Adam Ward, Country Representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Vietnam (left) and Kate Bronstein, Research Environmental Engineer from RTI International. Air pollution is a mixture of small particles and gases – some we can see and some we can’t. Vietnam’s major cities are gravely affected by poor air quality; indeed, Hanoi was ranked second worst for air quality in the Southeast Asian region in 2018 by Air Visual. Situation in Vietnam When we talk about air pollution, we are referring to: particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter (PM10), PM2.5, black carbon, nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and volatile organic carbons (VOCs). Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City regularly exceed the safe World Health Organization (WHO) limit for air pollution such as PM2.5 and PM10. So, what is causing this poor air? This has been attributed to five main drivers, including coal power, heavy industry (such as cement … [Read more...] about Tackling Vietnam’s air pollution
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Photo exhibitions on air pollution tour universities in HCM City
University students look at a photo exhibition on air pollution in Vietnam's big cities (Photo courtesy of CHANGE) The exhibitions, which are part of the Clean Air, Blue Sky campaign, call on visitors and students to take part in programmes promoting pure air. The exhibitions began at the HCM City University of Social Science and Humanities in District 1 on June 5, and will travel to the Banking University in Thu Duc district on June 8, and to Hoa Sen University in district 1 on June 10, among other locations. At the exhibitions, students play games relating to environmental protection. Dr Dong Van Huong, Vice Rector of the HCM City University of Transport and Communication, where the exhibition will be held on June 12, said that university students should think of ways to reduce air pollution, especially in transport. Nguyen Cat Tuong, project manager at the Centre of Hands-on Action and Networking for Growth … [Read more...] about Photo exhibitions on air pollution tour universities in HCM City
Hà Nội’s residents suffer bad air
Illustrative photo. — VNA/VNS PhotoViet Nam News HÀ NỘI — Air quality in Hà Nội has become worse recently, with air quality index (AQI) measurements ranging from 78 to 178 according to the Environment Protection Centre of the city’s Natural Resources and Environment Department. When the AQI, which measures daily air pollution, is in this range, the air quality is considered unhealthy and people may begin to experience some adverse health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. Monitoring results in the urban areas of Trung Yên, Kim Liên, Mỹ Đình, Tân Mai and Tây Mỗ showed the AQI had been high. The same situation was seen in Hoàn Kiếm and Ba Đình districts. Bad air quality was recorded at monitoring points near major roads, especially on Minh Khai Street (part of National Route 32) and from Phạm Văn Đồng Street to Thăng … [Read more...] about Hà Nội’s residents suffer bad air
Hà Nội chokes on polluted air
Hà Nội has a somber and misty atmosphere due to pollution. — Photo tuoitre.vn Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI — Air quality in Hà Nội today was poor, with the somber sky covered in a fog-like sheen, reported Tuổi Trẻ (Youth) newspaper. The city’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at between 138 and 185 in the morning. Anything above 150 is considered unhealthy for everyone. According to environmental experts, the problem was exacerbated by current air temperature conditions. Normally, higher layers of air in the atmosphere have a lower temperature but on some winter days, higher layers have higher temperatures. Hoàng Dương Tùng, president of Việt Nam Clean Air Network, said that when the phenomenon happened, air quality was worse. “The reverse heat layer would prevent pollutants from spreading high, so pollutants are trapped in the lower layer, causing heavy air pollution”, said the … [Read more...] about Hà Nội chokes on polluted air
Greenwood stars as United youth shines in Europa League
Mason Greenwood's second goal came with a crisp left-foot strike. AFP/VNA Photo PARIS — Teenager Mason Greenwood again grabbed his chances for Manchester United, scoring twice in a 4-0 thrashing of AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday. Earlier Arsenal came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Standard Liege and also make sure of a place in the last 32 as Group F winners. With Wolves, who crushed Besiktas 4-0, also advancing, English clubs ended with a full house in Europe with the three Europa League entries following the Premier League's four Champions League teams into the knockout rounds. Spanish clubs also completed a full set when Getafe joined already-qualified Sevilla and Espanyol by scoring three times in the last 14 minutes to beat Krasnodar 3-0 in a showdown for second place in Group C. However, Bundesliga leaders Borussia Moenchengladbach and Italian power Lazio made surprising exits. At Old Trafford, in a battle for top spot in Group L, Alkmaar matched a … [Read more...] about Greenwood stars as United youth shines in Europa League