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
Landfills can generate energy without increasing carbon emissions by
Vietnam Airlines welcomes its first Boeing 787-10 dreamliner
The first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner airplane of Vietnam Airlines lands at Noi Bai international airport (Source: VNA) - National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines welcomed the biggest aircraft in Vietnam, a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner delivered by Boeing via lease from Air Lease Corporation, at Noi Bai international airport on August 16. The event marks a new step of Vietnam Airlines in its strategy to develop a modern wide-body fleet. Boeing 787-10 continues to inherit many outstanding advantages of Boeing 787-9 such as large space, comfortable seats, modern entertainment system, LED light, humidity air and pressure, creating a comfortable feeling for passengers. The new-generation aircraft is also extremely environmentally friendly thanks to the integration of advanced technology that helps reduce 25 percent of fuel per seat, and emissions compared to Boeing 787-9. Vietnam Airlines is currently one of the five airlines in Asia that operate both the most modern aircraft Boeing 787-9 … [Read more...] about Vietnam Airlines welcomes its first Boeing 787-10 dreamliner
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
Tropical Indonesia’s tiny glaciers to melt away in a decade: study
Indonesia's little-known glaciers are melting so fast they could disappear in a decade, a new study says, underscoring the imminent threat posed by climate change to ice sheets in tropical countries. Indonesia's little-known glaciers are melting so fast they could disappear in a decade, a new study says As the COP 25 summit wraps up in Madrid, nations are struggling to finalise rules for the 2015 landmark Paris climate accord, which aims to limit global temperature rises. Thousands of kilometres away, glaciers on a mountain range in Indonesia's Papua region -- and a handful of others in Africa and the Peruvian Andes -- are an early warning of what could be in store if they fail. "Because of the relatively low elevation of the (Papua) glaciers... these will be the first to go," said Lonnie Thompson, one of the authors of the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week. "They are the 'canaries in the coal mine'". This summer, Iceland … [Read more...] about Tropical Indonesia’s tiny glaciers to melt away in a decade: study
Vĩnh Phúc modernises bus system
A new bus put into use in Vĩnh Phúc since the middle of this year. —Photo baoxaydung.com.vn VĨNH PHÚC — The northern province of Vĩnh Phúc has replaced old downgraded buses with new ones in an attempt to provide better services to commuters. A total of 65 buses are operating on eight routes in the province with 446 trips per day. In July 2019, 49 old buses were replaced. The new buses, which are manufactured by Saigon Transportation Mechanical Corporation, use Japanese technology, save fuel and meet emissions standards. They are eco-friendly and convenient for passengers. Nguyễn Văn Thắng, director of Vĩnh Phúc Automobile Transportation Joint Stock Company, said the company is the first unit in the province to run a bus service. In 2008, five bus routes with 55 buses and nearly 300 trips per day were launched, running from Vĩnh Yên to Sông Lô, Lập Thạch, Vĩnh … [Read more...] about Vĩnh Phúc modernises bus system