A conference on the action plan for air pollution control from 2025 to 2030 was held on the morning of 5/7 to finalize the draft plan for submission to the prime minister.

At the conference, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy emphasized that controlling air pollution is an urgent requirement for the entire political system as Vietnam enters a new development phase, aiming for double-digit economic growth.

Minister of agriculture and environment Do Duc Duy at the event. Photo: MAE

Minister of agriculture and environment Do Duc Duy at the event. Photo: MAE

Air pollution is a challenge in major cities. In Hanoi, the peak pollution season will fall between October and 4/2026, coinciding with preparations for several major national events.

The minister demanded that the capital set a clear goal: air quality must be improved by the end of this year compared to the beginning of the year, and next year must be better than this year. As the country enters a new era of development, the minister urged that the image of the capital submerged in smog, as seen in previous years, should not be repeated.

Some of the main causes of air pollution are emissions from vehicles, construction activities, burning of agricultural byproducts, and industrial activities.

Central ministries and localities like Hanoi and TP HCM have implemented numerous solutions to control and address air pollution. However, the results have not yet met the set targets.

To control vehicle emissions, the minister said there must be a standardized vehicle inspection system with proper equipment. For the goal of transitioning to green transportation, authorities need supportive policies and a clear roadmap, from restricting gasoline vehicles to promoting the use of electric vehicles. TP HCM has taken initial steps to support motorbike taxi drivers—a group that travels frequently within the city—to switch to electric vehicles.

Based on the experience of developed countries, the transition from a developing to a developed country is the period of greatest environmental pressure, with emission rates often 1.5 times higher than GDP growth. Without effective control measures from now, the cost of dealing with the consequences later will be incredibly high.

For example, Beijing (China) once had more serious pollution levels than Hanoi does now. However, thanks to billions of USD in investments and the synchronized implementation of solutions, they have significantly improved air quality.

"We need to act now, act correctly, and act responsibly, because the air quality today is the health and sustainable development of the country tomorrow," emphasized Minister Do Duc Duy.

Bao Bao