Seventy per cent of emissions stem from transportationAccording to air quality monitoring agency IQAir, Hà Nội City consistently ranked throughout all of October among the most polluted cities globally. On the morning of October 7, Hà Nội even earned the unfortunate title of the world’s most polluted city, with an air quality index nearing 200—levels considered hazardous to human health.According to a 2023 study by the Southern Centre for Environment Monitoring under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, pollution emissions in major urban areas are estimated to be 70 per cent attributable to transportation. By the end of 2023, Việt Nam had approximately 80.6 million cars and motorcycles, most of which run on gasoline or diesel, essentially serving as 'mobile exhaust pipes' contributing to air pollution.Dr Hoàng Dương Tùng, president of the Việt Nam Clean Air Network, said that reducing vehicle emissions must be prioritised to curb air pollution. He stressed the importance of policies promoting electric vehicles for public services and transportation, limiting gasoline and diesel vehicles, and encouraging people to adopt cleaner transportation options. He pointed to cities worldwide that were once air pollution hotspots but have gradually improved through bold policies. Recently, for example, the European Parliament approved a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars starting in 2035.In Việt Nam, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 876/QD-TTg, approving the Green Energy Transition Programme to reduce carbon and methane emissions in the transportation sector. The programme aims to have 100 per cent of motor vehicles, including personal cars, public transport and special-use vehicles, powered by electricity or green energy by 2050.This decision has quickly gained enthusiastic support from the public and experts in transportation and environmental fields in Việt Nam. Observers believe that, with the rapid and continuous growth of electric cars and motorbikes, the goal of a full green transition is entirely achievable.Introducing electric bus lanesDuring a dialogue session between the Chairman of the Hà Nội People's Committee and young individuals on October 14, Lê Thành Nam, director of the Hà Nội Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said that starting in 2025, Hà Nội will experiment with implementing low-emission zones. In densely populated and pollution-prone areas, vehicles contributing to pollution will face restrictions. These zones aim to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution levels.Promoting electric vehiclesIn early October, VinFast announced sales of over 9,300 vehicles in September, making it the top-selling brand in Việt Nam and surpassing international car brands with decades of presence in the market. Notably, VinFast’s current product lineup is exclusively electric, as the company ceased production of internal combustion engine vehicles in 2022.It signals a growing consumer trust and awareness of the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.Other companies are making strong green transitions, including Lado (Lâm Đồng Province), Bách Đại Dũng (Hà Tĩnh Province), MaiLove Taxi (Nghệ An Province) and a newly formed alliance of four long-standing taxi companies in Hà Nội - Thanh Nga, Long Biên, Quê Lụa and Bắc Á. Beyond contributing to environmental protection, many businesses believe that electric vehicles are key to reducing costs and enhancing service quality, ultimately maximising economic benefits.Environmental experts commend these transitions, viewing the collective efforts of citizens, businesses and leaders like VinFast as a solid foundation in Việt Nam’s efforts to combat pollution. This is the right path forward, yet it needs more vigorous advancement given the ongoing pollution crisis.“To go far, we must go together - no one can do it alone. Environmental protection isn’t the responsibility of just one business or the government. It’s a collective effort. The success lies in everyone’s participation,” said Tùng from the Việt Nam Clean Air Network. — VNS (ICE HO CHI MINH CITY)

Fonte notizia: Vietnam News