People in Ha Noi and throughout the Southeast
Asian country of Viet Nam are starting to wake up and realize the gravity of
the country’s air pollution problem, Nguy Thi Khanh told an air quality panel
this past May. Ms Khanh, who is the founder of GreenID, a Vietnamese non-profit
organization that works to promote sustainable environmental and economic
development, noted that people in cities such as Ha Noi regularly wear surgical
masks. Companies and households have also routinely begun requisitioning air
purifiers and water filtration systems for their offices and homes. Additionally,
they are becoming increasingly concerned about the horrific air pollution
caused by tens of thousands of motorbikes and vehicles on the roadways of the
capital city and want something done to reduce harmful emissions. A Yale
University-based initiative released this past January that evaluated how well
180 countries protected their ecosystems and human health in 2016 found that Viet
Nam was one of the ten worst countries—and suffers from serious air and water
pollution. Polluting the Way to Prosperity Vietnamese, Ms Khanh averred, are
starting to more fully comprehend that they cannot pollute their way to
prosperity. A Harvard University-led research study also published this past
January analysed the health impacts of existing and planned coal-fired power
plants in 11 countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Viet Nam. Calculations
factored in the location and capacity of each project, local emissions
standards and population trends in the project area. Results were analysed
using atmospheric models and global databases tracking and projecting causes of
premature deaths. Indonesia was found to be the most affected country, with
coal-related air pollution projected to cause 24,400 excess deaths per year by
2030. Viet Nam would follow with 19,220 excess deaths per year, while Myanmar
could see 4,030 deaths per year. Although power plants within China were not
included in the study, that country could face 8,870 premature deaths per year
due to cross-border pollution from other Asian countries, the study concluded. Associate
Professor Ho Quoc Bang of the Viet Nam National University has been instrumental
is assisting governmental officials draft new laws to tighten control over
environmental pollution. He told the panel that he is compiling a database of
industrial companies in six categories: steel, cement, electricity,
petrochemicals, chemicals and major users of industrial boilers. Mr Bang said
he plans to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to
monitor the companies on the list as part of efforts to place caps on emissions
and limit their environmental pollution. In line with the efforts of Mr Bang
and the Ministry, other governmental officials are taking preliminary steps
that could lead to a national tax on greenhouse gas emissions of these
companies. Both in Ha Noi and the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City the
debate over a motorbike ban continues to rage. The most straightforward and
practical solution is for the government to levy a stiff national gas tax. Definitely,
the behaviour of people will change with such a tax Fulbright University Viet
Nam environmental economist Le Viet Phu told the air quality panel. If people
are required pay more, they will drive less and that will reduce harmful carbon
emissions. Clean Air Threatens Economic Growth The fundamental problem has been
thus far too many have thrown caution to the wind and put the alter of economic
development above all else, Mr Phu told the panel. But the tables are starting
to turn as more people recognize that pollution is now starting to kill growth
and far too many people. Viet Nam must follow the lead of others and find
sustainable ways to grow economically.
VOV
News – June 14 - http://english.vov.vn/society/air-pollution-in-vietnam-threatens-economic-growth-351408.vov;
Viet Nam Net – June 14 - http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/environment/180259/air-pollution-in-vietnam-threatens-economic-growth.html
Air pollution in Viet Nam threatens economic growth
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