Air Pollution In Vietnam: A Dangerous Reality

Vietnam is facing a severe air pollution crisis, with the air quality in 2023 ranked as the second most polluted in Southeast Asia. The country's poor air quality has been attributed to various factors, including outdoor and indoor pollution sources. Outdoor pollution arises from industry, transportation, coal power plants, and construction, while indoor pollution is caused by the use of biomass fuels and coal for cooking and heating. The health impacts of air pollution are significant, causing respiratory infections, stroke, heart disease, and cancer. The social and economic consequences are also detrimental, impacting productivity, tourism, and ecosystems. Vietnam's government is taking steps to address the issue, with plans to decarbonize and improve air quality.

Air pollution is a threat to health and the economy

Vietnam is suffering from some of the worst air pollution ever recorded. In 2017, there were over 70,000 deaths attributed to poor air quality, ranking Vietnam fourth in the region. The main cause of air pollution in Vietnam is the transportation system, with over 3.6 million cars and 58 million motorbikes on the roads. The majority of these vehicles are old and fall short of recommended emission standards.

The air pollution problem is exacerbated by the planning of the road network and the construction of high-rise apartment blocks, which house thousands of daily commuters. The construction of a subway system in Ho Chi Minh City is underway, but there is currently no efficient public transport system in place. The number of construction sites in cities is another contributing factor to air pollution, as they create a significant amount of dust from demolition and new builds.

Air pollution has severe health consequences for the Vietnamese population, particularly children under five, who are at risk of acute respiratory infections and impaired lung development and function. Other health risks include breathing difficulties, stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, pregnant women and their babies face particular risks, with exposure during pregnancy linked to premature birth and lower birth weights.

The economic impacts of air pollution in Vietnam are also significant. The World Bank estimates that air pollution causes social and economic losses of more than $13 billion annually, equivalent to 4% of the country's GDP. Air pollution reduces worker productivity, negatively impacts crop yields and livestock production, decreases tourism revenues and international investments, and damages heritage sites and ecosystems.

To address the health and economic threats posed by air pollution, Vietnam's government has laid out plans to decarbonize. The country has announced that it will not develop new coal power plants after 2030, and it is working to reduce transport emissions and improve farming and livestock practices. UNICEF is also working with Vietnam's Ministry of Health to strengthen primary health systems and protect women and children from the harmful effects of air pollution.

It is the second leading global risk factor for death among children under 5

Vietnam's air quality is in a state of crisis, with the country experiencing high levels of air pollution due to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. This is particularly evident in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which frequently rank among the most polluted cities in the world. The air pollution in Vietnam is attributed to various factors, including industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage.

The impact of this poor air quality is felt across all age groups, with over 8.1 million deaths globally attributed to air pollution in 2021. Among children under 5, air pollution is the second leading cause of death worldwide, after malnutrition. This age group is especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing immune and respiratory systems. In East Asia and the Pacific, air pollution is linked to nearly one in four deaths of children under 5, causing over 100 daily deaths in this age group.

In Vietnam, the health implications of air pollution are significant, with an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deaths attributed to air pollution each year. While the impact on all age groups is concerning, the vulnerability of children under 5 is particularly notable. This age group is at an elevated risk of exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP) and the associated health risks. A study in Ho Chi Minh City found a link between respiratory symptoms and poor air quality at home, with cooking using coal, wood, or kerosene, and second-hand smoke being significant factors.

The impact of air pollution on children's health can be seen in various ways. Firstly, it contributes to respiratory conditions such as asthma, which is the most common chronic respiratory disease in older children. Additionally, it increases the risk of acute respiratory infections like pneumonia, which is responsible for 1 in 5 child deaths globally. Long-term exposure to air pollution can also impact lung development and function, leading to developmental delays and putting children at a higher risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

To address this pressing issue, UNICEF is working with Vietnam's Ministry of Health to strengthen healthcare systems, promote awareness, and implement solutions to mitigate the impact of air pollution on children's health. These solutions include simple recommendations such as using cleaner fuels and technologies for cooking and heating, ensuring proper ventilation, and avoiding tobacco smoking indoors. By tackling air pollution and reducing its health impacts, Vietnam can not only improve the health of its citizens but also bring about positive changes in various aspects of society and the economy.

The main cause is the transportation system

Vietnam is suffering from some of the worst air pollution recorded. The air quality is particularly bad during the transition between the wet and dry seasons. In 2018, the annual average concentration of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in Ho Chi Minh City was 26.9 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). Meanwhile, Hanoi, the capital city in the north, ranked among the top 15 most polluted cities in Southeast Asia, with a US AQI figure of 129.

The main cause of air pollution in Vietnam is the transportation system. There are over 3.6 million cars and 58 million motorbikes on the roads, and most of these vehicles are old and fall short of recommended emission standards. The majority of these vehicles are found in the towns and cities throughout the country. This problem is exacerbated by the planning of the road network. High-rise apartment blocks are common in Vietnam's large cities, housing thousands of people who commute to work daily. The construction of a subway system is underway in Ho Chi Minh City, but there is currently no efficient public transport system in place.

To address this issue, the Vietnamese government should encourage the gradual phasing out of old, polluting vehicles and provide subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles. Policies can be introduced to incentivize the use of electric vehicles in city centers. Additionally, Vietnam should aim to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels for transport and transition to newer, cleaner vehicles. Improving traffic control and introducing dust management systems for construction sites will also help improve air quality in the country.

Vietnam's government has laid out plans to decarbonise

Vietnam is suffering from some of the worst air pollution recorded. From 2017 to 2018, the annual average concentration of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in Ho Chi Minh City rose from 23.6 to 26.9 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). Hanoi, the capital city in the north, ranked among the top 15 most polluted cities in Southeast Asia, with a US AQI figure of 129. Air pollution in Vietnam causes about 70,000 deaths each year and shortens the average lifespan by 1.4 years. The main causes of air pollution in Vietnam are the transportation system, industry, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Vietnam's government has laid out plans to decarbonize and improve air quality. The government is working on introducing environmental standards, rules, and regulations. Here are the key components of Vietnam's decarbonization strategy:

• Carbon Pricing and Market Mechanisms: Vietnam is developing a domestic carbon market and implementing carbon pricing policies. The World Bank has supported the government in this effort by providing technical assistance and funding. The carbon market aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to global climate change goals, and encourage cleaner technology innovation.
• Reducing Coal Use: Vietnam initially planned to reduce its reliance on coal, with the government envisioning a decrease in coal-fired power plants by 2030. However, more recent reports suggest that Vietnam has a long way to go in reducing coal use, as the government has proposed constructing new coal-fired power plants.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Vietnam has a significant potential for harnessing solar and wind energy, and the government is expected to set ambitious targets for these sources in the eighth National Power Development Master Plan. Offshore wind power projects, in particular, could be a substantial source of renewable energy for the country.
• Energy Sector Decarbonization: Decarbonizing the electricity sector is crucial, as many exported products consume large amounts of electricity. This will contribute to reducing emissions in trade-intensive sectors.
• Addressing Transportation Emissions: Vietnam needs to reduce emissions from its transportation system, which includes over 3.6 million cars and 58 million motorbikes, most of which are old and do not meet emission standards. Encouraging the use of newer, cleaner vehicles and improving public transportation options can help reduce transport-related emissions.
• Incentivizing Investment: Vietnam needs to attract more foreign investment in zero-carbon energy sources and provide better incentives for investors. The government introduced a feed-in tariff program in 2018, but more comprehensive structural reforms are necessary.

Hanoi is one of the most polluted cities in Southeast Asia

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city, is one of the most polluted cities in Southeast Asia. In 2023, Vietnam's air quality was ranked the second most polluted in the region, after Indonesia, according to the Swiss organization IQAir. Hanoi's poor air quality is largely due to a combination of industrial activities and traffic emissions.

According to a 2020 World Bank report, about 35% of the city's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution comes from large power plants and industrial sites surrounding Hanoi. The city's proximity to southern China also contributes to its air pollution, as wind patterns during the winter months transport pollutants from Chinese megacities into Hanoi. In addition, Hanoi has almost 8 million vehicles, with most of them being old and falling short of recommended emission standards. This results in about 25% of the city's PM2.5 pollution stemming from transport.

The Vietnamese government has recognized the severity of the country's air pollution problem and is taking steps to address it. In 2022, the government announced plans to decarbonize and reduce its reliance on coal power. Hanoi, in particular, is receiving support from the World Bank to adapt to climate change and implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These measures include reducing traffic congestion, improving farming and livestock practices, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

The impact of Hanoi's air pollution is significant, with the World Bank estimating that Vietnam incurs social and economic losses of more than $13 billion annually due to premature deaths, disease, and other impacts of poor air quality. Air pollution also affects the productivity of workers, crop yields, tourism revenues, and international investments. It is also detrimental to the health of residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Hanoi's air pollution has become so severe that, in February 2024, it caused flight diversions and delays at the city's airport due to low visibility. The situation has prompted advisories for people to wear masks outdoors, avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers indoors.

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