According to Dr. Hoang Duong Tung, Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, the implementation of low-emission zones in Hanoi is not a "magic wand" but one of many measures needed to improve air quality in the city.

Since the onset of winter, Hanoi has experienced severe and prolonged air pollution. Data from the fourth quarter of 2024, collected at fixed monitoring stations, showed that air quality was rated as "poor" 48.91% of the time and "bad" 44.37% of the time.

Luu Thi Thanh Chi, a representative of the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment, noted that the city’s air pollution is worse than Ho Chi Minh City’s during the year-end period.

The primary causes include stagnant weather conditions, dense fog trapping pollutants at lower atmospheric levels, and increased vehicle emissions due to heightened traffic as people travel into the city for the holidays.

Air pollution sources and its far-reaching impact

Nguyen Hoang Anh, head of the Environmental Quality Management Division under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, highlighted a concerning trend: air pollution levels in major cities, including Hanoi, have been rising year by year.

She pointed out that pollution is not confined to its point of origin but can spread across regions. The main contributors to air pollution include construction activities, transportation, industrial production, and weather conditions.

In northern Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, year-end activities often exacerbate pollution due to intensified economic and social activities. Construction projects, bustling trade, and factories operating at maximum capacity, combined with weather patterns that trap pollutants, create a perfect storm for poor air quality.

Low-emission zones as part of the solution

In an effort to combat pollution, Hanoi has incorporated low-emission zones into its urban planning strategy, as stipulated in the Capital Law. These zones aim to reduce traffic-related pollution by promoting green, clean, and cost-effective transportation while limiting the use of private vehicles.

Initial plans include piloting low-emission zones in Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts, two densely populated areas with the infrastructure to support such initiatives.

Hoan Kiem District representatives revealed that they are currently assessing potential solutions and awaiting detailed guidance from the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment. However, the district faces challenges, particularly in raising public awareness and addressing infrastructure gaps.

For example, while electric vehicles are seen as a promising solution, their adoption is hindered by the lack of charging stations and the time required for recharging.

Insights from experts and global examples

Dr. Hoang Duong Tung emphasized that while low-emission zones have proven effective in many countries—more than 300 such zones exist in Europe alone - their success depends heavily on how they are designed and implemented.

"There is no one-size-fits-all model for low-emission zones," he said, underscoring the need for careful planning and execution tailored to Hanoi’s specific circumstances.

To ensure effective implementation, Dr. Tung suggested that Hanoi develop detailed guidelines to help Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts create actionable proposals.

He also recommended a "win-win" approach by introducing supportive measures, such as subsidizing motorcycle inspections, facilitating the transition from gasoline-powered motorcycles to electric vehicles, installing charging stations, and enhancing public transportation affordability. Initiatives like bike and electric vehicle rental systems could also support the transition.

On January 21, a roundtable discussion titled "Solutions for Implementing Low-Emission Zones in Hanoi" was organized by Tien Phong Newspaper. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Transport, the Hanoi People’s Committee, and the two districts involved in the pilot program.

The forum provided a platform for government agencies, experts, and local authorities to discuss effective and feasible strategies for implementing low-emission zones in Hanoi.

N. Huyen