In addition to macro-based solutions, promoting green transportation will contribute to improving air quality in the capital.
Motorbikes and cars running on gasoline and oil are the leading causes of pollution
According to the report of the Hanoi Environmental Protection Department, the whole city currently has 17 industrial parks; about 800 craft villages, of which 318 villages are recognized as craft villages; more than 770,000 cars, nearly 6 million motorbikes circulate every day. This is the source of greenhouse gas emissions that directly pollute the environment, causing air pollution to increase.
In particular, according to experts, millions of motorbikes and cars running on gasoline and oil are the leading cause of increased air pollution in urban areas. During operation, vehicles emitted large volumes of smoke and toxic gases such as CO, CO2, NO2, SO2...
In addition, the burning of straw and household waste of people is not controlled, which is also the cause of air pollution.
The monitoring results of the Center for Environmental Monitoring and Modeling Research (Hanoi National University) in 2022 showed that these activities in Hanoi emitted 758 tons of PM2.5 fine dust, more than 8,400 tons of CO gas and nearly 110,000 tons of CO2 gas, causing serious air pollution. Next are other causes such as smoke from households, garbage collection in the wrong place, transportation of uncovered construction materials...
Dr. Hoang Duong Tung, Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, said that the time when Hanoi has the most serious air pollution usually lasts from October to March every year. The reason is due to the impact of unfavorable weather conditions, leading to limited diffusion of pollutants in the air, especially PM10 dust and PM2.5 fine dust.
Experts also recommend solutions to reduce air pollution in Hanoi such as planting more trees; reducing pressure on inner-city residents, completing transport infrastructure to reduce pollution and dust; realizing the transfer of polluting production facilities and hospitals to outside the inner city; building a modern monitoring system, regularly updating information to people; inspecting, monitoring and strictly handling polluting facilities.
To implement the most effective measures, in addition to Hanoi's determination, there needs to be coordination between neighboring provinces and cities in preventing and handling air pollution sources, at the same time, mobilizing the joint efforts of international organizations and people from all walks of life to build the capital Hanoi green, clean, beautiful, and minimize pollution.
Electric vehicles have a positive impact on the environment and health of drivers
One of the solutions to "green" urban traffic that has been highly appreciated in recent times is the development of electric vehicles, which has received widespread support from the people.
According to Automobile Propre - France's green vehicle news site, electric vehicles not only bring environmental benefits but also public health, notably contributing to reducing air pollution (reducing emissions, fine dust), reducing noise pollution than gasoline vehicles. For urban vehicles with short travel distances, stopping for charging also encourages drivers to move regularly, reducing the harmful effects of sitting for long periods while driving...
Mr. Nguyen Tien Tuong (Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi) - an electric taxi driver - affirmed that from switching from gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles, he can arrange a more reasonable time, while charging the vehicle, helping to ensure health for the next trip, while having better revenue than before.
Traffic experts say that electric vehicles do not emit toxic gases during use, which significantly reduces the concentration of fine particles, oxygen and other harmful pollutants in the air we breathe. Therefore, electrification of transportation improves air quality in urban areas, thereby having a direct impact on public health by reducing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases related to pollution.
On the other hand, in addition to direct vehicle emissions, the health impact associated with the entire oil chain also affects areas with refineries and petrochemical facilities, where residents have to suffer major environmental and health consequences.
