Vietnam faces a significant air pollution crisis, with some of the highest pollution levels in Southeast Asia. From 2017 to 2018, Ho Chi Minh City’s PM2.5 concentration rose from 23.6 to 26.9 µg/m³. Hanoi, the capital, ranked among the top 15 most polluted cities in the region, showing an average AQI of 129 according to the 2019 IQAir report. While Ho Chi Minh City was comparatively cleaner at 79 AQI, the nationwide average AQI hovered around 97.
Health Impacts of PM2.5 Pollution
PM2.5 particles pose severe health risks due to their ability to penetrate lung tissue and lodge in the alveoli. This can trigger chronic diseases such as COPD, heart disease, lung cancer, and worsen asthma. In 2019, Hanoi’s PM2.5 annual average was 46.9 µg/m³, with Ho Chi Minh City recording 25.3 µg/m³, both far above WHO’s annual safe limit of 10 µg/m³.
Key Causes of Pollution
The main contributor to Vietnam’s air pollution is its vast transportation system, including over 58 million motorbikes and 3.6 million cars. Many of these vehicles are outdated and emit high levels of pollutants, especially in traffic-clogged urban centers. Other significant contributors include construction dust and emissions from industrial sites, power plants, and cement factories. In rural areas, biomass burning for cooking and the incineration of agricultural waste intensify pollution, particularly during the dry season from October to February.
Efforts and Recommendations for Improvement
Vietnam is taking steps to combat air pollution through stricter regulations on vehicle emissions and construction dust control. The ongoing subway project in Ho Chi Minh City promises future reductions in private vehicle use, though public transport remains inefficient for now. Government subsidies could support the phase-out of old buses and trucks in favor of electric vehicles (EVs). Policies that encourage EV adoption could be instrumental in reducing urban emissions.
Urban planning reforms are essential to reducing pollution. Relocating dense government facilities, universities, and hospitals to suburban areas would create more green spaces, improving air quality. Additionally, stricter monitoring of businesses emitting high pollutant volumes is critical, as advocated by Vietnam Clean Air Partnership (VCAP). Caps on vehicle numbers during peak hours have also been suggested to manage congestion and emissions.
Learning from Global Examples
Drawing lessons from cities like Beijing, which improved its notoriously poor air quality through determined, multi-faceted strategies, Vietnam can make significant progress. Addressing pollution comprehensively requires investment in clean energy, such as solar power, and transitioning towards autonomous, zero-emission vehicles.
Conclusion
While air pollution in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, remains a pressing issue, focused government action, public cooperation, and international support can help combat this crisis. By implementing tighter regulations, enhancing public transport, and promoting sustainable practices, Vietnam can pave the way toward cleaner air and better health for its citizens.
