, keeping windows closed, and using air purifiers indoors.

The main sources of air pollution in Hanoi are industry, transport, and agriculture

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, has been named the world's most polluted city. The city has been covered in thick smog, with high levels of hazardous small particles known as PM2.5. In 2019, Hanoi had only eight days with PM2.5 levels lower than the national standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. The primary sources of this air pollution are industry, transport, and agriculture.

Industrial activities, including manufacturing, have been a major contributor to the poor air quality in Hanoi. The energy sector, in particular, is responsible for more than half of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. Industrial projects and construction have also led to land pollution, with waste generated from these activities contaminating the soil.

Transportation is another key source of air pollution in Hanoi. Heavy traffic and vehicle emissions have been cited as significant factors in the city's smog. In response, the Vietnamese government has set targets for an accelerated transition to electric vehicles (EVs), aiming for at least 50% of buses and 100% of taxis to be EVs by 2030.

Additionally, agricultural practices have an impact on air quality in Hanoi. While agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, there are also efforts by farmers to adopt more sustainable methods. For example, a growing number of farmers are using microbial fertilizers made from agricultural wastes instead of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, which can contribute to air and soil pollution.

The Vietnamese government has recognized the severity of the air pollution issue in Hanoi and is taking steps to address it, including pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles and implementing the National Action Plan on Air Quality Management, which includes stricter regulations on vehicle emission standards and better traffic control.

The Vietnamese government has laid out plans to decarbonise, including a shift away from coal power

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, has been facing severe air pollution, with particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels exceeding safe limits defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The problem stems from various sources, including construction, heavy traffic, industrial plants, and coal-fired power plants. In response, the Vietnamese government has recognised the need to transition to cleaner energy sources and has laid out plans to decarbonise, including a shift away from coal power.

In May 2024, the Vietnamese government announced its commitment to decarbonisation and reducing the country's reliance on coal power. This decision was influenced by the recognition that air pollution, largely stemming from coal-fired power plants, was linked to an estimated 60,000 premature deaths per year in Vietnam in 2016, according to the WHO. The government's plans include phasing out outdated and inefficient coal plants, with a complete phase-out target by 2040, and increasing the share of renewable energy sources.

Vietnam's energy transition action plan aims to increase the share of renewable energy generation to between 29.2% and 37.7% by 2030. This involves exploring the feasibility of co-firing biomass and ammonia in power plants, as well as restarting the delayed Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant by 2030. Additionally, the government is introducing carbon capture systems to older coal-fired power plants to reduce carbon emissions.

To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam must significantly pivot its power generation capacity to wind and solar energy, with targets of installing about 150 GW of wind capacity and 70 GW of solar capacity. This transition requires substantial capital investment, and Vietnam has received support from international partners, including the $15 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with the EU and G7 partners. However, there have been challenges, such as the recent increase in coal imports and domestic production due to heatwaves and power shortages, which have led to a shift back to coal to ensure factories avoid blackouts.

While the Vietnamese government faces obstacles in fully transitioning away from coal power, its plans to decarbonise and increase renewable energy sources are crucial steps towards improving air quality in Hanoi and the country as a whole.

Hanoi has a target for at least 50% of buses and 100% of taxis to be electric vehicles by 2030

Hanoi has been named the world's most polluted city, with thick smog caused by heavy traffic, trash burning, and industrial activities. In response, the city has set a target of having at least 50% of its buses and 100% of its taxis be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. This push for electrification is part of Hanoi's efforts to reduce air pollution and improve the health of its citizens.

Hanoi's air pollution has reached levels that are over 11 times above the safe limits defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The high levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air have led to reduced visibility and respiratory problems for the city's residents. In fact, on one Friday morning in 2024, the levels of PM2.5 were measured at 266 micrograms per cubic metre, the highest among a list of the most polluted cities.

The transition to electric buses and taxis is expected to significantly reduce transport emissions, which account for about 25% of the city's air pollution. This move aligns with the Vietnamese government's recent plans to decarbonize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government has announced that it will not develop new coal power plants after 2030, and it is receiving support from organizations like the World Bank and the intergovernmental Just Energy Transition Partnership to facilitate its green transition.

Hanoi's target of having at least 50% of buses be electric by 2030 is in line with global trends and efforts to electrify mass transportation systems. Several countries and cities have set ambitious targets for electric bus fleets, with some aiming for 100% electrification by 2035 or even earlier. Hanoi's initial plan to achieve its target includes three scenarios with different investment strategies, taking into account the real conditions of the city.

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