Air pollution poses quite a challenge in Hanoi, Vietnam. Such factors include:
1. Emission from Vehicles: The increase of the number of motorized vehicles (mostly motorcycles and cars) in Hanoi, which over the past decade has proved enormously, has resulted in emissions of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog and poor air quality.
2. Industrial Pollution: The use of various industrial processes within the vicinity of Hanoi constantly releases in the atmosphere substances such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), heavy metals, and other toxic materials. Vietnam has made some attempt to regulate its industries, but the enforcement measures are still weak.
3. Dust from Construction Work: The growth rate of urbanization in Hanoi by construction engenders lots of dust capable of movement into the sky to threaten air quality. The dust collected constitutes fine particles that impact human health upon inhalation.
4. Biomass Burning: Agricultural practices, such as burning crop residues and domestic cooking with fuels solid during winter months, release smoke and particulate matter into the air. The weather conditions in winter enable pollution accumulation.
5. Traffic Jam: Congestion is one of Hanoi's leading and most harmful causes of fuel wasted in idling and smoke spewed out in great quantities over long distances per vehicle. This, therefore, aggravates the problem of vehicle emissions contributing to poor air quality.
6. Limited Green Space: Reduced green space and tree cover in hi-tech cities help absorb some air pollutants and boost air quality. Unfortunately, the number of parks and trees in Hanoi compared to other cities is on the decline, thus depriving her of the natural ability to dilute pollutants.
7. Geography: Located in a low-lying basin with mountains surrounding it, Hanoi is impeded from getting disturbed because of being in the way of passing winds whose effect traps polluted air. Thus, it becomes difficult for the pollution to disperse. Certain weather patterns common with changes in seasons, especially during the dry season of November to April, also add to stagnant air quality.
8. Poor Air Quality Monitoring and Management: Although people are aware of the problem, they do not take it very seriously to institute enough testing stations and policies to halt air pollution in Hanoi.
Plans for remedy include stricter emission standards and standards for vehicles, promotion of clean sources of energy, better waste management, establishment of green spaces, and development of other systems to promote public transportation rather than relying on individualism. International cooperation and technology transfer can also help in maintaining the integrity of this regional environmental challenge. |