Hà Nội ở nhóm 5 đô thị ô nhiễm nhất thế giới | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Air Quality Index (AQI): A numerical scale used to indicate the level of air pollution.
• PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, which can penetrate deep into the lungs.
• Temperature Inversion: A meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air and pollutants near the ground.
• Low Emission Zones: Designated areas where emissions from vehicles are restricted to improve air quality.
• Euro Standards: Emission standards for new vehicles in the European Union, with higher numbers indicating stricter regulations.

Air Quality in Hanoi and Surrounding Areas

Current Situation and Severity:

• Hanoi is experiencing extremely poor air quality, described as "very bad" throughout the day.
• Visual evidence from the 28th floor of the Vietnam Television Center at 43 Nguyen Chi Thanh shows a "cloudy and very difficult to see" atmosphere.
• According to the global air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Hanoi ranks among the top five most polluted cities globally, with an average AQI of 225.
• This AQI level of 225 signifies "serious health impacts."
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment had previously warned of an air pollution episode expected in late November and early December for Hanoi and its neighboring provinces.
• The air quality in many areas of Hanoi and the North on the morning of the broadcast was also recorded at "very bad" levels.
• Specific AQI readings from various stations in Hanoi include:
  • Bach Khoa University station (Giai Phong Street): 209 at 9:00 AM.
  • Nguyen Van Cu station: 189.
  • Khuat Duy Tien station: 159.
• On the afternoon of the broadcast, Hanoi was ranked second globally for air pollution by IQAir.
• The air pollution is characterized by a "haze like fog" covering the sky.

Contributing Factors to Pollution:

• Adverse Weather Conditions:
  • Temperature Inversion: This phenomenon traps pollutants near the ground, reducing their ability to disperse.
  • Calm Winds: Lack of wind further hinders the dissipation of pollutants.
  • Fog: Thick fog exacerbates the problem by reducing visibility and potentially trapping pollutants.
• Sources of Pollution:
  • Emissions from transportation.
  • Industrial activities.
  • Construction.
  • Agriculture.
  • Domestic activities.
  • Pollutants drifting in from outside the city.

Impact on Public Health and Daily Life:

• The difficult weather conditions are noticeable, with temperature differences between day and night exceeding 10°C.
• Individuals like Ms. Hanh, who exercises regularly at West Lake, find it necessary to wear masks to protect their health.
• Ms. Hanh reported experiencing difficulty breathing due to the fog and pollution.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued warnings for neighboring provinces including Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Phu Tho, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, and Ninh Binh, urging them to implement measures to cope with prolonged air pollution until early December.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment recommends that people:
  • Regularly monitor the air quality index.
  • Limit outdoor activities during periods of prolonged pollution, especially for the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
  • Wear masks when going outdoors to protect their health.

Government Measures and Future Outlook

Mitigation Strategies:

• Low Emission Zones: Implementing low emission zones is a measure to reduce air pollution from transportation.
• Construction Site Monitoring: Construction sites are required to install monitoring systems and face penalties if they cause dust pollution during construction.
• Mobile Emission Source Monitoring: Monitoring of mobile emission sources like cars and motorcycles is being conducted.
• Infrastructure Development: Building infrastructure to control vehicle emissions is a planned measure.

Regulatory Actions:

• Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed a decision outlining the roadmap for applying national technical regulations on vehicle emissions for road vehicles.
• Vehicle Emission Standards:
  • Cars manufactured between 2017 and 2021 participating in traffic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be subject to emission level 4 (equivalent to Euro 4 standards) from May 1, 2027.
  • Localities can, based on socio-economic conditions and environmental protection needs, set emission levels for strictly protected areas if necessary.

Forecast:

• The current air pollution situation is expected to continue for another 1 to 2 days in Hanoi.
• Pollution levels are predicted to increase during the night and early morning.
• Air quality is likely to gradually improve from the night of December 3rd, with the possibility of rain.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The transcript highlights a severe air pollution episode in Hanoi and surrounding areas, characterized by high AQI levels and adverse weather conditions like temperature inversion and fog. This pollution poses significant risks to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups. While the government is implementing measures such as low emission zones and stricter vehicle emission standards, the immediate forecast suggests a continuation of poor air quality for a few more days. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to address the multifaceted sources of pollution and protect the health of the population.