In December 2024 and January 2025, Hanoi's air quality index remained at hazardous levels. Various monitoring systems indicated that Hanoi frequently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world. The concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) have exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations several times, posing health risks to everyone, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. Air pollution has affected both urban and suburban areas, including places once known for their clean air. Even places such as West Lake and the Red River, which are typically considered fresh-air zones, have at times recorded the worst air quality in Hanoi, exceeding hazardous thresholds.
Recent studies have investigated the causes of air pollution, particularly particulate matter, in Vietnam, and several mitigation measures have been tested. However, these solutions have primarily been implemented in limited areas within major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Air pollution is an urgent problem that requires a comprehensive approach, not just at the local level but across the entire country.
Editor Tung Thu (in the middle) and two guests in the "Where Does Air Pollution Come From?" talk show.
To address this issue, the News Department of Vietnam Television has produced the a talk show entitled "Where Does Air Pollution Come From?" , which takes a fresh and direct approach to this pressing concern. The program will feature distinguished experts, including Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhat Thanh from the University of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Anh Le from the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Air pollution in Vietnam poses many challenges, so it is essential to identify its primary causes in order to develop effective and comprehensive solutions. Although the government has introduced a National Plan and specific technical guidelines through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the implementation and coordination of provincial air quality management plans remain inconsistent and ineffective. Recognizing and pinpointing the root causes of air pollution is crucial to taking appropriate and efficient measures—just as in medicine, an accurate diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment. Air pollution not only harms the environment but also threatens public health. Tackling the problem this issue requires facing up to the reality, demonstrating strong commitment, and ensuring coordinated actions at national and local levels.
Tune in to "Where Does Air Pollution Come From?" at 8:10 PM on February 12 on VTV1!
