Vietnam's strategy to reassert its air dominance
Vietnam is taking decisive action to address its significant air pollution challenges, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The ruling Vietnamese Communist Party and the State have made progress in environmental protection, but challenges remain.
Nguyen Thi Thien Phuong, the deputy director of the Environment Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), is leading the charge. The MAE is developing and coordinating measures to address environmental issues, focusing resources where they matter most.
In a bid to combat air pollution, a plan focusing on monitoring, forecasting, public communication, and enforcement has been rolled out. At least 50 new air-quality monitoring systems will be installed in Hanoi and surrounding provinces, potentially rising to 125, providing denser and more detailed data. Drones will be deployed to detect straw burning, agricultural waste fires, and dust from major construction sites, allowing for tracking pollution at its source.
The MAE is collaborating with the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change to extend air quality forecasts. They are looking to examples like Beijing to tackle air pollution, recognizing that it requires long-term efforts, investment, and political commitment.
To enforce national emission standards, a roadmap is being finalized. This roadmap includes enforcing standards on all cars, motorcycles, and mopeds currently in circulation, starting with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The National Action Plan on Pollution Remediation and Air Quality Management for 2025-2030 includes this roadmap.
The Prime Minister has assigned clear responsibilities to ministries and localities, with the MAE working closely with Hanoi to carry out inspections and hold violators accountable. Inspections are being strengthened, and penalties for violations are being increased, whether from polluting factories, overloaded trucks, or illegal waste burning.
Recognizing the crucial role of young people in environmental change, efforts are underway to educate students and young people about environmental protection. They are expected to spread the message, learn from global best practices, and bring those lessons back to Vietnam.
The For a Green Future Fund and Vingroup have already partnered to work together in four key areas: cutting-edge monitoring and forecasting, green and circular economy investment, international cooperation to bring in new technology and green finance, and grassroots campaigns to inspire community action.
Industrialization and urbanization, combined with unfavourable climate and weather conditions, contribute to worsening air and water pollution. However, in recent years, Vietnam has significantly improved its environmental protection by promoting sustainable agricultural production, implementing circular economy models, and reducing emissions through smart technologies and public-private partnerships; industrial projects have also adopted modern wastewater treatment and pollution control systems to minimize environmental impact.
Leaders, including Party General Secretary To Laam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinch, have emphasized the need to prioritize environmental hot spots, such as Hanoi's air pollution. The 48-hour air quality forecasts are now being broadcast daily on the website and Television's news programs, with efforts underway to extend these forecasts to at least three days.
In conclusion, Vietnam is taking proactive steps to address its air pollution challenges. With the collaboration of various ministries, localities, and private sectors, and the commitment of the ruling party and the State, Vietnam is on its way to a greener and healthier future.
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